In Italy and in the world, at home or at a restaurant, sparkling wine is the undisputed star of the end-of-year festivities. According to the Italian Wine Union, 750 million bottles of sparkling wine were produced in Italy in 2021, 56% of which represented by Prosecco. This is a clear figure that confirms our country’s savoir-faire in this sector and consumers’ marked preference for sparkling wines.

What is Spumante?

According to the definition by Marcello Leder, an AIS sommelier and food and wine communicator operational on the Quattrocalici portal, “The distinguishing feature of Spumante is the presence of carbon dioxide in dissolved form which, once the bottle is opened, due to the difference in the partial pressure of the gas in solution with respect to the external environment, changes to a gaseous state, creating bubbles”. Basically, Spumante is that category of wines which pop when opened and produce froth – the Italian for which is “spuma”, hence the name Spumante.

What is the difference between Spumante and Prosecco?

Spumante can be made in any area and from any grape variety. Prosecco, on the other hand, is a D.O.C. white wine that can only be made in certain areas of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, from Glera, Verdiso, Pinot blanc, grigio or noir grape and only using the Marinotti – Charmat method.

This method requires second fermentation to take place in stainless steel tanks, and produces fresh and aromatic wines. Faced with so much variety, and in view of the imminent festivities in which sparkling wines are a must, here is our selection of bottles capable of satisfying the most varied needs, for every kind of toast.