Wine Denomination from Veneto
Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG is a sparkling wine appellation situated in the hills around the historic town of Asolo in the Treviso province of Veneto. Elevated to DOCG status in 2009 alongside the broader Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore designation, Asolo Prosecco represents one of the finest expressions of the Glera grape in a terroir defined by steep hillside vineyards, ancient geological formations, and a centuries-old tradition of viticulture. The wines from Asolo occupy a geographically distinct subzone within the Prosecco production world, offering a character that reflects the specific soils and microclimatic conditions of the Asolani hills. The DOCG certification places Asolo Prosecco among Italy's elite sparkling wine appellations and distinguishes it clearly from the broader and less restricted Prosecco DOC production zone.
The Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG production zone covers a delimited area in the western portion of the Treviso Prosecco hills, centered on the Asolani hills and including a group of municipalities in the province of Treviso. The town of Asolo, known as the "city of a hundred horizons" for its panoramic position, lends its name to the appellation and serves as the cultural and geographic focal point of the zone. Vineyards are planted on steep hillside terrain at elevations ranging from approximately 100 to 400 meters above sea level. The hilly topography creates a mosaic of exposures and microclimates that allow growers to select optimal vineyard sites. The production zone is clearly defined and geographically contained, contributing to the distinctive character of wines produced within its boundaries.
Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG is produced primarily from the Glera grape variety, which must constitute a minimum of 85% of the blend. The remaining percentage may include other authorized varieties such as Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Glera Lunga, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Nero (vinified as white). Glera is an ancient variety native to the Veneto region, historically known as Prosecco after the village of Prosecco near Trieste. The variety is valued for its naturally high acidity, fresh fruit aromas of apple, pear, and white flowers, and its suitability for the production of delicate and aromatic sparkling wines. In the Asolani hills, Glera achieves a particular finesse that distinguishes wines from this subzone within the broader Prosecco world.
Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG is produced using the Charmat method (also known as autoclave or tank method), in which secondary fermentation takes place in pressurized stainless steel tanks rather than in individual bottles. This method, also called the Metodo Martinotti in Italy, preserves the fresh and fruity aromatic profile of the Glera grape while producing the characteristic fine and persistent perlage associated with Prosecco. The base wine is prepared through standard vinification, then refermented in tank with the addition of sugar and selected yeasts. The maximum grape yield per hectare is strictly controlled, and wine yield from the grapes must not exceed regulated levels. The wine is produced in Spumante (fully sparkling), Frizzante (lightly sparkling), and still typologies, with Spumante being the most representative. Brut, Extra Dry, and Dry sweetness levels are permitted.
Asolo Prosecco Superiore Spumante presents a pale straw yellow color with greenish highlights and a fine, persistent perlage. The aromatic profile is elegant and fresh, dominated by notes of golden apple, pear, white peach, and apricot, with floral undertones of white flowers, wisteria, and acacia. Some examples also show a subtle almond note on the finish. On the palate, the wine is light to medium bodied, fresh, and lively, with good acidity that balances the natural fruit sweetness. The Extra Dry style, which is the most traditional and popular expression, carries a delicate sweetness that enhances the fruit character without becoming heavy. The finish is clean, crisp, and refreshing, making the wine an excellent aperitif and food pairing wine.
The Asolani hills form a distinct geographic feature in the Treviso landscape, rising abruptly from the Veneto plain and creating a range of exposures and altitudes suitable for quality viticulture. The soils in the zone are predominantly composed of moraine deposits, clay, limestone, and volcanic materials, reflecting the complex geological history of the area. This variety of soil types contributes to the aromatic complexity and mineral character found in wines from the zone. The climate is continental with Mediterranean influences, characterized by warm summers, cold winters, and significant diurnal temperature variation in autumn. The surrounding hills provide natural protection from cold northern winds, while the valley floors channel morning mists that create humid conditions beneficial during the growing season.
Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG regulations require that wines be produced within the delimited zone using approved grape varieties with Glera as the primary constituent. Maximum grape yields per hectare are established to ensure wine concentration and quality. All wines must undergo sensory and analytical evaluation by an authorized tasting commission before being granted DOCG certification. The disciplinare establishes specific requirements for minimum pressure levels in the finished sparkling wine, residual sugar ranges for each sweetness category (Brut, Extra Dry, Dry), and minimum alcohol content. Labels must identify the DOCG name, the production zone, and the vintage year for wines that qualify. The DOCG was established in 2009 and has contributed to raising the profile and market recognition of Prosecco from the finest hillside production zones in Veneto.