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10 best proseccos

A good-value alternative to champers, sales of the Italian fizz are on the rise. Here's our pick of the finest fizz

Sunday 31 August 2014 06:00 BST

Prosecco picture

Prosecco is a lighter, crisper alternative to Champagne – and at a fraction of the price, it’s no wonder it’s growing so fast in popularity.

It is made from white Prosecco (Glera) grapes from the Valdobbiadene/Conegliano region of Italy. And whilst you can enjoy it on its own, you can also add fresh peach juice to make a classic Bellini or Crème de Cassis for a Kir Royale.

1. Waitrose San Leo, £11, Waitrose

This pale, creamy-textured prosecco has flowery notes and a light peach flavour that makes it ideal for turning into a Bellini by adding peach juice. On its own, it is delicate, yet well-balanced and very easy on the palate, making it a great crowd-pleaser.

2. Prosecco Asolo Bele Casel, £15, Bbr

Be sure to have a second bottle cooled and ready as this is so good that one will never seem enough, particularly if you’re drinking it with friends. Dry with clean, fresh fruit flavours including grapefruit and peach, at least you can console yourself, at 11 per cent proof, it’s relatively light in alcohol.

3. Aldi Valdobbiadene, £8, Aldi

This complex flavoured, stylish bubbly has an undertone of peach and apple, making it a great option as the Autumn sets in. Particularly refreshing and delicate, but also lightly creamy, it comes from North East Italy.

4. Hotel Chocolat Valbobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, £18, Hotelchocolat

5. M&S Prosecco Zardetto NV, £13, Marks & Spencer

M&S do an impressive range of proseccos, all of them boasting the hallmark lightness and fruity taste, but our vote goes to this particularly vibrant, off-dry and pronounced sparkling wine from the heart of the Congegliano hills, which makes an ideal apéritif or party wine.

6. Prosecco Salatin Extra Dry, £12, Majestic

Even those who usually stay clear of sparkling wines, for fear of them tasting too acidic, seem to be turned by this stunning, light and delicate prosecco, which is fabulously aromatic and zesty. Enjoy this thirst quencher on its own or with seafood.

7. Bisol Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Cartizze, £32, Selfridges

This doesn’t come cheap, but it’s such a delicious sparkler that this faintly off-dry prosecco is well worth the extra money if you can afford it. Beautifully floral, with a slightly creamy nose, it is full on the palate, with a particularly elegant, uplifting finish.

8. Rude Wines Prosecco Valdobbiadene, £13, Rudewines

This award-winning dry fizz is an excellent value alternative to Champagne. Vibrant straw yellow in colour, it has an elegant floral bouquet and is fabulously fruity, while remaining refreshing on the palate.

9. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference, £10, Sainsbury's

Refreshing but not too dry, this is a perfect drink for warm days or evenings – anytime really. Particularly light and fruity, it is frequently on special offer, although a prosecco of this quality is still a bargain at just a tenner.

10. Tesco Finest Bisol, £8, Tesco

This award-winning, deliciously soft sparkling wine is a top choice for a budget-friendly wedding drink, thanks to its wonderfully fresh and delicate taste of just-ripe pear flavours, along with its elegant finish and bubbles that aren’t too intense.

Verdict:

Waitrose San Leo is an easy-to-drink (a little too easy, in fact) sparkly and at under £7, it’s an absolute bargain. Bisol Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Cartizze wins hands-down at the more luxury end.

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