Tranquilo Prosecco: A Still Wine, Not Bubbly

Sparkling Prosecco is hugely popular, but have you ever tasted a Still Prosecco? Did you even know that Still Prosecco, known as Tranquilo, even existed?

In the U.S., maybe the first imports of Prosecco occurred around 1825. The Evening Post (NY), December 14, 1825, published an ad offering "Italian wines--A few cases of one and two dozen each, of the most esteemed qualities, Rifosio, Piccolit, and Prosecco,..." Unfortunately, the nature of the Prosecco was not provided. Was it still or sparkling? 

Then, there were almost no other mentions of Prosecco in the U.S. until 1934. The Philadelphia Inquirer (PA), February 21, 1934, also presented an ad for Italian wines, including "the celebrated Sparkling Prosecco." By this point, the Charmat method was in common use to produce Sparkling Prosecco. However, there wasn't another mention until The Journal News (NY), December 29, 1954, with a liquor store ad noting "Prosecco Carpene", a 26 oz. bottle for $3.49.  

A more descriptive article appeared in the Los Angeles Times (CA), November 20, 1960, in a section on Italian wines. "A 'champagne' town is Conegliano, in Veneto between Venice and the Alps." It continued, "Carpene Malvolti sparkling wines are made in Conegliano." It also stated, "Sparkling wines mature in the bottle rather than in oak casks or glass lined vats. The wine goes through three filtrations before bottling, then is pasteurized for two hours in freezing water; it matures for two years in a room with a temperature of 45 deg. Each bottle is gently revolved once a month." Finally, it was mentioned that, "The Prosecco has a sugar content of 3%, Extra Dry 1%, and Brut two-tenths of 1%." 

Still Prosecco was barely mentioned in U.S. newspapers until around 1984, although it wouldn't be  commonly mentioned until around 2003. 

Today, Sparkling Prosecco is hugely popular in the U.S. In 2022, 134 Million bottles of Prosecco were imported into the U.S., an increase of almost 6% over 2021. In comparison, Italy only consumed 120 Million bottles in 2022. Only about 5% of the total production of Prosecco is Tranquilo, and it's rarely exported. 

I recently received a sample of the VOGA Prosecco DOC Still ($14.99). Giovanni Pecora, the CEO of Enovation Brands, stated, "VOGA Prosecco Still is more than a line extension: rather, we are introducing a wine category that has long been enjoyed in Italy to the US.” They have created a new tagline for this still wine, “You’ve tasted the bubbles, now taste the wine.” 

The VOGA Prosecco DOC Still, with a 10.5% ABV,  is produced from 100% Glera, a grape which used to be called Prosecco until 2009. Glera commonly has high acidity and is known for a taste of white peaches. You've probably only tasted Glera in sparkling wines, and it's very rare to see it in still wines, especially on its own. It possessed a pleasant nose of citrus, especially pear and melon notes. On the palate, it was light, crisp and dry, with tasty flavors of pear, green apple and a touch of floral notes. It was an easy drinking wine, although it wasn't overly simple. A fine summer wine for patio sipping, or to accompany seafood and light chicken dishes. 

I certainly would like to try more Tranquilo Prosecco.