Glera

Glera is an Italian white wine grape best known as the principal variety used to produce Prosecco. Its naturally fresh acidity, moderate sugar accumulation and delicate aromatic character make it particularly well suited to sparkling wine. The variety typically forms large, loosely packed clusters of pale golden grapes and produces elegant wines with a light, refreshing profile.

Typical Glera aromas include green apple, pear, citrus and white peach, often accompanied by white flowers, wisteria and subtle herbal notes. The grape’s freshness and restrained aromatic intensity are commonly preserved through the Martinotti-Charmat method, in which the wine’s secondary fermentation takes place in pressurised tanks. This approach emphasises fruit purity, floral character and lively bubbles.

Prosecco DOC is produced across designated areas of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia and must contain at least 85% Glera. The denomination includes sparkling Spumante, lightly sparkling Frizzante and limited still expressions. Differences in climate, elevation and soil allow Glera to produce styles ranging from light and immediately approachable to more structured and terroir-driven wines.

Glera reaches one of its finest expressions in Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, where steep hills, varied exposures and significant day-to-night temperature differences support aromatic development and freshness. The denomination’s Rive wines highlight individual communes or vineyard areas, while Cartizze represents a historically distinguished subzone. Asolo Prosecco DOCG provides another important premium expression from the hills surrounding Asolo.

Although Glera’s identity is inseparable from Prosecco, the two entities should not be treated as interchangeable. Glera is the grape variety, while Prosecco is a protected wine and geographical designation. Through its combination of floral delicacy, orchard-fruit character, refreshing acidity and affinity for sparkling production, Glera has become one of Italy’s most internationally recognised white wine grapes.