Quick Answer
No, Prosecco is not made with wheat. Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that is made primarily from Glera grapes. Wheat is not used as an ingredient in the production of Prosecco.
What is Prosecco?
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that is produced in northeast Italy, mainly in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. It is made primarily from the Glera grape variety, which was formerly known as Prosecco. Other grape varieties like Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay can also be used in small amounts in the production of Prosecco.
Prosecco is made using the Charmat or tank method, where the secondary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks instead of in the bottle like with Champagne. This makes Prosecco less expensive to produce than Champagne. Prosecco is known for having flavors of green apple, pear, citrus, honeysuckle, and white peach. It ranges from extra dry (brut) to sweet Asti-style sparkling wines.
The name Prosecco comes from the village of Prosecco near Trieste in northeast Italy, where the Glera grape variety likely originated. Prosecco received DOC status in 1969 and became a protected designation of origin (PDO) product in 2009. Today, Prosecco is hugely popular around the world as an affordable, crowd-pleasing sparkling wine.
Ingredients in Prosecco
The primary ingredient in Prosecco is Glera grapes. By law, Prosecco must be made with at least 85% Glera grapes. The remaining 15% can consist of other approved grape varieties like:
– Pinot Noir: Adds body and complexity
– Pinot Grigio: Contributes fruity aromas
– Chardonnay: Provides elegance and creamy notes
Up to 15% of the wine can be made from these secondary grapes. However, many Proseccos are made exclusively from Glera grapes.
The Glera grape, formerly known as Prosecco, has thin skins and neutral flavors. It is a light, fruity variety that lends itself well to making sparkling wine. The grapes thrive in the cool hills of northeast Italy where Prosecco is produced.
Aside from grapes, the other ingredients used in making Prosecco include yeast and sugar. Yeast is added to convert the sugars in the grape juice into alcohol in a process called fermentation. Sugar may also be added in the form of liquer d’expedition, which adjusts the sweetness level of the finished wine.
Notably absent from the ingredients list of Prosecco is wheat. Unlike beers and some other alcoholic beverages, Prosecco does not contain any wheat, barley, rye or other grains.
The Prosecco Production Process
To understand why wheat is not an ingredient in Prosecco, it is helpful to look at how Prosecco is made:
1. Grapes are harvested by hand or machine. White Glera grapes are the major variety used.
2. The grapes are pressed to extract the juice (must) from the skins.
3. Yeast is added to the must to kickstart alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. This converts grape sugar to alcohol.
4. The still base wine is bottled and secondary fermentation occurs by adding sugar and yeast. This creates the signature bubbles.
5. The wine is aged in tanks for 1-6 months on the lees (yeast residues) to develop flavors.
6. The Prosecco is clarified, stabilized, filtered, and bottled under pressure to maintain bubbles.
As you can see, the production process involves grapes, yeast, and sugar. There is no step in which wheat or other grains are added. Prosecco achieves its unique effervescent and crisp taste from grapes and fermentation alone.
Why Wheat is Not Used in Prosecco
There are several reasons why Prosecco does not contain wheat or other cereal grains like barley or rye:
– Prosecco is made from grapes. By law, it cannot contain more than 15% non-Glera grape varieties. Using wheat would disqualify it from being labeled as Prosecco.
– Wheat contains starch, gluten, and other compounds that would create haze and instability in a sparkling wine. The grains would interfere with clarification and the wine’s texture.
– The flavors of wheat and other grains do not complement the light, fruity flavors of Prosecco. The bready, malty notes would clash.
– Prosecco is meant to showcase the terroir of northeast Italy. Using wheat would detract from the regional typicity of the wine.
– Sparkling wines achieve their bubbles from grape sugars, not from wheat sugars. Wheat sugars would ferment differently.
– There is no need or precedent to use wheat in Italian sparkling wines. Champagne is occasionally dosed with liqueur d’expedition containing wheat, but this is not practiced with Prosecco.
So in summary, Prosecco is made exclusively from grapes in order to comply with legal regulations, achieve the desired flavors, maintain proper texture and appearance, preserve regional terroir, and follow traditional production methods for Italian sparkling wines. For these reasons, wheat has no place in Prosecco.
Other Facts about Prosecco and Wheat
– Some people may confuse Prosecco and Champagne. While Champagne sometimes uses wheat in its liqueur d’expedition dosage, Prosecco does not use wheat. The two sparkling wines are made using different production methods and ingredients.
