The Ultimate Guide to Prosecco: Everything You Need to Know About Italy’s Favourite Sparkling Wine
- Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Whether you’re choosing a bottle for a celebration, searching for the perfect gift, planning a wedding toast or simply trying to understand what’s actually inside your favourite fizz, Prosecco is one of the world’s most popular sparkling wines.
But with terms like DOC, DOCG, Rive, Brut, Frizzante and Spumante appearing on labels, knowing what makes one bottle different from another can feel confusing.
So, I’ve answered the most common Prosecco questions, including:
What is Prosecco?
What is the difference between Prosecco DOC and DOCG?
Is DOCG Prosecco worth buying?
What makes Rive Prosecco special?
How many glasses are in a bottle of Prosecco?
How long does Prosecco last once opened?
What does Brut mean?
What is the difference between Prosecco and Champagne?
Think of this as your complete beginner’s guide to understanding and buying Prosecco with confidence.
What is Prosecco?
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine made primarily from the Glera grape.
It comes mainly from the north-east of Italy, particularly the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions, where the vineyards produce the fresh, fruity style that Prosecco is famous for.
Typical Prosecco flavours include:
Green apple
Pear
White peach
Citrus
Floral notes
Unlike Champagne, which is made using the traditional method where the second fermentation happens inside the bottle, most Prosecco is made using the Charmat method (also known as the tank method).
This process takes place in large pressurised stainless-steel tanks, helping preserve Prosecco’s fresh aromas, bright fruit flavours and easy-drinking style.
What is Prosecco DOC?
Prosecco DOC is the most common classification you’ll see on bottles.
DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, meaning the wine must follow specific production rules and come from an approved geographical area.
The Prosecco DOC region covers a large area across north-east Italy and guarantees that the wine has been produced according to recognised standards.
When you see Prosecco DOC on the label, you know you are buying an authentic Italian Prosecco.
For many occasions, a good DOC Prosecco offers excellent value and a fresh, enjoyable style.
What is Prosecco DOCG?
If you’re looking for something a little more premium, look for Prosecco DOCG.
DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita and represents Italy’s highest wine quality classification.
DOCG Prosecco comes from smaller, more prestigious growing areas with stricter production rules.
The two main Prosecco DOCG regions are:
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
This historic hillside region is considered one of the most prestigious areas for Prosecco.
The steep vineyards create challenging growing conditions, but they also produce wines with more complexity, elegance and character.
2. Asolo Prosecco DOCG
Asolo is one of Prosecco’s smallest and most respected regions.
Wines from Asolo are known for their refined style, crisp acidity and flavours of apple, citrus and white flowers.
Buying tip: If you’re buying Prosecco as a gift, choosing DOCG is an easy way to make your bottle feel more special.
What is Rive Prosecco?
If you’re looking for one of the most distinctive styles of Prosecco, look for Rive Prosecco.
Rive comes from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG area and refers to one of just 43 named hillside vineyard areas.
Rive Prosecco must:
Come from a single steep hillside vineyard
Be hand-harvested
Display the specific village name on the label
Because these vineyards are smaller, steeper and more challenging to work, Rive Prosecco is considered one of the most premium expressions of Prosecco.
It’s Prosecco with a real sense of place.
Is Prosecco a good gift?
Absolutely.
Prosecco makes a fantastic gift because it feels celebratory, approachable and suits so many occasions.
For birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, thank-you gifts or special celebrations, consider choosing:
Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG
Asolo DOCG
Rive Prosecco
A premium Prosecco offers something a little more memorable than an everyday bottle, without necessarily reaching Champagne prices.
How many glasses are in a bottle of Prosecco?
A standard 75cl bottle of Prosecco contains around:
6 glasses
This is based on a 125ml serving.
Of course, this can vary depending on how generously you pour.
A larger magnum of Prosecco contains:
1.5 litres
The equivalent of two standard bottles
Around 12 glasses
Magnums are perfect for weddings, parties and bigger celebrations.
How many calories are in Prosecco?
Like all wines, the calories in Prosecco depend on the alcohol level and sugar content.
A typical 125ml glass of Prosecco contains around 80–90 calories.
A standard bottle contains approximately:
480–540 calories per bottle
Less than 2g carbohydrates per glass
Virtually no fat
No protein
Drier styles of Prosecco generally contain less sugar than sweeter versions.
What does Brut mean on Prosecco?
One of the most confusing wine terms is Brut.
Despite sounding like it might mean strong or intense, Brut actually means: Dry
Prosecco sweetness levels include:
Brut: The driest style with the least sugar.
