As Champagne prepares for its annual New Year spotlight, Prosecco continues to capture global attention with its winning formula: approachability, affordability, and authenticity.
In a world grappling with rising living costs, Prosecco’s cheerful sparkle offers a luxurious experience without the lofty price tag — and consumers are clearly taking notice.
According to the Prosecco Consortium, production reached a record 660 million bottles in 2024, with 82% sold internationally, confirming that this Italian icon shows no signs of losing its fizz. While many traditional sparkling regions are struggling with slower sales, Prosecco continues to rise — both in volume and reputation.
🌿 The Craft Behind the Bubbles
Part of Prosecco’s enduring success lies in its production method. Unlike Champagne’s labor-intensive méthode traditionnelle, Prosecco is crafted using the Charmat method, in which secondary fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks. This preserves the fresh, floral, and fruity character of the Glera grape, giving Prosecco its signature brightness.
Some artisanal producers experiment with the methode ancestrale, a bottle-fermented process leaving the wine slightly cloudy — an unfiltered nod to traditional winemaking that’s increasingly popular with natural wine enthusiasts.
Just like Champagne, Prosecco fiercely protects its name and regional identity, ensuring that only wines produced in the delimited zones of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia may bear the name.
The Top 10 Proseccos of 2025
This year’s Wine-Searcher ranking showcases ten outstanding Proseccos — each scoring 91 points or higher from aggregated critic reviews. Even more impressive: nine of the ten wines cost less than USD 30, proving that excellence doesn’t always demand extravagance.
1. Nino Franco Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano Superiore
- Score: 92 pts
- Price: USD 20
- Profile: Elegant, single-vineyard precision. Founded in 1919, Nino Franco remains a benchmark of Valdobbiadene quality and style.
2. Adriano Adami Vigneto Giardino Rive di Colbertaldo Dry
- Score: 91 pts
- Price: USD 22
- Profile: A refined, sustainably made Prosecco that balances floral charm with bright acidity.
3. Nani Rizzi Millesimato Extra Brut Valdobbiadene DOCG
- Score: 93 pts
- Price: USD 16
- Profile: A family legacy since 1887, now managed by the Spagnol family’s new generation — offering remarkable value for its class.
4. Bortolomiol 70th Anniversary Brut Nature
- Score: 92 pts
- Price: USD 21
- Profile: A tribute to the founder Giuliano Bortolomiol. Crisp, dry, and full of celebratory energy.
- Score: 91 pts
- Price: USD 24
- Profile: Structured and expressive, showcasing the producer’s signature finesse and balance.
- Score: 91 pts
- Price: USD 32
- Profile: Biodynamic and minimal-intervention sparkling wine, with notes of pear, herbs, and minerality.
7. Adriano Adami Col Credas Rive di Farra di Soligo Brut
- Score: 91 pts
- Price: USD 21
- Profile: Vibrant, with floral aromatics and a persistent finish — a classic from Adami’s hillside vineyards.
8. Silvano Follador Extra Brut
- Score: 91 pts
- Price: USD 28
- Profile: Crafted by siblings Silvano and Alberta Follador, biodynamic since 2005; dry, precise, and authentic.
- Score: 91 pts
- Price: USD 20
- Profile: A modern classic — generous fruit, creamy texture, and signature Valdobbiadene purity.
10. Col Vetoraz Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Cartizze DOCG
- Score: 91 pts
- Price: USD 29
- Profile: From one of the most prized hillsides in Valdobbiadene, this Cartizze delivers finesse and complexity.
Quality Beyond Price
With critic scores rivaling many mid-range Champagnes, these Proseccos demonstrate that great sparkling wine doesn’t have to break the bank. The highest-priced bottle in the ranking, Ca’ dei Zago Dosaggio Zero, costs just USD 32, while several outstanding examples sit closer to USD 20 — a testament to Prosecco’s ability to balance craftsmanship with accessibility.
Moreover, the consistent quality of top Prosecco producers like Nino Franco, Adami, and Bortolomiol reflects not only generational expertise but also a growing focus on terroir and sustainability.
The Broader Picture
While Champagne continues to dominate prestige markets, Prosecco’s strength lies in its democratic appeal. Its approachable profile, versatility in cocktails, and adaptability to diverse cuisines make it a global favorite. From brunch tables in London to rooftop bars in New York, Prosecco remains the sparkle of choice for modern consumers seeking everyday luxury.
As 2025 unfolds, Wine-Searcher’s ranking reminds us that Prosecco’s charm lies in its simplicity, consistency, and joy — proving that not all celebration requires extravagance, but rather, authenticity in every glass.
Source: Wine-Searcher