Guide to Prosecco wine picks that pop in 2025

10 Best Prosecco wines tested and rated

Our 10 recommended Prosecco wines reflect expert tasting and trusted Prosecco reviews by names like James Suckling and Robert Parker. Other criteria include production method, terroir and consistency across vintages.

From DOCG classics to innovative rosé blends, use this list of the best Prosecco as your go-to reference for discovering standout bottles this year!

Prosecco wine at a glance: key facts and serving rituals

Attribute	Details
Grape Variety	Glera (min. 85%), with Bianchetta, Perera, Verdiso, and other local grapes
Origin	Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Serving Temperature	43-46°F
Decanting	Not recommended. Serve chilled and fresh to preserve effervescence
Aging Potential	1-2 years. Select DOCG bottles may age up to 5 years
Flavor Profile	Green apple, pear, white peach, citrus, floral notes
Structure	Light-bodied, low tannins, high acidity
Alcohol Content	10.5% to 11.5% ABV
Ideal Glass	Tulip-shaped sparkling wine glass (enhances aroma more than a flute!)
Food Pairing	Seafood, sushi, antipasti, mild cheeses, fresh fruit, prosciutto
Top Communes	Valdobbiadene, Conegliano, Asolo, Cartizze
Notable Producers	Nino Franco, Adami, Bisol, Trevisol & Figli, Villa Sandi

Prosecco’s fresh flavor profile features green apple, pear and floral notes, pairing incredibly well with seafood and sushi. Additional common tasting notes include:

• Citrus zest (lemon, grapefruit)
• White peach
• Acacia and wisteria flowers
• Almond and brioche hints (in aged bottles)
• Crisp minerality

Aged DOCG Prosecco develops richer texture and complex notes like toasted almonds and honey, offering a more refined tasting experience.

Check the table above for additional information about Prosecco and how factors like grape blends, terroir and ideal serving conditions influence its taste, structure, and food pairings.

What is Prosecco? Origins, character & charm

Prosecco is a high quality Italian sparkling wine made primarily from the Glera grape. It is produced in northeastern Italy, in areas with two main classifications:

• DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata): covers a broad production area; typically more volume-driven.
• DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita): indicates stricter production rules, including hand-harvesting and limited yields.

What is Prosecco wine and what makes it unique among sparkling wines?

• Light character: typically softer on the palate than Champagne or Cava.
• Gentle bubbles (perlage): a creamy, easy-drinking effervescence.
• Versatility: made in varying sweetness levels (Extra Brut to Dry).

Unlike traditional method sparkling wines, which undergo a second fermentation in the bottle, Prosecco is made using the Charmat method. Here, the second fermentation happens in large tanks, resulting in a wine prized for its freshness, vibrancy and everyday drinkability.

How is Prosecco made? Inside the Charmat method

Unlike traditional method sparkling wines like Champagne or Franciacorta, Prosecco is made using the Charmat method, also called the Martinotti method. Here’s how it works:

1. Primary fermentation: takes place in stainless steel.
2. Secondary fermentation: instead of aging in the bottle, Prosecco undergoes its second fermentation in pressurized stainless steel tanks.
3. Filtering and bottling: after fermentation, the wine is filtered and bottled under pressure to retain its bubbles.

Types of Prosecco wine and what makes them apart

Although Prosecco is traditionally recognized as a white sparkling wine, its range has expanded in recent years to include styles like rosé Prosecco. Both are based primarily on the Glera Prosecco grapes but differ in terms of blending, structure and aromatic profile.

White Prosecco sparkling wine is known for its pale straw color, light body, and vibrant freshness. It’s available in various sweetness levels:

• Extra Brut: very dry, under 6 g/L of residual sugar
• Brut: dry, up to 12 g/L
• Extra Dry: lightly off-dry, 12-17 g/L
• Dry: fruitier and slightly sweet Prosecco, 17-32 g/L

The majority of high quality types of Prosecco fall into the Brut or Extra Dry category, offering the ideal balance of fruitiness and acidity.

