The 12 Best Prosecco Stand-Ins For Champagne

Prosecco is something we'll always cheer to. A dry sparkling white wine imported from Europe, both prosecco and Champagne can be mentioned in the same breath. But what really differentiates the two? The source for all things wine, Decanter, lays out the most important differences between the two, noting that prosecco, like Champagne, originates from a specific wine-growing region, albeit in Italy. Located in the northeast region of the peninsula, the Veneto region cultivates only one grape for prosecco — the Glera grape. While Champagne can be made from a few different grape varieties, prosecco must be made from this specific type. Decanter attributes the Glera grape to giving prosecco a remarkably fruity aroma that differs from the more citrus-leaning Champagne.

As per Decanter, prosecco wines are also cultivated in a larger tank and then bottled, whereas Champagne is fermented in each individual bottle. This has two major effects on the wine. First, when cultivated in a larger receptacle, the wine comes into less direct contact with the fermenting agent. This gives prosecco a much drier, less bread-oriented flavor profile than Champagne. Presumably, this method also results in prosecco's considerably cheaper price tag compared to individually crafted, artisanal Champagne. Nonetheless, for those looking for a more budget-friendly but still high-quality wine when breaking out the bubbly, prosecco is the perfect choice. And we've rounded up 12 of our favorite proseccos that make the best stand-in for Champagne.

LaLuca Prosecco DOC Treviso is a wonderfully refreshing variety that the winemaker describes as having a bold orchard fruit aroma, apple and pear flavors, as well as a more laid-back sweetness. American liquor distributors, like Turnt Liquors, also note that the wine has a slightly mineral taste that effectively stops the prosecco from being too sweet.

The LaLuca Prosecco is certainly one that has earned its flowers, and over on Vivino reviewers praise the wine as being toast-worthy, whether in intimate or large parties. The wine-review site also notes that LaLuca Prosecco is a particularly mid-range choice, and typically costs around $17 per bottle, as of February 2023. The LaLuca winery maintains that their prosecco is a showstopper on its own, but should you be looking to pair the wine, LaLuca suggests that light and creamy desserts like cinnamon rice pudding, or earthy pasta dishes like potato and cheese tortellini, make well-suited matches. Vivino also weighs in and recommends pairing the wine with cured meats and vegetable dishes, which would make for a rather elevated charcuterie board night.

Carpenè-Malvolti Extra Dry 1868 Prosecco is some of the finest prosecco around, having been cultivated through one of the oldest wine-making families of Italy, according to Decanter. But it's not just name recognition that makes this prosecco stand out in a crowd. This particular prosecco is exceptionally fizzy with refreshing floral aromas and a crisp finish. Suffice to say, this particular prosecco, is especially well-rounded. Multiple reviewers on Drizly praise the sparkling wine for its tasty notes of apple and even peaches. All in all, most reviewers agreed that this the Carpenè-Malvolti Extra Dry 1868 is a fantastic prosecco.

Wine Searcher suggests pairing this particular prosecco with pork to make an excellent meal. Meanwhile, Drizly maintains that dry proseccos, such as this one, make for a magnificently vibrant mimosa. In the landscape of proseccos, the Carpenè-Malvolti is slightly more expensive and tends to average around $20 per bottle — but it's worth every penny.

The concept of organic food and drink has become a major selling point for many consumers, and organic wines have become an important product for those who prefer to eat and drink as clean and natural as possible, from what they start their morning with to what they toast with at night. And for those looking to celebrate organically, the Fascino Organic Prosecco is among the best you can get. True to the organic and sustainable mindset, this wine even comes in a reusable bottle (per Drizly).

Fascino Organic Prosecco is described by Botter as being extremely aromatic with complex floral notes. It's a delicate sip, but extremely well-balanced, and with a lingering aftertaste. Botter makes the point to note, however, to not overwhelm this subtler prosecco, and to only enjoy it on its own or with lighter appetizers and fish dishes. As per Drizly, a bottle of Fascino Organic Prosecco usually runs about $15 as of February 2023.

The Conegliano Valdobbiadene region is heralded as one of the finest prosecco producing regions in Italy, which is perhaps why the proseccos from here are referred to as prosecco superiore. Wine Tourism credits the area's vast amount of sunshine and hilly landscape with excellent soils for grape cultivation. The site notes that the ground in this region is a unique mix of glacial and marine soils, which creates a landscape that allegedly produces especially sweet grapes. This particular region has been a place of wine cultivation since ancient times and nowadays is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site for what it has contributed to human civilization. Wines from this region tend to be full of flavor and even a bit of spice.

Fittingly, Vivino notes that impressively-named Adami Bosco di Gica Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut is among the finest wines out there, ranking in the top 7% of its global wine catalogue. This prosecco has the apple and citrus notes that define the Italian sparkling wine, along with more subtle, unique notes of mineral and honey. Reviewers on Vivino comment that this is a particularly intense prosecco with heavy bubbles and full body. Simply put, this is a prosecco best enjoyed on its own, though for those who are craving a little crunch, a simple amuse bouche will do. According to Vivino, one bottle of Bosco di Gica will cost around $20 as of February 2023.

Rosé may feel like nothing more than a trendy blip in the wine world, but it's actually been around for ages. Prosecco rosé has even been dated all the way back to the 19th century, according to the Prosecco DOC Consortium. In that sense, rosé is really a tried and true staple of the wild and wonderful world of wines, and prosecco rosé is a wine tradition worth holding.

And if you're looking for a sweet and bright prosecco rosé to try, the Santa Marina Prosecco Rosé is truly a summer delight. Wine retailer Barique's Market describes this pink wine as having the aroma of raspberries and strawberries with a light floral note. All of this extreme freshness is rounded off with a tantalizing crispness that is sure to break through any hot summer night. When it comes to this prosecco, the best advice is to not clip its wings! Pair it with equally light delights, like a fruit salad, or perhaps for those who have a sweeter tooth, a heavenly strawberry shortcake. At the time of writing, Santa Marina Prosecco Rosé sells for around $11.

Who knew that prosecco could be tranquil, but here we are with the wonderfully named Sanfeletto Gastaldo Prosecco Tranquillo. Harvested in the heartland of all fine proseccos, one of the wine's U.S. distributors, Enoteca Vino Nostro, notes that this is a fine prosecco to consider when looking for the best. The site describes this particular prosecco as delicate, yet full in flavor and punctuated with floral notes of wisteria and acacia. The grapes for tranquillo proseccos are harvested later than other wines, which gives this type of prosecco a distinctly sweeter flavor. As one may be able to deduce from the name, tranquillo proseccos are lighter, with noticeably softer bubbles.

For those who want all of the flavor of prosecco, but with a more delicate texture, this is the right wine to turn to. Like most proseccos, this bottle pairs exceptionally well with soft cheeses and even spring vegetables like asparagus. For those perhaps looking to add a light touch to their meals, this prosecco could add a wonderful layer, or pairing, to a mushroom risotto. At the date of writing, this particular bottle of prosecco is available for about $22.