Prosecco Price, Sizes & Buying Guide

Prosecco is one of the most popular styles of sparkling wine in the entire world, and many people continue to buy prosecco due to a combination of its affordability and reliability.

This delicious Italian sparkling wine often carries tasting notes of pear and green apple, and nearly all bottles of prosecco are affordable and solid in quality.

While this famous style of Italian sparkling wine is generally affordable, there are different quality levels that are priced accordingly. Everyday bottles of prosecco are very affordable, and even the most highly regarded versions are much cheaper compared to high end Champagne.

A Brief History of Prosecco

Wine has been produced in Italy for thousands of years, and there are references to wine production in Italy all the way back to the years of Roman rule. It is thought that the Greeks were the first to bring wine grapes to the area, and Italy has one of the richest wine traditions of any country.

Prosecco is produced in a number of different areas around northern Italy, most notably the Veneto region. It is made using the Glera grape, which is rarely found outside of northern Italy today, though it is thought to be of Slovenian origin by historians and scientists.

Prosecco is an easy-drinking sparkling wine that carries bright-tasting notes which are often compared to the tastes of pear or green apple skin. It is not too sweet, but also easy to drink for those who don’t normally drink wine to enjoy.

Over the past few decades, prosecco has exploded on the international market, as more wine enthusiasts globally have demanded simple and easy-drinking sparkling wine that delivers quality without breaking the bank in terms of price.

While most high-end bottles of sparkling wine in the world require a labor-intensive process to achieve carbonation called the “traditional method,” prosecco is made using a much more cost-effective way of carbonating wine called the “tank method.”

The “tank method” of carbonating wine involved adding a large amount of still wine to a pressure-sealed container and adding carbonation through the use of gasses. This results in much larger bubbles compared to Champagne, and many people compare them to “beer bubbles.”

While some wine enthusiasts prefer the smaller and more refined bubbles that can only be achieved using the traditional method, others swear by the larger bubbles contained in prosecco. Many people prefer the texture of larger bubbles, and they are perfect for mixing with juice in wine mixers like mimosas.

Prosecco Prices, Variations, and Sizes

While all prosecco is produced in northern Italy using the Glera grape, there are a  number of different producers that use slightly different methods to make their products. There are certain classifications that are more sought after, and others that are considered to be value selections.

The majority of the most affordable prosecco selections on the market today will be labeled as NV, which stands for “Non Vintage.” These wines are made using a blend of different vintages to achieve a uniform taste year after year.

Another way that some of the more affordable prosecco  options on the market today are categorized is simply “prosecco.” More sought-after and high-end bottles will be more specific in terms of production location.

Some of the most high-end and expensive bottles of prosecco on the market hail from designated high-quality Italian wine-producing regions called “DOCGs.” These areas have stricter requirements when it comes to the way their grapes and wines are produced.

• La Marca Prosecco – $9 – $12 per bottle
• La Marca Prosecco Luminore DOCG $24 – $26 per bottle
• Bottega ‘Il Vino dei Poeti’ Prosecco $19 – $22 per bottle
• Bottega ‘Gold’ Prosecco Brut $24 – $28 per bottle
• Bottega ‘Stella’ Prosecco Spumante Millesimato Brut $30 – $35 per bottle
• Bisol Crede Brut $20 – $23 per bottle
• Bisol Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG $30 – $35 per bottle

Prosecco Alternatives

While prosecco is one of the most popular and easily recognizable styles of sparkling wine in the entire world, it is far from the only one. There are many different styles of sparkling wine on the market today from all over the world, and each brings something different to the table.

Champagne is by far the most popular style of sparkling wine in the world, and it is produced in France using the traditional method of carbonation. Many of the top producers of Champagne charge thousands of dollars per bottle, and there is no shortage of demand for these selections.

Cremant is another French sparkling wine that is produced using the traditional method. It offers the same delicate bubbles and refined textures and flavors often present in Champagne for a fraction of the price depending on the producer.

Cava is an easy-drinking Spanish sparkling wine that has become very popular all over the world due to its affordability and approachability. This is one of the best sparkling wines for inexperienced palates, as the flavors are simple and the price tag is often very reasonable.

How To Drink Prosecco

Prosecco should always be served chilled, and it is important to pour all four glasses of prosecco fairly soon after opening the bottle. Waiting too long to enjoy a second glass can result in a flat glass of wine that does not bring the full amount of carbonation to the table.

Prosecco should always be served in a champagne flute or white wine glass, as these are the two best options to enjoy the full flavors that prosecco has to offer. Both flutes and white wine glasses feature small diameter rims that help to concentrate the aromas of the wine,

While stemless flutes and wine glasses have become popular over the past decade due to their sleek look and easy storage, these are not recommended for prosecco. It is important to always hold a prosecco glass by the stem to avoid contact with the bowl, which can warm up the wine.

Prosecco is also the drink of choice for many when it comes to mixing up mimosas, as the tart flavors and large “beer bubbles” work well with the orange juice to create a mixed drink that is balanced and texturally intriguing.

Prosecco Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Prosecco Taste Like?

Many wine enthusiasts say that the tasting notes in prosecco are similar to that of green apples or pears. Others compare the flavor to a simple and straightforward white wine, and the bubbles are large which adds an interesting depth of texture.

What Is the Difference Between Prosecco and Champagne?

Prosecco is produced in many different sub-regions of northern Italy, most famously Veneto, while Champagne is only produced in the Champagne region of France. Champagne is thought of as very high quality and is much more expensive when compared to prosecco.

Why Are the Bubbles in Prosecco So Large?

Prosecco is made using a process called the “Tank Method” or the “Charmat Method” where large quantities of wine are added to a pressurized tank and carbonated at once. This economical process leaves the wine with much larger bubbles compared to other methods.