– Almost all still (non-sparkling) wines are gluten-free because they are made solely from grapes. Sparkling wines like Prosecco are also gluten-free for the same reason.
– The only potential gluten in Prosecco would come from cross-contamination during winemaking. However, most producers thoroughly clean equipment between uses to prevent residues from wheat-based beer or spirits production from coming into contact with Prosecco.
– Organic Proseccos are certified not to contain any traces of gluten from cross-contamination. They provide assurance for gluten-sensitive consumers.
– While Prosecco contains no wheat-derived ingredients, individuals with celiac disease or wheat allergy should always double-check the label when trying new foods and beverages. Manufacturing processes can change over time.
Can People with Celiac Disease or Wheat Allergy Safely Consume Prosecco?
According to nutrition and alcohol intolerance experts, people with celiac disease or a wheat allergy can safely consume Prosecco:
– Prosecco contains no wheat or gluten ingredients that could trigger intestinal damage in those with celiac disease.
– The only gluten possibly present could come from cross-contamination, but thorough cleaning measures in wineries prevent this.
– Organic Proseccos provide added assurance through third-party certification of gluten-free production.
– People with wheat allergy can enjoy Prosecco because it does not contain any wheat proteins.
– Individuals with gluten sensitivity, which is less severe than celiac disease, can tolerate the very small amounts of potential cross-contamination in Prosecco.
– People with celiac disease or wheat allergy should check the Prosecco contains no added sulfites, which some react to.
Of course, individuals should always check with their doctor about whether consuming alcohol like Prosecco is medically appropriate for them. But for most with celiac or wheat allergy, Prosecco can be part of a gluten-free diet when consumed in moderation.
Prosecco-Based Cocktails
Prosecco’s bubbly, light taste makes it a perfect ingredient for fun cocktails:
Bellini: Mix 2 parts Prosecco with 1 part white peach puree.
Mimosa: Combine 2 parts Prosecco with 1 part orange juice.
Rossini: Stir together Prosecco with strawberry puree.
Spritz: Combine Prosecco with Aperol and soda water.
Hugo: Muddle mint, elderflower liqueur with Prosecco and soda water.
When making Prosecco cocktails:
– Use fresh, quality ingredients to complement the wine.
– Combine delicate flavors that don’t overpower the Prosecco.
– Only add 1-2 other ingredients for balance.
– Garnish drinks elegantly with fruits and herbs.
– Serve cocktails chilled in flutes or white wine glasses.
Prosecco adds festive bubbles to cocktails without diluting flavors. Its food-friendly acidity cleanses the palate between sips. Play around with Prosecco cocktail recipes to enhance special occasions and everyday meals.
Pairing Prosecco with Foods
Along with cocktails, Prosecco partners beautifully with all types of cuisine:
– Seafood: Fresh oysters, sushi, ceviche, grilled shrimp
– Vegetarian: Spring rolls, white pizza, roasted veggie pasta
– Poultry: Seared scaloppine, turkey roulade, chicken pot pie
– Pork: Prosciutto, mortadella, bacon jam
– Cheese: Burrata, mozzarella, young gouda, parmesan
– Dessert: Fruit tarts, poached pear, lemon cake, biscotti
Prosecco’s bright acidity cuts through rich and fatty dishes. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites. It adds an elegant touch to casual snacks and special occasion meals alike.
A few pairing tips:
– Chill Prosecco before serving as an aperitif or with food.
– Accompany spicy foods with extra dry or brut Prosecco.
– Pair creamy desserts with sweeter Asti Prosecco.
– For picnics and barbecues, bring Prosecco to sip alongside a variety of dishes.
With its versatility, Prosecco can be enjoyed from start to finish of any meal. Keep several bottles on hand to elevate everyday dining and add sparkle to special occasions. The bubbles pair perfectly with connection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prosecco does not contain wheat or other cereal grains in its ingredients or production process. Rather, it is an Italian sparkling wine made primarily from Glera grapes grown in northeast Italy. The absence of wheat, gluten and other allergens in Prosecco makes it safe for those with celiac disease or wheat allergy to consume in moderation. With its fresh, fruit flavors and lively bubbles, Prosecco pairs beautifully with cocktails and cuisine. It provides an affordable way to elevate everyday meals and celebrations. Thanks to the Italian ingenuity of its makers, Prosecco brings joy without gluten or wheat to sparkling wine lovers around the world.
