Rive

If you see Rive on the label, that means you’ve found some of the highest quality Prosecco Superiore out there. Wines range from intensely fruity to savory and mineral based on the style, producer, and location within Conegliano Valdobbiadene's 43 Rive sites.

Rive ("Ree-vay") means steep terrain in the local dialect and it's a single sub-zone with distinct qualities within Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG for Prosecco Superiore.

Depending on exposure, altitude, and soil type, you’ll find a mosaic of expressions.

To be a Rive, not only do the grapes come from small, steep vineyards, but they're also hand harvested. Why? This avoids any bitter flavors and preserves freshness. It’s also impossible to get a tractor up these slopes.

Styles of Rive

All Rive wines show a vintage on the label. This is important because vintage variation is common from year to year.

So how to find the right Rive for you? Well, the Rive vineyards sit between the villages of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, providing clues.

Rich and Ripe

Wines from closer to Conegliano tend to taste riper and richer because the elevation is lower and it's warmer. Expect more Asian pear and tropical fruit notes.

For example, try a wine from Rive di Ogliano.

Floral and Fresh

As you go towards Valdobbiadene, it's cooler and higher altitude. Thus, wines taste fresher and more delicate. Expect more floral and citrus aromas.

For example, try a wine from Rive di Farra di Soligo.

Mineral, Saline, and Aromatic

Very close to Cartizze, it’s quite cool, thanks to the altitude and proximity to the Alps. The soils here, full of limestone, add a lot of minerality and structure to the wines.

For example, try a wine from Rive di Guia or Rive di Santo Stefano.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Rive Wine Region Facts

• Rive is made in the fully sparkling style “Spumante” only (~3.5 bar)
• Rive ranges from Extra-Brut to Dry in sweetness
• Glera, like all Prosecco, must be at least 85% of the blend
• The maximum yield is 13 tonnes per hectare vs 18 tonnes/ha in Prosecco Superiore DOC
• There are about 620 acres (250 ha) of Rive vineyards
• The current list of 43 Rive was finalized in 2019

SOURCES

♦ Conegliano Valdobbiadene Consortium

♦ Marchiori, Umberto. Interview Conducted by Christine Marsiglio MW. (Sept 2022)