What Is The Best Prosecco? Top 7 Bottles, According To Experts -

Prosecco is a sparkling white wine that often has a sweet, fruity taste on the palate. Prosecco is a party pleaser, transforming any occasion into one hell of a celebration. You think because it’s light and bubbly, you won’t feel the hammer of the drink. Well, let me warn you: it sneaks up on you. Whether you’re clinking glasses for accomplishments, birthdays, or just surviving the week, a bottle of the best prosecco is the perfect treat.

Unlike its Champagne counterpart, prosecco boasts a distinct production method called the Charmat method. This tank fermentation process utilizes the “Méthode Italienne,” where sugar and yeast are added to a base wine, triggering a second fermentation within large steel tanks. This creates the signature light, bubbly character that distinguishes prosecco.

How is prosecco made?

Base Wine: The journey begins with grapes, primarily Glera, grown in specific regions of Italy. These grapes undergo a traditional winemaking process, resulting in a still base wine.
Second Fermentation: The base wine is then transferred to large pressurized tanks, where sugar and yeast are introduced. This triggers a secondary fermentation, creating the bubbles we adore.
Maturation: After fermentation, the prosecco rests in tanks or bottles for varying periods, depending on the desired style and quality. This allows the flavors and aromas to develop further.
Disgorgement (Optional): For some prosecco styles, sediment may accumulate during maturation. This sediment is traditionally removed through a process called disgorgement, followed by the addition of a small amount of liqueur d’expédition to adjust sweetness.

Types of Prosecco:

From light and vibrant to rich and complex, prosecco offers a diverse spectrum of styles to suit every palate:

Prosecco Brut: This dry style boasts the purest expression of Glera grapes, perfect for celebrating or pairing with food.
Prosecco Extra Dry: Slightly sweeter than Brut, Extra Dry offers a touch of fruitiness while remaining versatile and food-friendly.
Prosecco Dry: This category showcases a balanced sweetness, ideal for enjoying on its own or with lighter appetizers.
Prosecco Millesimato: Produced in exceptional vintages, Millesimato prosecco offers a higher level of complexity and depth.
Prosecco Rosé: A delightful newcomer, Rosé prosecco features red grapes like Pinot Noir, adding a touch of color and fruity notes.

Regardless of your flavor preference, prosecco makes the perfect addition to any gathering or meal. It’s better than chocolate, honestly. It’s even better than a hot shower when you’ve been single for so long you’ve forgotten what human touch feels like! Maybe it’s not that good. We at StudyFinds highly suggest you peruse this list of the best Prosecco money can buy, according to experts. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Glasses of prosecco (Photo by Oliver Sherwin on Unsplash)

The List: Best Prosecco, According to Experts

1. Ruffino Prosecco

Our first pick is a bottle you may recognize, as it is very popular. “Ruffino Prosecco captivates with a harmonious blend of Glera grapes, offering vibrant flavors of green apple and pear, accompanied by delicate floral undertones, creating a stimulating and delightful experience on the palate. Each sip of Ruffino Prosecco will leave you with a delightful and energizing taste thanks to its lively and crisp sensation, hints of fruitiness, and a touch of sweetness. Let the magic of Ruffino Prosecco elevate your experience and create unforgettable memories. Cheers to the enchanting allure of Ruffino Prosecco,” says My Bar Tender.

This reviewer recommends what to pair this bottle with. “A quintessential bottle. Peaches and pears waft to the forefront of this delicate, clean bubbly. Reach for this guy when you’re hankering for pizza and need something to sip with it,” writes Delish.

There’s a meal plan preferred by this reviewer. “With a fresh yellow hue and lasting bubbles this Prosecco is perfect to serve at brunch: it pairs well with smoked salmon, fresh fruit salads, and is great with a splash or fruit juice to make a mimosa,” shares The Pioneer Woman.

2. Mionetto Prosecco Brut

Number two on our list is Mionetto. “If you’re looking for something you can serve in any style, go for Mionetto. It’ll be your go-to for mimosas at brunch, but it’s also excellent as is to sip or serve with most meals, even spicier foods. It has a well-balanced medium body with a hint of honey, peach, and apple,” shares The Pioneer Woman.

