From Prosecco to Franciacorta, These Are the Best Italian Sparkling Wines

Champagne from France may be the classic holiday-party choice, but in recent years, Italy has seen a remarkable lift in the quality of its sparkling wines — and there’s much more to be had than just Prosecco. 

In fact, there are excellent sparkling wines being produced throughout Italy, from the well-established, Champagne-challenging cuvées of Franciacorta, to Alta Langa bottlings from Piedmont, to Sicilian and Tuscan sparkling wines, and to the excellent Trento DOC sparkling wines from the north of Italy. The latter is particularly a region to watch, with more of its top wines being imported to the U.S. now, but regardless, here are some great choices from throughout the country. 

They’re ideal for any gift-giving or guest-pouring needs. Here are eight excellent bottles of Italian sparkling wine from Prosecco to Franciacorta to seek out right now. (Note that all are nonvintage blends except where indicated.)

Adami Garbèl Prosecco ($18)

Founded by Abele Adami in 1920, Adami remains one of the top wineries in the Prosecco region, and while they’ve garnered acclaim for their single-vineyard bottlings (the family was the first in the region to create one), this fresh, citrus-accented basic cuvée is a serious steal.

Mionetto Luxury Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut ($23)

Mionetto is one of the most well-known names in Prosecco, thanks to its ubiquitous orange-labeled basic bottling. This cuvée, from vineyards around the town of Valdobbiadene, is a step up in complexity and elegance.

Borgoluce Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore ($25)

Crisp and focused, with a light almond note to its orchard-fruit flavors, this excellent sparkling wine comes from the Prosecco Superiore zone — the heart of the Prosecco region, and the source of its best wines. 

2019 Enrico Serafino Oudeis Alta Langa Brut ($33)

The rolling hills of Piedmont’s Alta Langa, in the north of Italy, have a long tradition of making sparkling wine since the 19th century. This Pinot Noir–focused cuvée spends three years aging on lees, giving it a toasty, savory depth.

Ferrari Trento DOC Brut ($39)

The sparkling wines of Trentino in the north of Italy are offer impressive quality, yet remain under-recognized in the U.S.. That is rapidly changing, though, as more and more producers are being imported. Regardless, there’s no better introduction to the style than this elegant, widely available, lemon-tinged cuvée from what’s inarguably the region’s benchmark producer. 

2020 Contratto Millesimato Alta Langa Pas Dosé ($42)

This golden-hued, softly creamy bottling is an Alta Langa standout. Contratto has been making sparkling wines here since the late 1800s (and current owner Giorgio Rivetti also makes terrific Barbaresco at his La Spinetta winery).

Berlucchi ’61 Franciacorta Brut Rosé ($48)

Over the years, Franciacorta has risen to become Italy’s most prestigious sparkling wine region. Berlucchi, founded by the man who invented Franciacorta, Franco Ziliani, is still one of the best producers, as this berry-scented, nuanced rosé shows.

Ca’ del Bosco Cuvée Prestige Edizione 46 Franciacorta Brut ($50)

Ca’ del Bosco’s Maurizio Zanella is one of the most magnetic personalities in Franciacorta and makes some of its best wines. This cuvée is aromatic and rich with brioche and apricot notes, perfect for ringing in a new year.