Six of the best proseccos

Powered by Guardian.co.uk This article titled “Six of the best proseccos” was written by Fiona Beckett, for theguardian.com on Tuesday 19th November 2013 16.41 UTC

News today that prosecco is outselling champagne probably comes as no surprise but I sometimes wonder why its fortunes have soared so dramatically. (Wine merchant Majestic reports a 39% increase in sales in the last six months.)

A lot of the prosecco circulating at the moment is just plain nasty. It’s thin and slightly chemical-tasting – and you wonder why people don’t just drink cava, which is generally a bit cheaper.

The answer is that, to most palates, prosecco is more appealing. It’s softer and more creamy than cava (though cava is getting creamier) and generally quite a bit sweeter (prosecco typically contains 15-16g of sugar per litre compared to 9-10g for champagne), although without saying so on the bottle, because people don’t like to be reminded they like sweet drinks. It mixes better as well, especially with fresh fruit purees (the classic bellini) which makes it a better base for cocktails.

Compared with champagne it has a lighter fresher taste (it’s generally 11% rather than 12 or 12.5% ABV) and with a less aggressive fizz that makes it an easier party drink (not to mention the advantage in price).

There’s also the image issue. Prosecco, like most Italian words, rolls off the tongue in a mellifluous way. Cava sounds cheaper and more utilitarian

If you’re a prosecco fan I’d say it was worth trading up a bit. Don’t buy the cheapest you can lay your hands on – look for premium lines such as Tesco Finest and Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference, for a recent vintage (2012 in most cases) or for proseccos from the superior Valdobiaddene or Cartizze vineyards

Here are six that I rate – and look out for special offers:

Conte Priuli Prosecco

On offer at Marks & Spencer at £6.99 until 8 December.
Probably the best bargain out there right now (but these things change from day to day) Deliciously soft and with some real flavour. Bit toppy at the full price (£11.99) so buy now.

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Prosecco Conegliano DOCG 2012

£9.99 but frequently on special offer. Also available in magnum size.
A shade sweeter than it once was so maybe one for the panettone rather than an aperitif.

Tesco Finest Bisol Prosecco di Valdobiaddene

£9.99 but frequently on special offer.
Made by respected producer Bisol. Pleasant, creamy – slightly drier than the Sainsbury’s one

Lidl Conegliano Valdobbiadene Proseco Superiore 2012

£7.29.
My second-best buy for party drinking. A touch short – probably best for cocktails.

Botter Prosecco Frizzante

£9.50 The Good Wine Shop, £8.45 if you buy it online.
A really good party prosecco I discovered at Wine Car Boot this weekend. Proof that supermarkets don’t have all the bargains.

Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico

Best offer: £12.99 from James Nicholson, £14 Sommeliers Choice.
If you want to find out what a pukka prosecco tastes like try this one from producer Nino Prosecco. True, it’s no cheaper than the cheapest champagne but it’s considerably more enjoyable.