You drink better Prosecco if you learn about the different quality levels printed on the label.

PROSECCO DOC

This is basic Prosecco. It can be produced all over Northeastern Italy, on the Flat Area.

PROSECCO TREVISO DOC

It is a half-step up from basic Prosecco. These wines are produced in a much smaller area and thus, quality is slightly more controlled.

CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE DOCG

This area is much smaller and more hilly within Treviso. It also has more strict quality standards. Thus, it earned the right to be one of the 73 DOCG wines of Italy. Within this region, you’ll find some of the best Prosecco, along with two other sub-appellations.

CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE RIVE DOCG

Rive means “bank” or “slope” in Italian and references 43 hilly locales within Conegliano Valdobbiadene that produce exceptional grapes. This sub-region is microscopic compared to the others.

VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE DI CARTIZZE DOCG

Tooted by most to be the “bees knees” when it comes to Prosecco. This tiny 264 acre (107 hectare) spot is a blanket of hilly vineyards right outside of the town of Valdobbiadene. Cartizze produces a very small amount of Prosecco that is worth a hunt.