Sommeliers Unveil Best Supermarket Prosecco for Every Budget
Celebrations often call for a glass of bubbles, and prosecco remains a popular choice for dinner parties and special occasions across the UK. Fortunately, premium quality fizz doesn't require a hefty budget, as supermarkets are stocked with sommelier-approved options. Before selecting a bottle, it's essential to understand what makes authentic prosecco stand out.
True prosecco originates exclusively from the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions in north-eastern Italy, protected by DOC status, ensuring at least 85% glera grapes are used. Unlike champagne, prosecco is crafted using the Charmat method, involving tank fermentation, which preserves fruity notes like green apple, pear, and honeysuckle. Katie Brook, a wine critic, notes, "It's fresh, crisp, easy-drinking and often a little sweeter than champagne, which appeals to a lot of consumers."
When shopping, Gemma Boucher, a wine consultant, advises, "Look for brut styles and DOCG labels like asolo or conegliano-valdobbiadene. These tend to offer more freshness, finesse, and complexity compared to basic prosecco DOC."
Top Prosecco Picks from UK Supermarkets
- La Gioiosa Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut Millesimato 2022 - Priced at £14 from Waitrose, this bottle is hailed by experts for its refined taste from the hilly Asolo region, offering floral and green fruit aromas. Boucher praises it as a food-friendly option perfect for aperitivos.
- Sainsbury's Conegliano Prosecco - At just £6, this affordable fizz is recommended by Brook for its freshness, ideal for sharing with friends or using in cocktails.
- Morrisons The Best Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG - Costing £10, this prosecco from the renowned Valdobbiadene area is described as light and fresh with a brilliant finish, suitable for any occasion.
- Tesco Finest Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG - Also £10, this silver award-winning brut style prosecco is drier than typical options, making it a top choice for those preferring a dry fizz.
- Aldi Prosecco Spumante DOCG Valdobbiadene - Available for £8, this bottle surprises with high quality at a low price, featuring orchard fruit notes and a slightly sweet extra dry profile, perfect for parties.
- Bottega Gold Prosecco DOC Brut - Priced at £26 from Ocado, this premium option is noted for its sustainability efforts and fine brut-style bubbles with floral and citrus aromas, ideal for festive canapés.
- M&S Prosecco - At £8, this classic dry and aromatic prosecco from a prestigious winemaker offers lively bubbles and is a crowd-pleaser for celebrations.
Expert Insights on Selecting Prosecco
On a recent trip to Italy, Katie Brook tasted various prosecco styles, from brut nature to extra dry. Elly Owen, a sommelier, explains, "Prosecco can come from a large area, so looking for regional specifics ensures higher quality." Desirable regions include Cartizze, often called the 'Grand Cru' of Valdobbiadene, known for exceptional bottles. Brook adds, "Prosecco labelled conegliano-valdobbiadene isn't hard to find in supermarkets, offering great value."
For budget-friendly options, Aldi, M&S, and Sainsbury's bottles under £9 come from top Italian regions like Valdobbiadene. The La Gioiosa prosecco from Waitrose, under £15, showcases impressive terroir, while the Bottega gold bottle serves as a stunning centrepiece for those willing to spend more.
Meet the Wine Experts
- Emilee Tombs - Assistant travel editor at The Independent with a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, contributing to publications like Noble Rot and Ocado Life magazine.
- Gemma Boucher - Qualified wine consultant and writer, focusing on sustainable practices and lesser-known wine regions.
- Katie Brook - Journalist and wine reviewer with a decade of experience, founder of Run To Wine, a club combining running with tastings.
- Elly Owen - Freelance sommelier and wine educator, working to make wine accessible and hosting masterclasses for notable chefs.