A prosecco toast is the ultimate mood enhancer. “Indulge in the exquisite Mionetto Brut Prosecco, a symphony of flavors that tantalize the palate. Its lively fizz dances alongside note of green apple, citrus, and white peach, creating a harmonious blend that cools the senses. Crafted with meticulous care, Mionetto Brut Prosecco hails from the vineyards of Italy, where the finest Glera grapes are nurtured to perfection. Savor the delightful moments that this exceptional Prosecco brings. Cheers to a life filled with effervescence and celebration,” says My Bar Tender

With this prosecco, you will make all of your memories a little more bubbly. “For a party, why not try mini bottles? They’re adorable and great as favors for guests to take home. Mionetto is an iconic Prosecco brand, and their single-serve bottles come in both Brut and rosé styles. A super fun option is to serve each mini bottle with a straw for easy sipping (and less glassware to wash after your soiree!),” writes Food Network.

3. Bottega Prosecco Brut Gold

The bottle alone for this prosecco is enough to convince you to grab it off the shelf. “For celebrations, take the toast over-the-top with one of the most festive bottle options: Bottega Gold. Served from a bright, sparkly, laminated gold bottle, nothing says ‘cheers’ like a pour of this luxe wine,” writes Food Network.

Bottega is known for bubbles and joy, all in one glass. “With its gilded bottle, Bottega may look like a flashy new brand, but it’s been around since the 17th century with a portfolio that also spans grappa and award-winning liquors. Starting from a humble vineyard, spumante Prosecco started being bottled in 1992, with the now-familiar gold bottles sitting pretty as the best-selling sparkling wine in travel retail since 2017, according to IWSR rankings. No wonder; the bottle makes an impressive gift for wine drinkers and its contents are a delight too, with Glera grapes offering refreshing notes of apple, pear, acacia and lily,” says Standard.

You know, life’s too short for flat drinks. “Bottega’s gold bottle will make quite the impact on this year’s festive table. Flavour-wise, it offers up stone fruit and candied citrus, with a short yet sweet finish,” shares Red Online.

4. La Marca Prosecco

Number four on our list is La Marca. “This fruity Prosecco has notes of green apple and peach, and is great paired with anything from a sweet and salty cheese board to fruit pies for dessert. It’s a popular brand, so you’ll find it easily in most places, too,” shares The Pioneer Woman.

Apparently, La Marca is the Tiffany of the prosecco world. “I’ve seen it. You’ve seen it. This Tiffany-blue label is everywhere— but deservedly. Citrus and honeysuckle shine in this crisp, refreshing bubbly with subtle sweetness,” writes Delish.

If you want to feel fancy and bubbly, this is the one. “La Marca Prosecco is a captivating expression of Italian craftsmanship and sparkling excellence. Known for its exceptional quality, La Marca Prosecco enchants with its vibrant aromas, crisp flavors, and lively effervescence. With each sip, you’ll experience a harmonious balance of fruitiness and floral notes, creating a delightful and refreshing palate. Immerse yourself in the sparkling allure of La Marca Prosecco and discover why it has become a beloved choice for sparkling wine enthusiasts worldwide,” says My Bar Tender.

5. La Gioiosa Prosecco DOC

Another expert favorite is from La Gioiosa. “La Gioiosa impressed our tasting panel with its light, well-balanced aroma (think tart citrus, crisp apple and peach), expressive bubbles and refreshing mouthfeel. Excellent value, this would make a great aperitif alongside lighter canapés,” shares Red Online.

This brand uses frozen grapes, which are delicious on their own when you want something sweet, light, and refreshing. “La Gioiosa’s process involves freezing the grapes to zero degrees immediately after they are squeezed. Taste the benefits of this method in a bouquet of fresh white flowers, pears and stone fruits,” writes Square Meal.

This reviewer compares this prosecco to elegance and joy. “Step into a world of pure enchantment with La Gioiosa Prosecco DOC, a true testament to the captivating allure of Prosecco. This esteemed Italian sparkling wine captures the essence of celebration, delivering an exquisite symphony of flavors and aromas. With its vibrant and lively character, La Gioiosa Prosecco DOC embodies the perfect balance of elegance and joy. From its fine bubbles that dance upon the palate to its citrus and floral notes, this sparkling gem promises a delightful experience that elevates any moment of indulgence,” says My Bar Tender.

