PROSECCO Doc looks EAST!

Prosecco Doc, the most widely appreciated sparkling wine of the world doesn’t rest on its laurels… Consorzio del Prosecco Doc represents the entire production chain of the denomination, and with the associated wineries is increasingly involved in international promotion activities. With the partnership of Gambero Rosso two important international events were recently held, in Japan and in Korea.

Prosecco DOC goes to Asia: Two successful events in Tokyo and in Seoul

«Japan is a crucial market – says Stefano Zanette, President of Prosecco Doc - it is the first export destination in Asia - it does not yet have the numbers of the most important markets, such as USA and Germany, but is very promising. The Japanese are very attentive to Made in Italy, and consumption has been growing in recent years. We have decided to invest in this market to consolidate our success. We strongly believe in it.» Today the country of the Rising Sun imports 2.5 million bottles a year (2022 data), and the prospects for more ambitious goals are excellent. Confirming this, the presence of the Consorzio with numerous producers at the classic Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri event in Tokyo on October 26th attracted enormous interest, which translated into an uninterrupted flow of visitors in the space dedicated to Prosecco Doc and in the whole sold out at the masterclass held by Marco Sabellico, editor in chief of Vini d'Italia, Isao Miyajima, well-known food & wine journalist and wine-writer, and Tanja Barattin, Promotional Department Manager. They, alongside with the wineries, entertained a selected audience of professionals, wine experts and influencers, telling the story of the most loved - and consumed - sparkling wine in the world, its terroir, production technique and styles.

One of the key factors of success of Prosecco is that this fresh, elegant and fruity sparkler is deliciously versatile. Excellent if paired to the Italian cuisine, is demonstrating that combined with Japanese cuisine can create a delightful dining experience. While traditionally, sake or beer might be more commonly associated with Japanese food, the crispness and effervescence of Prosecco Doc can complement the flavors found in Japanese dishes. Here are some considerations: with Sushi and Sashimi the clean, refreshing taste of Prosecco pairs well with the delicate flavors of raw fish. Its acidity can cut through the richness of fatty fish like salmon or tuna. With Tempura, the lightness and the creamy effervescence in Prosecco can complement the crispy texture of tempura, whether it's vegetables or seafood. With Miso-based dishes Prosecco's effervescence and acidity can contrast and cleanse the palate between bites of rich dishes like miso soup or soy glazed dishes. When pairing Prosecco with Japanese cuisine, it's essential to consider the sweetness, acidity, and texture of both the food and the wine. In general, the lightness and acidity of Prosecco often work well with a wide range of Japanese dishes, providing a refreshing contrast to various flavors, while you can choose a style from Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Dry, Demi-sec for a perfect pairing. «Taste is subjective – says Isao Miyajima - so experimenting with different combinations is a great way to discover what suits your palate best. It's always a good idea to try different styles of Prosecco to find the one that complements your favorite Japanese dishes perfectly».

Few days later, on October 30th Prosecco Doc and Gambero Rosso were in Seoul, «The Soul of Korea», at the Ambassador Hotel. The success, experienced in Tokyo, has repeated in the Far East capital. Korea is another country which has growing cultural and economical ties with Italy. It is one of the strongest economies in the world and one of the most technologically advanced, and the Italian gastronomic scene in the capital is burgeoning, so (after two difficult years) is wine import, and Prosecco in particular. «The growth rate is extraordinary, from 250,000 exported bottles in 2020, we reached about 750.000 bottles in 2022, and we hope to soon exceed one million. - says Stefano Zanette - It means that this is a key market in the Far East. And we are investing on it».

Again the special guest at Top Italian Wines Roadshow by Gambero Rosso – at its 10th edition in the «City of Lights», a nickname that well emphasizes Seoul's vibrant and lively atmosphere, especially at night, with its bustling nightlife, neon lights, and entertainment districts - was Prosecco Doc. This is probably the most important wine event of the year in Korea. Marco Sabellico and Tanja Barattin led again a crowded masterclass which explored at large terroir, history and styles of Prosecco. Mi Young Ahn – editor in chief of wine21.com - joined them in the tasting, where 8 excellent Prosecco Doc were poured to illustrate the denomination.

Special guest of the day Jay Wine King, Asia’s most influent personality of the wine world, friend of Prosecco DOC and Gambero Rosso Network.

«It’s amazing to see how quickly Prosecco is becoming part of the Korean lifestyle – said Laura Dassiè from Valdoca winery – the rite of Aperitivo it’s more and more popular in Seoul». «Prosecco Doc goes very well with Korean food – echoed Milena Billi from Villa Sandi – and of course with Italian food, from pizza to pasta dishes, to quote the most popular. From Brut Nature to Dry you can make the perfect choice. It’s light, fresh, elegant. Koreans are fascinated by Prosecco».

«Great event, qualified visitors, excellent prospective for sales and vibrant enthusiasm for the Prosecco DOC Rosé typology» - adds Gabriele from Viticoltori Ponte winery. While Elisa Montuori and Ugo Freschi, respectively from Giusti Wine and Le Rughe wineries, agree on the fact that, approaching for the first time the Korean Market and looking for an importer, the feedbacks received are already good.

But a good match with the local cuisine can be the key to success. Pairing Korean food with Prosecco Doc can be an interesting culinary adventure! The effervescence and slight sweetness of Prosecco Doc can complement a number of Korean dishes really well. «The spicy, tangy flavors of Kimchi can be balanced by the slightly sweet and effervescent nature of Prosecco – says Sunjoo Choi, sommelier and wine educator at 21.com - and of course the bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites. Bibimbap (mixed rice dish with vegetables, meat, and spicy sauce) can be nicely complemented by the slight sweetness of Prosecco, especially if the dish is spicy. Japchae (Stir-fried Glass Noodles), often made with vegetables, beef, and a savory-sweet sauce, can be enhanced by the lightness and subtle sweetness of Prosecco». «When pairing Prosecco with Korean food – adds Mi Young Ahn - consider the overall flavors and spices in the dish. Prosecco's light, fruity, and slightly sweet profile can complement spicy, savory, and umami flavors commonly found in Korean cuisine». Prosecco Doc, the wine that knows no boundaries!