Pink Prosecco is on the horizon as, after ‘years of discussion’, the Italian government has approved the production of a rosé-based fizz.
Expected to hit shelves in January 2021, it's already set to be the drink of next summer.
Production was approved by Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry as, prior to this, the country’s Prosecco DOC Consortium strictly forbade pink Prosecco wines.
While winemakers have been making pink bubbly stuff for years, this batch will be the first certified real deal, the first that meets Italy’s very high standards for Prosecco.
The rosé Prosecco will only be allowed to be made from the Glera and Pinot Noir grapes, with just 10 to 15 per cent of Pinot Noir allowed. The fizz can also only have two styles: Brut Nature and Extra Dry.
The rosé also has restrictions, it must only be made using the Martinotti/Charmat method and spend a minimum of 60 days in a pressurised tank undergoing secondary fermentation. It must be a vintage wine with ‘Millesimato’ stated on the label.
Stefano Zanette, president of the Prosecco DOC Consortium, says: “We’re thankful to all those who’ve contributed to gaining such a key result considering the current circumstances, this is particularly important.”
The announcement comes as Prosecco sales have dipped in recent months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