On the other hand, rose Prosecco was officially approved in 2020. It combines Glera with 10-15% Pinot Noir, lending a pink hue and flavors of red berries, rose petals, and citrus. By regulation, it must be labeled Millesimato (vintage dated) and aged at least 60 days on lees. Like its white counterpart, pink Prosecco is typically produced in Brut or Extra Dry styles.

Is there such a thing as non alcoholic Prosecco?

Non alcoholic Prosecco is real! But how does it work?

1. The wine undergoes traditional fermentation from Glera grapes.
2. The alcohol is removed using vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis.
3. Post dealcoholization, CO₂ is reintroduced to ensure refreshing effervescence.

This process retains essential aromas while lowering Prosecco alcohol content to under 0.5% ABV. Expect lighter body, crisp acidity, and notes of green apple and citrus but without the depth of aged Prosecco DOC or DOCG.

Our recommended non alcoholic Prosecco: Mionetto Prosecco – Alcohol Removed

3 Prosecco brands handpicked for selective palates

This selection showcases some of the best Prosecco brands on the market today. Among them, Bisol stands out for its centuries-old heritage and mastery of the prized Cartizze Dry. Known for meticulous vineyard management within the Valdobbiadene DOCG, Bisol’s wines offer remarkable finesse and aging potential.

The table below features key insights to help you navigate the best branded Prosecco wines of the year.

What makes Prosecco price rise?

Prosecco price remains one of the most attractive features of this Italian sparkling wine, making it accessible without sacrificing quality. While many Proseccos are priced affordably, the cost can vary considerably depending on:

• Terroir rarity: exclusive vineyard sites like Cartizze.
• Craftsmanship: small, family-run wineries using traditional methods.
• Vintage distinction: exceptional years lead to superior taste.
• Packaging & branding: luxury packaging or collaborations with renowned designers.

For collectors, Prosecco might seem unconventional compared to aged vintage Champagnes, but there is now a growing niche market. Collectors are drawn by:

• Prosecco’s freshness combined with its mid-term aging potential; and
• The rarity of certain vintages and vineyard designations.

To better understand how these factors influence Prosecco cost, see the reference table below.

1. 1. Ruggeri Giustino B. Prosecco Extra Dry Superiore 2023 [ABV 11.5%]

   

   Tasting notes: Golden apple, white peach, citrus zest and acacia blossom.

   Entry-Level Prosecco

   From: $30-40

2. 2. Nino Franco Grave di Stecca Prosecco 2010 [ABV 12%]

   

   Tasting notes: Ripe pear, toasted almond, subtle honey and a creamy texture.

   Mid-Tier Prosecco

   From: $40-65

3. 3. Villa Sandi Superiore di Cartizze Vigna La Rivetta 2021 [ABV 11.5%]

   

   Tasting notes: Aromas of pear, wildflowers, stone fruits and a whisper of pastry.

   Single-Vineyard

   From: $65-100

4. 4. Trevisol & Figli Flor Prosecco (non-vintage) [ABV 12%]

   

   Tasting notes: Layers of citrus oil, wild herbs, saline minerality, and white truffle.

   Prestige / Collector Bottles

   From: $200-300

Top 3 high-end alternatives to Prosecco for connoisseurs

While Prosecco offers excellent value at accessible prices, it is really up for aging. However, Italy is also home to some premium wines similar to Prosecco that are exceptional high-end alternatives. Here is our top 3 selection:

• Ferrari Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore 2010, made from 100% Chardonnay using the Metodo Classico.
• Berlucchi ’61 Franciacorta Brut Nature 2012, a Franciacorta DOCG blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with no dosage added.
• Ca’ del Bosco Cuvée Annamaria Clementi 2006, a flagship Franciacorta, crafted from Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir with over 7 years on lees.

These bottles appeal to collectors and enthusiasts seeking more depth, complexity and prestige.

While Vintage Champagne gets aging praise, Prosecco is often dismissed as cheap and everyday. Yet in Conegliano Valdobbiadene, top producers are making refined, age-worthy Proseccos. It’s not collector-level yet but a quiet renaissance may be underway.

