Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG: guide to excellence and sustainability

Market dynamics and international positioning

In 2024, the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG has certified 90.5 million bottles (Protection Consortium, 2026), slightly down compared to the previous record two-year period but stable thanks to 61,500 hectoliters stored to balance supply and demand. According to the Ismea-Qualivita Report 2025, in 2024 this sparkling wine reached third place among Italian wines with Geographic Indication, with bulk wine at 170 million euros (Ismea, 2025).

For the 2025, estimated sales reach 98 million bottles (+8% on 2024), driven by foreign and domestic promotion (Protection Consortium, 2025a). The district's total value reached 1.8 billion euros, with exports in 2024 at 238.2 million (Germany, UK, Austria leading).

The historical heritage: a territory shaped by the vine

The hilly area of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco boasts a very ancient winemaking tradition, documented sinceRoman era and celebrated in the 6th century AD by the poet and bishop Venantius Fortunatus, who described these hills as a land where the vine prospers continuously. The vocation for white wines is attested by numerous documents, from the Conegliano statutes of the 1282 to the Venetian era testimonies and the appreciation of European courts.

The first explicit mention of the Prosecco dates back to 1772, thanks to Francesco Maria Malvolti; in the nineteenth century, the grape variety began to be cultivated in pure form, with decisive contributions from scholars such as Balbi Valier and Semenzi. The tradition was consolidated with the founding, in 1876 Conegliano, of the first School of Viticulture and Enology in Italy, followed in 1923 by the Experimental Station.

In 1962 the producers gathered in Protection Consortium and in 1969 the denomination obtained the DOC, while in 2009 was recognized the DOCG, the quality apex of Prosecco. Among symbolic milestones, the first Italian Wine Road (1966), the regional sparkling wine district (2003) and the inclusion in the 2010 priority list for recognition UNESCO (disciplinary Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, article 10 – Connection with the geographical environment).

Production standards: the guarantee of the DOCG disciplinary

Denomination and wines

'The controlled and guaranteed denomination of origin (DOCG) 'Conegliano Valdobbiadene – Prosecco', or 'Conegliano – Prosecco' or 'Valdobbiadene – Prosecco', is reserved for wines that meet the conditions and requirements established in this production disciplinary, for the following types:

• 'Conegliano Valdobbiadene – Prosecco' (Category Wine);

• 'Conegliano Valdobbiadene – Prosecco' sparkling (Category Sparkling Wine);

• ‘Conegliano Valdobbiadene – Prosecco’ sparkling wine, accompanied by the mention superior (Category Sparkling Wine, Quality Sparkling Wine and Quality Aromatic Sparkling Wine). This type may be accompanied by the following mentions:

• ‘on the yeasts';

• ‘Rive’, provided it is followed by a geographical reference as per Annex A.

The mention ‘Superiore di Cartizze’ is reserved for the sparkling wine obtained in the traditional sub-area, within the limits and conditions established in the regulations (regulation, article 1 – Denomination and wines).

Grapevines

The wines ‘Conegliano Valdobbiadene – Prosecco’ must be obtained from grapes coming from vineyards planted with the grape variety Glera; may contribute, at company level, up to a maximum of 15% the grapes of the following varieties, used alone or together: Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera and Long Glera.

The wines intended for traditional method of sparkling must be obtained from grapes from vineyards registered in the DOCG vineyard register, consisting of the grape varieties Pinot blanc, Pinot noir, Pinot gris and Chardonnay, taken alone or together (regulation, article 2 – Ampelographic basis).

Grape production area

The grape production area is limited to the hills of Treviso: Conegliano, San Vendemiano, Colle Umberto, Vittorio Veneto, Tarzo, Cison di Valmarino, San Pietro di Feletto, Refrontolo, Susegana, Pieve di Soligo, Farra di Soligo, Follina, Miane, Vidor, Valdobbiadene.

Specific delimitations are established for the subspecification ‘Superiore di Cartizze’ (regulation, article 3 – Grape production area).