Extra Dry: Slightly sweeter than Brut.
Dry: Sweeter again.
If you enjoy crisp, refreshing sparkling wine, Brut Prosecco is usually the best place to start.
What is Pink Prosecco?
Pink Prosecco, also known as Prosecco Rosé, is made using:
Glera grapes
10–15% Pinot Noir
The Pinot Noir gives the wine its beautiful pink colour and adds flavours of red berries.
Prosecco Rosé must:
Be a vintage wine
Display the harvest year on the label
Be classified as Prosecco DOC
It offers the same fresh, fruity style as traditional Prosecco, with an added touch of red fruit character.
What is the difference between Frizzante and Spumante Prosecco?
The difference comes down to the level of bubbles.
Frizzante Prosecco:
Lightly sparkling
Lower pressure
Softer, gentler fizz
Spumante Prosecco:
Fully sparkling
Higher pressure
More persistent bubbles
Most premium Prosecco is Spumante.
If you love that classic sparkling wine experience, Spumante is usually the style to choose.
How long does Prosecco last?
Prosecco is best enjoyed fresh.
Unopened Prosecco:
Generally best enjoyed within:
1–2 years after purchase
Opened Prosecco:
Once opened, it will gradually lose its bubbles.
To keep it fresh:
Store it in the fridge
Use a sparkling wine stopper
Drink within 1–3 days
How much alcohol is in Prosecco?
Most Prosecco contains:
10.5%–11.5% ABV
This is slightly lower than many still wines, which often sit around 12–14% ABV.
Prosecco vs Champagne: What’s the difference?
Although both are sparkling wines, Prosecco and Champagne are very different styles.
Prosecco:
Made in north-east Italy
Mainly made from Glera grapes
Usually made using the tank method
Fresh, fruity and floral
Generally more affordable
Champagne:
Made in Champagne, France
Made using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier
Made using the traditional method
Toastier, richer and more complex
Usually more expensive
Neither is better — they simply offer different styles.
Prosecco is perfect when you want something fresh, joyful and easy-drinking, while Champagne is often chosen for its complexity and luxury appeal.
Why is Prosecco so popular?
From everyday celebrations to milestone moments, Prosecco has become one of the world’s favourite sparkling wines.
Whether you choose a simple DOC bottle, a premium DOCG or a special Rive Prosecco, the most important thing is finding a bottle you enjoy.
Because wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass.
It’s about the moments created around it.
My favourite supermarket Prosecco recommendations
La Gioiosa Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG
A reliable favourite and one I often recommend for an easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing bottle.
Fresh, fruity and classic in style, expect flavours of green apple, pear and citrus with a clean finish.
Perfect for:
Weekend celebrations
Aperitivo-style drinks
Brunch
Keeping chilled in the fridge
Tesco Finest Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
If you want something that feels more special without Champagne-level pricing, a Valdobbiadene DOCG is a great choice.
This region is known for producing elegant, fresh and complex Prosecco.
Perfect for:
Dinner parties
Taking it as a gift
Celebrating special occasions
M&S Collection DOCG Prosecco
A great choice if you enjoy a classic, dry and aromatic style.
Approachable and food-friendly, it’s a bottle that works well when you need something that will appeal to a crowd.
Perfect for:
Family gatherings
Christmas celebrations
Drinks with canapés
Sainsbury’s Conegliano Prosecco
Conegliano is part of the famous Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG region.
It’s a great introduction to the more premium side of Prosecco.
Perfect for:
Celebrations
Dinner parties
Prosecco lovers wanting to explore beyond the standard DOC
My Prosecco Rosé recommendations:
If you love pink fizz, Prosecco Rosé is a fun alternative.
Look out for:
La Gioiosa Prosecco Rosé
Tesco Finest Prosecco Rosé
Perfect for:
Birthdays
Bridal showers
Summer gatherings
When you fancy something a little different
My top tip when buying supermarket Prosecco
The biggest mistake people make is assuming the most expensive bottle is always the best.
Instead, think about the occasion.
For everyday drinking:
Choose a good DOC Prosecco.
For gifting:
Look for DOCG, especially Conegliano Valdobbiadene or Asolo.
For parties:
A crowd-pleasing Brut Prosecco is usually the safest choice.
For something special:
Try Rive, DOCG or Prosecco Rosé.
Great wine doesn’t always need a big price tag.
Sometimes the best bottle is simply the one that matches the moment.
Got another Prosecco question?
Drop me a message on Instagram: @elizabethwinegirl
Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite
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