Prosecco wine vintage chart: how the years affect the quality

Prosecco is generally intended for early consumption, with most bottles showing best within one or two years of release. However, certain DOCG wines, especially those from Cartizze or Conegliano Valdobbiadene vineyards, can hold up well for up to 3-5 years.

With short term aging, you may notice changes in texture and secondary aromas such as dried fruit and toasted nuts. While it doesn’t have the long aging potential of Champagne, premium bottles from the best Prosecco vintages show solid structure and aging stability.

The Prosecco vintage chart below identifies the best years to look out for.

Vintage	Recommended Prosecco Wine	Vintage Characteristics
2022	Millesimato Prosecco Superiore di Conegliano 2022 – Canella	Hot and dry summer that led to early harvest. Resulted in riper fruit, lower acidity and fuller body.
2020	Prosecco Extra Dry 2020 – Angelo Bartolin	Balanced year with good rainfall and sunshine. Very approachable vintage that produced round, aromatic wines.
2017	Superiore di Cartizze Vigna La Rivetta 2017 – Villa Sandi	Challenging spring with frosts followed by a hot, dry summer. Lower yields but very concentrated grapes.
2013	Giustino B. Prosecco Superiore 2013 – Ruggieri	Cool and wet spring delayed flowering, but sunny September salvaged ripeness. Great aging potential for DOCG bottles.
2011	Asolo Prosecco Millesimato Dry Superiore 2011 – Azienda Agricola Colli Asolani	Warm vintage with a long summer. Good ripeness and balance, with elegant fruit and well developed aromatics. Wines aged gracefully.
2008	Grave di Stecca Prosecco 2008 – Nino Franco	Cooler year with a long growing season. Excellent for long term aging in high quality bottlings.

5 essential tips to serve Prosecco  as a beginner

Prosecco is a straightforward wine for beginners thanks to its low alcohol, fresh taste, and good value. Here are 5 practical tips for getting started:

1. Choose non vintage bottles: these are fruit-forward and easy to drink.
2. Serve at 43-46°F: this balances the Prosecco ABV and highlights freshness.
3. Pair with light food: seafood, sushi or fresh cheese work best. Avoid rich dishes.
4. Use a Prosecco price comparison: find bottles that suit your budget and taste.
5. Let it breathe briefly: a few minutes in the glass can help bring out aromatics.

Bonus tip: try the mini Prosecco bottles first! They are ideal for tasting different styles without committing to a full bottle.

Use the following guide to match food with the right Prosecco style and age:

Prosecco Style	Our Recommendation	Best to Pair with
Non-vintage Prosecco (NV)	Stella Rosa Prosecco Gold V.S.  Treviso	Sushi, grilled vegetables, mild cheeses.
Aged Prosecco (DOCG, 3-5 yrs)	Nino Franco Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano Prosecco 2021	Duck breast, seafood tagliatelle, hard cheeses.

Which Prosecco glasses should you use?

Despite its iconic status, the flute is not always the best glass for enjoying Prosecco. While it preserves the bubbles, it restricts the wine’s aromatic expression, especially in higher quality DOCG or aged bottles. A wider tulip or standard white wine glass allows the aromas to fully emerge.

If you do prefer a flute, opt for one that isn’t too narrow, so the aromas have room to develop. You will find some examples of the right Prosecco glasses in our table below:

What are the official Prosecco producing regions in Italy?

Prosecco is made in the northeastern part of Italy, with its heartland in the regions of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. This area is recognized globally as the official Prosecco region, covering over 24,000 hectares, with the highest quality wines classified under DOCG status.

Key communes producing the best Italian prosecco are:

• Valdobbiadene: produces Prosecco with high acidity and refined bubbles. Its wines show the most minerality and aging potential.
  Try a classic: Cartizze Prosecco Superiore 2021 by Bisol
• Conegliano: known for a slightly warmer climate, Conegliano is also home to Italy’s oldest winemaking school.
  Try a classic: Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore 2015 by Foss Marai
• Asolo: located near the Dolomites, Asolo wines can often age for several years and still retain freshness.
  Try a classic: Col Fondo Asolo Prosecco Superiore by Case Paolin

These DOCG areas represent the pinnacle of Prosecco Italy production, offering the most terroir-driven and age-worthy expressions.