Rules for viticulture

The environmental and cultivation conditions of the vineyards ‘must be those traditional to the area and, in any case, suitable to confer to the grapes and to the derived wine the specific quality characteristics. Therefore, only the following are to be considered suitable for registration in the vineyard register, well-exposed vineyards located on hilly terrains excluding valley floor vineyards, those exposed to the north wind, and those of the low plain’.

Vineyards in specialized cultivation must have a ‘minimum density of 2500 vines per hectare, calculated on the planting layout’.

The harvest of the grapes destined for the production of the sparkling wines ‘Superiore di Cartizze’, ‘Rive’, and ‘on the lees’ must be carried out exclusively by hand.

The maximum yield of grapes per hectare in specialized cultivation must not exceed 13.5 tons (12 t for the ‘Superiore di Cartizze’) and the minimum natural volumetric alcoholic strength of the grapes must be 9.50% vol. (9% for grapes intended for the production of superior and sparkling sparkling wine. Regulations, article 4 – Rules for viticulture).

Vinification

The operations of Vinification of the grapes must be carried out within the production area, only in the Municipality of Valdobbiadene for the ‘Superiore di Cartizze’. The operations of preparation of sparkling and frizzante wine, bottling and packaging must instead be carried out in the territory of the province of Treviso.

The maximum yield of grapes in wine must not exceed 70% for all types. If the grape/wine yield exceeds the above limit, but not 75%, the excess is not entitled to the designation of origin.

The ‘Conegliano Valdobbiadene – Prosecco’ sparkling superior with the reference ‘on the yeasts’ – obtained by fermentation in the bottle without separation of fermentation residues – must be put on the market after at least ninety days of fermentation and remaining on the lees of the entire batch.

The ‘Conegliano Valdobbiadene – Prosecco’ superior with the mention ‘Rive’ must be placed on the market starting fromMarch 1 of the year following the harvest (regulations, article 5 – Vinification rules).

Organoleptic characteristics

The wines ‘Conegliano Valdobbiadene – Prosecco’, at the time of marketing must meet differentiated characteristics for each type. Essentially:

• foam fine and evanescent, or persistent, depending on the case;

• color: straw yellow more or less intense, bright;

• odor: characteristic with fruity scent, light or intense depending on the case;

• taste: fresh, harmonious, more or less fruity in the various types, characteristic;

• alcoholic strength total minimum volumetric: 10.50% or 11% vol (superior), 11.50% for the ‘Superiore di Cartizze’ and the ‘Rive’;

• minimum acidity 4.5 g/L.

• minimum non-reducing extract: 14.0 g/l (regulation, article 6 – Characteristics for consumption).

Labeling and packaging

In thelabeling of the sole type sparkling wine DOCG ‘Conegliano Valdobbiadene – Prosecco’ may omit reference to the denomination ‘Prosecco’ and the mention ‘superior’. The sparkling wine ‘Superiore di Cartizze‘ may be designated only as ‘Valdobbiadene’ Superiore di Cartizze’.

The sparkling wine label may include the term vintage, ‘provided that the product is obtained with at least 85% of the wine of the reference vintage, which must be indicated on the label’. The indication of thevintage year is also mandatory for the mention ‘Rive’ (regulation, article 7 – labeling).

The wines ‘may be presented for consumption in containers of glass of any legally allowed capacity. Up to 12 liters only glass bottles are permitted, in color and shape traditionally used in the area, whose colorimetric range may vary in different shades (…). The use of materials/devices adhering to the glass in any form and size to coat the glass (e.g. sleeves) is not allowed.’ (disciplinary, article 8 – Packaging).

Controls

The Company Valoritalia based in Thiene is the control body authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF) that carries out the ‘annual verification of compliance with the provisions of the disciplinary regulations through a methodology of Controls combined (systematic and sampling) throughout the entire production chain (viticulture, processing, packaging)’ (disciplinary, article 10 – References to the control structure).

