Frizzante
Frizzante meaning in wine
Frizzante means lightly sparkling in Italian wine. A vino frizzante feels gently fizzy rather than fully sparkling. The word describes its bubbles, not its sweetness, grape variety, or a single winemaking method. It belongs to the wider family of sparkling wines.
Frizzante vs spumante
| Label term | Bubbles | What it does not tell you |
|---|---|---|
| Frizzante | Light, gentle sparkle | Whether the wine is dry or sweet |
| Spumante | Fully sparkling, usually more persistent | Whether the wine is dry or sweet |
If you prefer a softer fizz, frizzante is a useful starting point. If you want a more pronounced sparkling texture, look for spumante. Prosecco is made in both styles; the name Prosecco alone does not settle the question.
Is frizzante sweet or dry?
Frizzante can be dry or sweet. Check the particular wine’s sweetness description or producer information rather than judging by the bubbles. A fruity aroma is not a measurement of sugar. Our wine sweetness guide explains that distinction.
Frizzante FAQ
What does frizzante mean in English?
In wine, frizzante means lightly sparkling or gently fizzy. It describes a wine with softer bubbles than fully sparkling wine.
What is frizzante wine (vino frizzante)?
Vino frizzante is Italian for lightly sparkling wine. It can include styles such as certain Prosecco or Lambrusco wines when they are made with gentle effervescence.
Is frizzante the same as spumante?
No. Frizzante wines are lightly sparkling, while spumante wines are fully sparkling and usually have higher pressure and more persistent bubbles.
For the different ways wine gets its bubbles, see the sparkling wine methods guide.