December 16, 2008
Prosecco: Veneto to Push for a New DOC

Franco Manzano, Vice President of the region of Veneto, announced today the unanimous approval by the regional council to initiate the push for the recognition of a new Prosecco DOC, in addition to the upgrading to DOCG status of the current Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Montello-Colli Asolani DOCs. The initiative is the result of the combined effort of producers and authorities from Veneto and neighboring Friuli Venezia-Giulia concerned by the onset threat of imitation coming from new world countries and Eastern Europe.

Manzano explained that “Prosecco is considered a heritage territorio of Northeast Italy and as such it must be protected globally, focusing on safeguarding the name of the birth place of the varietal. This way there could never be a prosecco from Brazil, Argentina or elsewhere, but only Prosecco wines produced within the acknowledged designated DOC areas.” The proposed new DOCs and DOCGs are meant to be a precaution against productions outside the Italian appellations—a trend that has began to take hold as some countries, attracted by the economic prospect of the popular Italian bubbly of choice, have recently invested in the planting of the varietal in their homeland—posing a serious threat to the future of Prosecco and the local economy of its producing regions.

“Prosecco is highly recognized today due in part to the efforts and quality winemaking coming from the historic Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Montello-Colli Asolani producing areas. Through the tiresome and heroic work of our local producers whose dedication and vision pushed them to cultivate a varietal that today as captured the world,” explained Manzano. “Linking the product to its place of origin is the only sure way to prevent illegal production that would take advantage of the path set by the hard-earned success of our producers and their faithful commitment to the local varietal. In short, we want to guarantee the specificity of Prosecco wine, recognizing its distinctive characteristics by the standards allowed by the new European Union CMO Reform, in regards to its protection, labeling and presentation in the global market place.”