The History of Prosecco

At Twisted Alchemy, we believe there is always a reason to celebrate with the freshest juices and mixers on the planet. And we know there is no better glass to raise than one full of bubbly.

Prosecco is a popular sparkling wine known for its light, refreshing taste that makes it great for bubbly cocktailing of any kind. Don’t believe us? Try a classic mimosa with our 100% Valencia Orange Cold Pressed Juice and get back to us.

Originating in the northeastern region of Italy, the story of Prosecco is intertwined with the evolution of winemaking techniques and the cultural significance of wine in Italian society.

The earliest evidence of winemaking in the region can be traced back to the ancient Romans who planted vineyards in what is now modern-day Veneto, the heartland of Prosecco production. However, it wasn't until the 16th century that Prosecco, as we know it today, began to emerge. The name "Prosecco" comes from the small village of Prosecco near Trieste, Italy, where the grape variety was first documented in the early 17th century. The Glera grape, used to produce Prosecco, has been cultivated in the area for centuries due to its ability to thrive in the region's hilly terrain and mild climate.

By the 19th century, Prosecco gained popularity as a local wine, particularly in Venice, where it became a favorite among the city's residents and visitors. Prosecco's rise to fame can be partly attributed to the introduction of the Martinotti (or Charmat) method in the late 19th century. This method, developed by Italian winemaker Federico Martinotti, allowed for the production of sparkling wine through a second fermentation in large pressurized tanks, as opposed to the labor-intensive traditional method of fermentation in individual bottles. This innovation made Prosecco more accessible and affordable, as it reduced production costs and increased efficiency. This makes Prosecco a great option for at-home bartenders wanting to experiment with new cocktail flavors. Ingenious new bartenders might try a sparkling sour with our Lemon Sour Cold Pressed Mixer. 

During the 20th century, Prosecco continued to grow in popularity within Italy, but it was not until the 1980s that the wine began to make a significant impact on the global market. Italian producers started to export Prosecco, and its bubbly, light character appealed to consumers around the world. Now, you can enjoy delicious prosecco in your backyard or wherever your celebrations find you!