6. Waitrose Blueprint Prosecco DOC

Number six on our list is the Waitrose Blueprint. “Waitrose excels with this bargain bottle of fizz. Crisp green apple, pear and peach dominate the palate, while tart lemon helps to keep the prosecco ‘fresh and light’ according to our testers. They also enjoyed the long-lasting, velvety bubbles,” writes Good House Keeping.

You think you have to go to a ritzy wine tasting to experience delicious flavor, but think again. “Our blind tasting panel couldn’t believe it when they were told this was a supermarket Prosecco. This well-balanced bottle will satisfy traditionalists with its delicate aromas of apple, pear and blossom. Serve straight up or experiment with festive cocktails,” shares Red Online.

Here’s the secret recipe: sip, smile, repeat. “Waitrose Prosecco is crafted with care, using the finest Glera grapes, resulting in a distinctive sparkling wine that stands out from the rest. Its unique blend showcases a delicate balance of fruity notes and vibrant acidity, setting it apart from other drinks in its category. Best served chilled, indulging in Waitrose Prosecco will treat your palate to a refreshing and satisfying experience. Immerse yourself in the charm of Waitrose Prosecco, a delightful choice that will add sparkle to any celebration or moment of indulgence,” says My Bar Tender.

7. Bisol Cartizze Prosecco Superiore

Last but not least on our list is Bisol Cartizze. “The word to remember when seeking out a bottle of Prosecco that goes above and beyond? Cartizze. This unique designation denotes the highest-quality wines coming out of the region, as fruit is sourced from the region’s best vineyard sites. Bisol’s expression shows a beautiful straw yellow hue in the glass, opening up to aromas of white flowers, tree fruits, and peaches. On the palate, flavors of sliced pears, white peach, and a touch of sweet pastry dough lead to a rich and palate-coating finish,” shares Liquor.

Pinkies in the air for this prosecco. “Prosecco Superiore is a category that represents the highest quality Prosecco, limited to a small growing area that’s considered to be the best in the region. Rather than simply delivering on freshness, fizz and fun, Prosecco Superiore wines have more complexity and show more nuance of the terroir. Cartizze (car-TEET-say) is a tiny hilly area considered the most prestigious place for Prosecco grapes to grow. This bottle is intense, rich and totally worth the splurge,” writes Food Network.

“Stratified nose with hints of acacia, aromatic herbs, lime, and bread crust. The sip is crunchy, with a nice flavor that leaves the mouth fresh and citrusy. Fine perlage, granular flavor and lots of fruit are the essence of this Cartizze. Fully qualified among the best prosecco value for money,” says Italy Finest Wines.

How to choose the best prosecco:

Finding the “best” prosecco is a subjective journey, influenced by personal preferences and the occasion. Here are some tips to guide your quest.

Identify your style: Do you crave crispness or craveability? Do you prefer dry or a touch of sweetness? Understanding your palate is key.
Consider the producer: Research reputable producers known for their commitment to quality and traditional methods.
Look for DOCG designation: Opt for prosecco labelled DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), indicating adherence to strict regulations and quality standards.
Match your meal: Pair your prosecco with the food you’re serving. Brut styles complement seafood and light dishes, while sweeter options can handle richer fare.

Beyond the Bottle

Remember, the prosecco experience extends beyond the bottle. Explore these options to elevate your bubbly journey:

Prosecco cocktails: From classic Bellinis to refreshing spritzes, prosecco shines in various cocktails.
Food pairings: Experiment with pairing prosecco with different foods to discover unexpected harmony.
Cellaring: Some prosecco styles benefit from short-term cellaring, allowing the flavors to evolve.

With a newfound understanding of prosecco production and the key factors influencing its character, you’re now equipped to embark on a quest for the best bottle for every occasion. So raise a glass, celebrate the magic of bubbles, and savor the joy that prosecco brings. Cheers!

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.

Tags: wine