Talking About Prosecco: DOC and DOCG
When discussing Prosecco, you may have come across the terms DOC and DOCG. But what do they mean? What’s the difference between Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOCG? And why choose one over the other?
What DOC Means
The acronym DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata (Controlled Designation of Origin) and is a quality certification for wine.
This designation identifies wines with specific characteristics linked to a precise production area.
To ensure quality, all DOC wines undergo chemical, physical, and organoleptic analyses during production to verify the characteristics defined by the regulations.
Prosecco DOC
Prosecco DOC is the most common and widespread designation, with over 620 million bottles sold in 2021.
Its production area is limited to the regions of Veneto (municipalities of Treviso, Venice, Belluno, Padua, Vicenza) and Friuli Venezia Giulia (municipalities of Gorizia, Pordenone, Trieste, and Udine).
Prosecco DOC must be made with at least 85% Glera grapes, with the remaining portion from other white grape varieties. Producers may choose from Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Glera Lunga, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Nero vinified in white.
The grapes for Prosecco DOC can be machine-harvested due to the generally flat and regular terrain, with a yield of 180 quintals per hectare.
Prosecco DOCG
DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) and represents the most prestigious Prosecco designation, also referred to as Superiore.
Its higher prestige comes from limited production zones with unique soil characteristics, capable of producing wines with more aromatic and complex profiles.
The yield for Prosecco DOCG is reduced to 135 quintals per hectare, while the wine composition remains the same as DOC, with a minimum of 85% Glera.
There are two main DOCG denominations for Superiore Prosecco:
Prosecco DOCG Conegliano Valdobbiadene
Valdobbiadene-Conegliano is the historic heart of Prosecco.
The cultivation area includes municipalities between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, a hilly region ideal for viticulture.
This region also includes subzones like Cartizze and the Rive, small plots ensuring extremely high grape quality, lower yields, and manual harvesting only.
Prosecco DOCG Asolo
This DOCG was established in 2009 and covers Prosecco produced in the municipalities between Asolo and Montello.
The Asolo DOCG follows DOCG regulations, with a yield limited to 135 quintals per hectare and at least 85% Glera.
Although less known than Valdobbiadene-Conegliano, this region still produces excellent wines.
Conclusion: How to Choose Which Prosecco to Buy
Choosing between Prosecco DOC and DOCG depends on your needs.
Prosecco DOC tends to be more affordable due to easier vineyard management, higher yields, and greater availability. It’s also well-suited for mixology, such as making a Spritz.
Prosecco DOCG is a premium wine, often hand-harvested on steep vineyards, offering more complete aromas and flavors. DOCG is best enjoyed on its own, to fully appreciate the unique terroir it represents.