Secco and Prosecco are similar in that they are both sparkling wines, but they do have some differences. While Prosecco is a specific type of sparkling wine that comes from the Veneto region of Italy, Secco is a more general term that can be used to describe any sparkling wine that is dry or off-dry.
Prosecco has a protected designation of origin (PDO) status, which means that it can only be produced in specific regions of Italy using specific grape varieties and production methods. This helps to ensure that Prosecco maintains its quality and authenticity. On the other hand, Secco does not have this same level of legal protection.
Prosecco is made primarily from the Glera grape variety, although it can also contain small amounts of other local varieties. It is typically produced using the Charmat method, which involves conducting the second fermentation in large pressurized tanks rather than in individual bottles. This method helps to preserve the fresh and fruity flavors of the wine.
Secco, on the other hand, can be made from a variety of grape varieties and can be produced using different methods. It is generally characterized by being dry or off-dry, meaning that it has a lower residual sugar content compared to sweeter sparkling wines like Asti or Moscato d'Asti.
In terms of alcohol content, Secco typically has a slightly lower alcohol content than Prosecco. Prosecco generally has an alcohol content of around 11.5%, while Secco can range from around 10% to 12%. This difference in alcohol content can affect the overall flavor and mouthfeel of the wine.
In my personal experience, I have found that Secco wines can vary greatly in terms of flavor profile and quality. Some Secco wines can be crisp and refreshing with notes of citrus and green apple, while others can be more floral or even slightly nutty. It is important to note that Secco is a more general term, so the specific characteristics of a Secco wine can vary depending on the producer and the grape varieties used.
While Secco and Prosecco are both sparkling wines, they have some differences. Prosecco is a specific type of sparkling wine from Italy with protected designation of origin status, while Secco is a more general term used to describe dry or off-dry sparkling wines. Prosecco is made primarily from the Glera grape variety and is produced using the Charmat method, while Secco can be made from various grape varieties and production methods. Additionally, Secco typically has a slightly lower alcohol content than Prosecco.