Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

The DOCG stretches between the towns of Conegliano to the east and Valdobbiadene to the west, within the Province of Treviso in the Veneto. The landscape is defined by steep hillsides, some reaching gradients of 70%, rising from 100 to 500 meters above sea level. The Alps to the north shield the vineyards from harsh northern storms, while Adriatic Sea influence moderates temperatures from the south. Soils vary markedly across the zone. The western Valdobbiadene side features ancient marine-origin soils of marls and sandstone, while the eastern Conegliano area transitions to glacial deposits including moraines, clay, and sand. Some parcels also contain notable iron deposits. This patchwork of soil types, combined with dramatic elevation and aspect, gives individual vineyards genuinely distinct characters.

• Elevations from 100 to 500 meters, with the steepest sites in western Valdobbiadene
• Marine-origin soils (marls, sandstone) dominate Valdobbiadene; glacial deposits characterize Conegliano
• South-facing slopes maximise sun exposure across the steep terrain
• Alpine foothills provide critical protection from northern weather systems

The zone enjoys a mild temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 12.3°C and 3,100 hours of sunshine per year. Annual rainfall averages 1,250mm, delivered largely through heavy summer showers that support vine health without waterlogging the well-draining hillside soils. Diurnal temperature variation is a defining feature, particularly at higher elevations where differences of up to 15°C between day and night temperatures help preserve freshness and aromatic intensity in the Glera grape. This combination of warmth, light, and cool nights underpins the characteristic floral and fruit-forward profile of the wines.

• Average annual temperature: 12.3°C with 3,100 hours of sunshine
• Diurnal variation up to 15°C at higher elevations, preserving acidity and aromatics
• 1,250mm annual rainfall, primarily as summer showers
• Adriatic Sea influence moderates the overall temperature profile

Glera is the backbone of the appellation, required at a minimum of 85% of the blend. The remaining 15% may include indigenous varieties such as Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, and Glera Lunga, as well as international varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Nero. The Charmat (Martinotti) method is standard, with secondary fermentation occurring in pressurized tanks for a minimum of 30 days. This method preserves the fresh, delicate aromatics that define the style. Permitted styles range from Brut Nature through Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, and Dry. Small volumes of still (Tranquillo) and semi-sparkling (Frizzante) wines are also produced within the DOCG.

• Glera minimum 85%; indigenous and international varieties make up the balance
• Charmat/Martinotti method with 30-day minimum tank fermentation
• Styles span Brut Nature to Dry; Tranquillo and Frizzante also permitted
• Hand harvesting mandatory due to the extreme steepness of the terrain

The DOCG was established in 2009, elevating the zone from its previous DOC status granted in 1969. Within the DOCG, two additional designations recognize exceptional terroir. The Rive designation covers 43 specific communes or hamlets on the steepest slopes, requiring vintage dating and single-vineyard or single-commune sourcing. Rive wines represent a more site-specific, artisanal expression of the appellation. The Superiore di Cartizze, covering just 107 hectares in the hills above San Pietro di Barbozza, Saccol, and Santo Stefano within the Valdobbiadene commune, is the appellation's most prestigious and historically celebrated sub-zone. Its complex soils and exceptional sun exposure produce wines of notable richness, typically vinified in an Extra Dry or Dry style.

• DOCG promoted from DOC in 2009, Italy's highest quality designation
• 43 Rive communes produce vintage-dated, site-specific wines from the steepest slopes
• Superiore di Cartizze covers just 107 hectares, the appellation's apex sub-zone
• Cartizze is typically produced in Extra Dry or Dry style due to its richer fruit profile

Winemaking in this area of the Veneto stretches back to ancient times, with the first written documents linking Prosecco to the Valdobbiadene area dating to 1772. The Consortium was founded in 1963, and DOC recognition followed in 1969. Conegliano holds a landmark place in Italian wine education: Italy's first enology school was founded there in 1876, cementing the town's role as an academic center for winemaking. The zone's elevation to DOCG in 2009 was followed by a landmark cultural recognition in 2019 when the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today the appellation produces between 90 and 104 million bottles annually, supported by over 3,200 growers and 430 producers.

• First documented link to Prosecco area dates to 1772
• Italy's first enology school founded in Conegliano in 1876
• UNESCO World Heritage Site status granted to the Prosecco Hills in 2019
• Over 3,200 growers and 430 producers contribute to annual production