Prosecco has become a staple in the UK, a go-to choice for everything from weekend brunches to major celebrations. Yet, with so many bottles lining the shelves, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Are you looking for a crisp aperitif, a fruity crowd-pleaser for a party, or an elegant prosecco gift?
As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the options. This guide offers practical advice and highlights a few standout choices to help you buy prosecco online with confidence, ensuring you find the perfect bottle for any occasion.
A little knowledge goes a long way when selecting an Italian sparkling wine. Keep these points in mind to find a bottle that suits your palate and purpose.
Most Prosecco you'll find is labelled Prosecco DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata). This designation guarantees the wine comes from a specific, large area in North-Eastern Italy and adheres to strict production rules. It's a reliable mark of authentic Prosecco.
The sweetness level is another key factor. The terms can be a bit confusing, but here’s a simple breakdown:
The versatility of Prosecco is one of its greatest strengths, but different styles shine in different settings. A brut prosecco is an excellent choice for an aperitif or to pair with savoury foods like seafood, cured meats and canapés. Its dryness cuts through richness and cleanses the palate.
For a larger gathering or a prosecco for celebration, an Extra Dry is often a safe bet. This style of fruity sparkling wine is a crowd-pleaser that works well on its own or with a variety of party foods. It's also the classic choice for making cocktails like the Bellini or Aperol Spritz.
Here are a few recommendations from our catalogue, each offering something a little different.
Why It Stands Out: The first thing you notice about the Freixenet Prosecco is its stunning cut-glass bottle. It’s designed to be a centrepiece, making it an excellent choice for gifting or adding a touch of glamour to a dinner party. Beyond its looks, this is a quality Prosecco DOC made from Glera grapes, delivering a light, refreshing taste with lively bubbles.
Pros:
Who is it for? Anyone looking to make an impression. It’s ideal for hosts of stylish celebrations or as a sophisticated gift that looks as good as it tastes.
Why It Stands Out: This Prosecco is all about accessible, easy-drinking enjoyment. It’s an uncomplicated and friendly sparkling wine that delivers exactly what you expect: bright, fruity flavours and gentle bubbles. With notes of sweet peach and apple, it’s a straightforward and reliable choice.
Pros:
Who is it for? Social hosts who need a dependable and enjoyable fizz for parties, barbecues, or casual weeknight sipping. It’s for those who want a simple, tasty option without any fuss.
Why It Stands Out: As a Brut prosecco, La Gioiosa offers a classic, dry and refined experience. The name translates to "The Joyful," reflecting its origins in the Treviso region, known as a "joyful and loving home." This wine is masterfully produced to be incredibly fresh and flavourful, with a clean, harmonious finish. It's also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Pros:
Who is it for? Those who appreciate a drier, more traditional style of sparkling wine. It’s an excellent choice as an aperitif before a meal or for pairing with a wide range of dishes.
These three bottles represent just a fraction of the wonderful world of Prosecco. If you’re searching for a different style, such as a Prosecco Rosé or a premium DOCG, there are many more to discover.
Explore our full collection of Prosecco sparkling wine to find the perfect match for your taste and occasion.
The main differences lie in their origin, grapes and production method. Prosecco is from the Veneto region of Italy and is made primarily from the Glera grape using the Tank Method (Charmat-Martinotti), where the second fermentation happens in large steel tanks. This process is quicker and preserves the fresh, fruity character of the grapes. Champagne is from the Champagne region of France, typically uses Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, and is made using the Traditional Method, where the second fermentation occurs in the individual bottle. This method is more labour-intensive and imparts complex, yeasty notes of brioche and toast.
Prosecco is best served chilled, ideally between 6-8°C. Store the bottle in the fridge for a few hours before serving. To open, remove the foil and wire cage while keeping a thumb on the cork. Point the bottle away from yourself and others at a 45-degree angle and gently twist the bottle (not the cork) until the cork eases out with a quiet sigh, not a loud pop. Serve in a tulip-style glass, which is better than a flute for concentrating the wine's aromas.
The vast majority of Prosecco is Spumante (fully sparkling). However, you can also find Frizzante (lightly sparkling), which has gentler bubbles, and, very rarely, Tranquillo (a still wine). When people talk about Prosecco, they are almost always referring to the Spumante style.