Scientific sustainability: SQNPI protocol and environmental indicators

Certified Integrated Production

The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG demonstrates an increasing commitment to environmental sustainability through the adoption of certified integrated production practices. In 2025 over 52% of the vineyard area of the denomination has obtained SQNPI certification (National Quality System for Integrated Production), a voluntary recognition that certifies agronomic management oriented towards reduction of the use of fertilizers and pesticides and the protection of biodiversity. This progress is not just a statistic, but represents a step towards theobjective of the total certification of the area, strengthening the competitive and reputational value of the territory and contributing to the protection of the UNESCO landscape and its reputation as a model of responsible wine-growing management (Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG Wine, 2026a).

Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA)

The SOVANO Project – Sustainability and Innovation in the Veneto grape-wine supply chain – represents a strategic initiative for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG aimed at translating sustainability into scientifically measurable data and concretely guiding the entire supply chain towards greater environmental efficiency. The intervention adopts the methodology LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) to accurately quantify both the carbon footprint and the water footprint associated with production, allowing companies to identify critical points and intervene with targeted technical solutions to optimize resources and reduce impacts and operating costs. An integral part of the project is the use of precision technologies, such as the use of drones in vineyards, which allow improving the effectiveness of treatments and the efficiency of production processes, thus supporting the transition towards European climate goals and strengthening the competitiveness of the territory with solid scientific bases (Consorzio di Tutela del Vino Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, 2026b).

‘Buyer strategy’: navigate between mentions and premium selections

For the ‘foodies’

Choose Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG organic or from  sustainable supply chain certified guarantees superior organoleptic quality, environmental respect and refined taste sensations. Producers who adopt practices  biodynamic or bio certified further enhance the identity of the territory, offering wines that express authenticity and typicality.

Favor versions  vintage e Reserve , including the ‘on lees’ one, allows appreciating the evolutionary complexity and the aging potential of this exceptional sparkling wine.

Guide to Excellence: Types of Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG

For international buyers

The selection of  suppliers requires technical skills on regulations, product certifications, available volumes and  international distribution. In this context, the team of  GIFT – Great Italian Food Trade offers qualified support for: identifying reliable producers, assessing environmental and social sustainability of productions, managing solid and lasting commercial relationships, promoting strategic partnerships in the premium Italian sparkling wine sector.

Conclusions

The future of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG lies in its ability to align economic value with the protection of natural capital. Thanks to integrated certifications and environmental impact measurement models, the Denomination offers not only an exceptional wine but a resilient and transparent territorial system. For global buyers and consumers, choosing this DOCG means supporting a precision agriculture model that stands as a benchmark of excellence for the entire Made in Italyagri-food.

Dario Dongo

Credit cover: Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG Wine

References

• Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG. (2026, February 2). Sustainability: SQNPI certified 52% of the Denomination area. Prosecco.it. https://www.prosecco.it/it/sostenibilita-certificato-sqnpi-il-52-della-superficie/

• Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG. (2026, January 30). SOVANO Project underway. Prosecco.it. https://www.prosecco.it/it/progetto-sovano-al-via/

• Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG. (2025, December 23). Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco grows by telling its territory: 2025 closes at 98 million bottles. Prosecco.it. https://www.prosecco.it/it/il-conegliano-valdobbiadene-prosecco-cresce-raccontando-il-suo-territorio-il-2025-si-chiude-a-98-milioni-di-bottiglie/

• Ismea & Qualivita Foundation. (2025).  ISMEA-Qualivita 2025 Report on Italian agri-food and wine productions with PDO, PGI, and STG (23rd ed.). Qualivita Editions.  https://www.ismea.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeAttachment.php/L/IT/D/1%252Fe%252F8%252FD.fefdd2e7c08546544955/P/BLOB%3AID%3D13512/E/pdf?mode=download

• Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies. (2022). Production regulations of the Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination “Conegliano Valdobbiadene – Prosecco” [PDF]. Valoritalia.it. https://www.valoritalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Conegliano-Valdobbiadene-Prosecco-1.pdf

• UNESCO, Italian National Commission. (2019, September 2). The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. UNESCO.it. https://www.unesco.it/it/unesco-vicino-a-te/siti-patrimonio-mondiale/le-colline-del-prosecco-di-conegliano-e-valdobbiadene/