BIODIVERSITY IN THE VINEYARD
For Asolo Prosecco Superiore Docg, the primary grape is Glera, complemented up to a maximum of 15% by native varieties Glera Lunga, Verdiso, Perera, and Bianchetta. Glera is the semi-aromatic variety known worldwide as the base for Prosecco. Its origins are mysterious, but producers in this region have refined its expression.
The other four are indigenous varieties, grown in small quantities and preserved thanks to the foresight of local growers who resisted the temptation to uproot these lower-yielding but highly relevant grapes, especially in the context of climate change. Glera Lunga is ancient and only recently recognized as a distinct variety.
Verdiso, known for high acidity, historically was used to balance warmer vintages while Bianchetta provided support in cooler years. Perera contributes pear notes and acidity.
In contrast, Montello Docg and Montello Asolo Doc wines include both local and international varieties. The Recantina, with its evocative name, was already mentioned in the 17th century by Agostinetti:
“These blessed Recantina grapes yield great profit
for they produce large quantities of grapes
and make good and beautiful wine.”
Forgotten for a long time, Recantina was rediscovered around fifty years ago. It’s a late-ripening, naturally disease-resistant variety rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, giving it a deep, almost impenetrable color. It features spicy notes and berry aromas, with impressive aging potential, even in difficult years. These traits have led some renowned winemakers to call it one of Italy’s most promising grapes.
Montello is also one of the oldest regions in Italy to grow Bordeaux-origin varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec. As early as the 1940s, internationally recognized red wines were being produced, wines we can see as the precursors to Italy’s great reds.
A CRADLE OF BEAUTY
In Veneto, Asolo and Montello are lofty micro-worlds. Once discovered, they invite you to stop there. Within a small area, the region offers a rare concentration of beauty, understated luxury, lifestyle, art, and history.
Asolo is recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with a strong medieval identity. The Rocca, built between the 12th and 13th centuries, is the symbol of the Asolo Prosecco Docg logo. Asolo exudes an international vibe, as it was home to Eleonora Duse, one of Italy’s greatest theatrical actresses; refuge to Caterina Cornaro, Queen of Cyprus; and chosen home to Freya Stark, the British explorer and writer known for her travels in the Middle East.
Nearby lies Possagno, birthplace of Antonio Canova, and home to his Gipsoteca (plaster cast gallery). The region also hosts the Villa of Maser, one of only two Andrea Palladio villas in the province of Treviso.
Heading toward Montello, we find the Abbey of Sant’Eustachio, where Monsignor Della Casa wrote Il Galateo. This protected natural area is also a place of memory: it was a frontline during World War I, where Italian soldiers halted the Austrian advance. It was here that Francesco Baracca, the legendary aviator, fell. His symbol, the prancing horse, was given by his mother to Enzo Ferrari, who made it famous worldwide.
In addition to its cultural heritage, the Asolo-Montello area is a haven of unspoiled nature, partially included in the Monte Grappa Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO.
ASOLO PROSECCO DOCG
Asolo Prosecco Docg is distinguished by its floral and especially fruity bouquet, complemented by a subtle, refreshing vegetal note. On the palate, it is smooth, balanced, with a delicate body and a well-harmonized freshness. The aftertaste is dry, with flavors of lemon, citron, honey, ripe apple, and the typical acacia note.
The most well-known type is spumante (sparkling wine), marked by the term Superiore and characterized by its structure and minerality. It was the first denomination to introduce the Extra Brut style, which continues to grow in popularity due to its food-pairing versatility.
Lastly, the “Sui Lieviti” (sur lies) style is gaining traction, in line with modern consumer preferences.
Figures
- Members: 475 (growers, vinifiers, bottlers)
- Municipalities involved: 18
- Bottles produced (2025):
- Asolo Prosecco Superiore Docg: 30,400,000
- Percentage growth 2023–2025: +26.5%
- Montello Docg: 25,400
- Montello Asolo Doc: 473,500
- Vineyard area (Asolo Prosecco DOCG): 2,271 hectares