You enjoy Prosecco, but do you really know Prosecco?
Arriving at W Hotel Toronto, I was looking forward to learning more about what seems to be a universally loved bubbly enjoyment. And on this particular day, the event was filled with influencers, journalists, podcasters and filled with bubbles elevating up in stemmed glassware. It was filled with Prosecco—the real kind. Not just the fizzy filler in a mimosa, but the stuff with a soul, a history, and a consortium to protect it.
I showed up excited. I have always enjoyed Prosecco, but I didn’t know a great deal about it.
This was hosted by the Prosecco DOC Consortium, an organization dedicated to the preservation of some of the most popular beverages in the world.
More Than Just Bubbles In A Glass
Let’s get something out of the way: Prosecco is not Champagne. It’s not even trying to be.
It’s the life of the party. People relax when the Prosecco is served. They enjoy it. They don’t feel nervous about how much they should have and how expensive the bottle of Champagne is.
Prosecco DOC means something. These aren’t just wines. They’re tied to land, culture, and generational mastery.
We’re talking the northeast of Italy, between Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, where the Glera grape has been cultivated longer than most empires lasted. The DOC designation guarantees it comes from there—and only there. Like a passport with bubbles.
At the lounge located in the W Hotel in Toronto, we tasted the landscape: Brut, Extra Dry, Dry—which is, ironically, the sweetest of the three. Each glass told a different story. An inviting one.
A little more of a herb flavour here. White peach and citrus there. Clean finishes that made you want to learn how to drive a Vespa and picnic under a lemon tree on a hot day.
Why It Matters Now
In a world obsessed with exclusivity and excess, Prosecco does the opposite. It democratizes joy. You don’t need to go to a winery or wait for a particular vintage to come out to enjoy it. Just curiosity, a trip to a local liquor store and decent glassware.
Pro tip: Try a glass of Prosecco in a white wine glass instead of a flute, you may never go back to drinking it out of a fluted glass.
They oversee over 24,000 hectares of vineyards, protect 11 permitted grape varieties, and support strict vinification rules. That DOC label? It’s earned.
Not slapped on by a marketer who is trying to make a difference in sales for the quarter.
Why Prosecco Should You Choose?
Brut (0–12g of sugar per litre)
The driest of the bunch.
Brut Prosecco is crisp, clean, and refreshingly sharp—think green apple, citrus, and minerality. It’s your go-to if you love a dry white wine or want something ultra food-friendly. Ideal with oysters, sushi, or just your inbox after 5pm.
Per bottle (750ml): ~0–9g of sugar
Extra Dry (12–17g of sugar per litre)
The most popular—and the most confusing.
“Extra Dry” actually means slightly sweeter than Brut. Why? Because Italians love irony. You’ll find more rounded fruit notes—pear, apple, and floral tones—and a smooth, easy finish that feels festive without being cloying.
Per bottle: ~9–13g of sugar
Dry (17–32g of sugar per litre)
The sweetest of the standard trio.
Despite the name, “Dry” Prosecco brings noticeable sweetness, often tasting like peaches, honey, and golden apples. It’s dessert-friendly but not syrupy, making it a great pairing for spicy dishes or a sunny patio with zero regrets.
Per bottle: ~13–24g of sugar
Note: This goes for Rosé too.
Quick Tip:
If you’re choosing a Prosecco based on food pairings or personal taste:
Go Brut if you like bone-dry bubbles.
Choose Extra Dry if you want balance with soft fruit.
Pick Dry if you’re leaning toward aperitif hour or something sweeter.
Toronto Gets a Taste
Accessible, authentic, and unpretentious. Great with different food pairings.
Having it, finding your favourites make you want to go to Northern Italy, head to the wineries and see how it’s made.
A Sparkle With Substance
Prosecco DOC is more than a bubbly trend. It’s a growing philosophy. I find it’s best to kick off an event, a celebration, a dinner. It feels like a palette cleanser from the outside world.
Prosecco feels like a celebration without judgement. Enjoyment without apology or nervousness.
So here’s to the Prosecco DOC Consortium. Thank you for hosting me at your event to learn more about To Toronto for hosting. And to the next bottle chilled, waiting for someone who’s had a long week and a short fuse. Pour it. Sip it. Share it. And remember: the good things in life don’t scream. They sparkle.
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