Prosecco: A Changing Taste
When I reflect on my university days, I am reminded of the countless pre-drinks I attended, where a bottle of prosecco was always the go-to choice. The Tesco Express in Durham would be my regular haunt, where I would pick up a bottle of Plaza Centro prosecco for the unbeatable price of £5.50 (it now costs £7). This was not just about being cool; I genuinely enjoyed the taste of prosecco. Today, however, my preferences have shifted, and I find myself drawn to Italian sparkling wines that offer a different profile. My love for prosecco began when I was younger, and I was drawn to sweet, fruity flavors. Most supermarket proseccos fit this bill, with 12-17g of sugar per liter. However, as I’ve grown older, my palate has become more refined, and I now crave acidity, saltiness, and savory flavors. Fortunately, Italy offers a diverse range of sparkling wines that cater to my new tastes. One of the most popular alternatives to prosecco is the Trento DOC, which is produced in the north-east of Italy. This region produces method-classic wines from chardonnay and pinot nero, made using the traditional champagne method with a secondary fermentation in the bottle. These wines can be quite expensive, but they can still be found in local supermarkets for a fraction of the cost of champagne. Another option is moscato d’ast, an off-dry, frizzante wine with a low ABV and a nose that leans towards floral and stone fruit aromas. I enjoy it in cocktails where you would normally use prosecco, such as pornstar martinis and bellinis. Franciacorta, a wine from the Lombardy region, is also gaining popularity, and is made using the method-classic technique with pinot nero and chardonnay. Moving on to Emilia-Romagna, you’ll find the previously underrated but now trendy lambrusco, which comes in various forms and colors. The most common version found in the UK is a deep purple color with a vibrant effervescence. Many producers also create their own declassified sparkling wines inspired by specific vintages or regional styles. If you’re still a fan of prosecco, that’s perfectly fine. It’s a crowd-pleaser, widely available, and suits most palates. The UK is the largest consumer of prosecco outside of Italy, and for good reason. Prosecco: it’s not you, it’s me. If you’re looking for an alternative to prosecco, here are four Italian fizzes that are worth trying:
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| Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Pignoletto Brut | £8, 11% |
| Emilia-Romagna origin, fun, fresh sparkling wine, like biting into a Granny Smith apple |
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| Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina Brut | £13.79 Decàntlo, 12.5% |
| Charmat-method wine from a favorite Campania winery, with white flowers and peach flavors |
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| Ca’D’Gal Lumine Moscato d’ Asti Lumine | £16.80 Les Caves de Pyrene, 5% |
| Classic flavors of peach and orchard fruit with a pleasing, palate-cleansing sweetness |
These Italian fizzes offer a unique alternative to prosecco, with a range of flavors and styles to suit different tastes. Whether you’re looking to mix things up or try something new, there’s an Italian sparkling wine out there for you.