Prosecco compared: how does it stack up against other bubbles?

Many consumers confuse white sparkling wines, assuming they all belong to the same category. Is Prosecco bubbly? Yes. But is Prosecco Champagne? Absolutely not! Prosecco is a distinct style of its own.

Here’s a clear breakdown of how Prosecco compares to other popular sparkling wines:

• Prosecco vs Champagne
  Prosecco is fruitier, lighter and more affordable. Champagne is French, made using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. It’s richer, toastier, and more complex.
• Spumante vs Prosecco
  Spumante simply means “sparkling” in Italian and refers to any fully sparkling wine. So, all Prosecco is Spumante but not all Spumante is Prosecco. The same logic applies to sparkling wine vs Prosecco.
• Cava vs Prosecco
  Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine, made mainly in Catalonia with local grapes like Macabeo and Parellada. Compared to Prosecco, Cava is often drier, earthier and more structured.

The last point to clear up is the common confusion between Brut vs Prosecco. Brut isn’t a type of wine: it’s a dryness level, meaning the wine has less than 12 g/L of sugar. Prosecco can be Brut, but it also comes in other styles like Extra Dry, Extra Brut, and Dry.

Next, we’ll introduce a comparison table of these wines to help you explore beyond the basics.

Wine / Main Grape	Top Prosecco Wine & Producer	Wine style
Champagne (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay)	Champagne PR 19/90 – Henri Giraud, 1990	Rich, complex, aged with brioche and toasted notes.
Cava (Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada)	Clos Damiana Gran Reserva – Cava Mestres, 2009	Dry, structured, and nutty with long aging.
Asti Spumante (100% Moscato)	Asti Spumante Sparkling Wine, Tosti, NV	Sweet, aromatic, low-alcohol, fruity and floral.
Franciacorta (Chardonnay)	Franciacorta Milledi Brut – Ferghettina, 2017	Elegant, dry, refined bubbles. Champagne-style Italian sparkling.

How to drink Prosecco? 3 simple moves for maximum bubbles

Knowing how to serve Prosecco properly can elevate even the most affordable bottle. From preserving its signature freshness to enhancing fruity and floral aromas, the right temperature and tools make all the difference.

Here are some serving tips:

1. Store in a dark place at around 50–55°F, bottle standing up.
2. Serve well chilled, ideally between 38–45°F depending on the style.
3. Do not decant! This would cause a loss of effervescence.

And when it comes to how to open Prosecco, be careful. Always point the bottle away from people: the pressure inside can cause the cork to pop unexpectedly. For a safe and easy opening, follow the 4 steps to open a bottle of Champagne: they apply perfectly to Prosecco too!

What exquisite dishes elevate your prosecco food pairing?

Forget the old cliché that Prosecco only pairs with aperitivo snacks. To get the most from this wine, you need to match its acidity, body, and sugar level to the dish.

Always check the label: the style gives you a roadmap for pairing! Keep in mind that:

• Brut Prosecco cuts through fat and salt.
• Extra Dry highlights creamy or subtly sweet elements.
• Aged DOCG bottles hold up against richer food, even truffle!

This guide breaks it down with practical examples of Prosecco food pairing. No fluff, just matches that work!

Food	Best Prosecco Bottle	ABV	Type & Structure
Seafood Risotto or Pasta	Ruggeri Giustino B. Prosecco Extra Dry Superiore 2023	11,5%	Light, crisp, balanced acidity.
Fried Seafood, Calamari, Tempura	Bottega Prosecco Gold NV	11%	Fresh, lively bubbles, medium-bodied.
Fresh cheeses (Burrata, Ricotta, Feta)	Sorelle Bronca Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Particella 68 Extra Dry	11%	Creamy texture, bright acidity.
Summer salads, Crudités, Poke Bowls	Mionetto Luxury Prosecco Cartizze	11%	Elegant, floral, fine bubbles.
Fish Tartare, Sushi, Light Carpaccio	Villa Sandi Superiore di Cartizze Vigna La Rivetta 2023	11,5%	Delicate, refined, mineral notes.