11 Editor-Approved Proseccos

The world of Prosecco is vast and inconsistent. If you want a memorable one, look for the Superiore DOCG designation.

For a long time, the Prosecco that dominated the American market tended to be of the cheap-and-cheerful variety. Not that there was anything wrong with that — fruit-forward fizz at a reasonable price is hard to argue with — but over the past few years, a new selection of Proseccos have been finding their way to this side of the Atlantic. Many of them are excellent, and often far more interesting than so many of the bulk-produced ones that still take up most retail shelves. More and more producers are crafting wines that express specific parts of the region, and in ways that would have been unimaginable to most Prosecco fans a decade ago.

As always, the key is to look for bottles from areas within the region, as opposed to simply listing “Prosecco” as the origin. It’s also worth looking for ones that have been grown or produced in environmentally responsible ways, which more of them are than before.) Whether it’s Conegliano Valdobbiadene or one of the specific Rive noted on the label, which refer to one of 43 steep hillside vineyards that produce the best grapes in the region, Prosecco is a deeply exciting part of the Italian wine world right now.

Finally, a note on the two rosés I’ve included here: It’s only been an official category of Prosecco for a couple of years, but in that short span of time, the quality and quantity seem to have gone up…in general. I tasted my share of mediocre ones, but overall, it’s an exciting part of the larger world of Prosecco.

Adami Bosco di Gica Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene DOCG

I opened a special 25th anniversary bottle from 2017 to see how it’s evolved over the years, and while their NV bottling is more widely available, this gem shows just how brilliantly the best Prosecco can age. It’s taken on a nutty character, the blanched almonds twisted up with honeysuckle and apricots, the bead of the bubbles laser-point fine, the finish shimmering with minerality, all of it kissed with caramel and white licorice.

Albino Armani Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry

This is a deliciously spicy expression of Prosecco, yet those white peppercorns and whole coriander seed notes are balanced by more honeyed flavors of white grapefruit and nectarines. All of it is underpinned with mashed almonds, which makes for a beautifully calibrated counterpoint.

BiancaVigna Prosecco Superiore Sui Lieviti Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Brut Nature 2021

This comes in a clear bottle (clothed in an anti-UV orange cellophane wrapper), and there is a streak of lees, or spent yeast, down the side of it–very unusual in the world of Prosecco. Aromatically, this Prosecco is reminiscent of high-quality apple cider, and a slightly oxidative note mingles with hints of sourdough before a palate of taut acidity and serious minerality sprints across the palate, carrying flavors of white licorice, hot stones, and the suggestion of shiso alongside hard apricots, seckel pears, and melon pith. This is a very serious Prosecco with personality and depth to spare.

Guinigi Prosecco DOC Rosé 2020

Fresh, bright, and full of life, this Prosecco vibrates with pink grapefruit and an underpinning of something vaguely smoky, like hot sidewalks on a summer day. Hints of compressed watermelon and rose water sweep in on the mouthwatering finish. This is a fantastic value that can be found for less than $15.

Mionetto Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG Dry

Upfront fruit reminiscent of orange sherbet, white peach granita, and sweet pears is cut by minerality and acidity before an herb-flecked finish. This represents the top of the range of Prosecco that Mionetto produces, and it’s both delicious and relatively easy to find.

Nino Franco Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene DOCG

Bright aromas of nectarines and peaches precede a palate more bracing and mineral than those notes imply. Oyster shell brininess on the finish serves as an excellent counterpoint to the hard honey candies, yellow peaches, and springtime blossoms of the palate of this layered, reliably delicious bottling.

Perlage Col di Manza Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene DOCG Millesimato 2021

Sweet honeyed pears and yellow apples are joined by hard apricots and honeysuckle, then cut through with the minerality of excellent terroir. This has the acid structure to age for another five to ten years, but with the generosity to work beautifully right now.

Piera 1899 Clar de Lune Prosecco DOC Rosé Brut Nature Millesimato 2021

Bright, mouthwatering flavors of cranberries, raspberries, and wild strawberries are concentrated yet elegant, kissed with rose petals, and pumped through with the acidity of freshly squeezed oranges. The chalky finish is reminiscent of citrus pith, and that pleasant, bracing bitterness demands another sip, and will work wonders with rich fish like salmon.

Toni Doro Prosecco Superiore Conegliano Valdobbiadene Rive di Carpesica Extra Brut 2021

This Prosecco is sustainably grown and vibrating with coiled energy. Hard pear and apple notes are anchored by a distinctly saline minerality reminiscent of oyster shells and seashore breezes.  The delicate whiff of springtime flowers on the long and balanced finish lends it all exquisite elegance.

Val d’Oca Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene Rive di San Pietro di Barbozza Brut 2021

Certified sustainable and almost chalk-like in its expression of the terroir, this is a layered, lovely showcase for honeysuckle, blanched almonds, and apricots, with an underpinning of granite and a lingering suggestion of hard pears.

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