Prosecco expert on why you've been drinking it wrong
Sam says the most misunderstood term is 'Extra Dry' – which sounds very dry but actually means slightly sweet. The result? Many Prosecco lovers have been reaching for the exact opposite of what they want.
'When it comes to selecting your bottle of Prosecco from the shelf, 'Extra Dry' can sometimes be misleading if you're expecting a very dry wine," she explains.
'While most pricier bottles like Champagne and Crémant are Brut - meaning dry - most Prosecco is 'Extra Dry'. This naturally leads fizz lovers to believe their wine will be very dry. However, what it really means is that the wines are 'off-dry', possessing a subtle hint of sweetness."
This subtle sweetness is precisely what makes Prosecco so appealing to many.
'It's one of the many reasons Prosecco is so tasty," says Sam. "The acidity is lower, the wines are gently fruity, think melon and apricot, and have a soft bubble. This sweetness contributes to it being so drinkable, making it a favourite for many occasions.'
The crucial takeaway, is that if you prefer your Prosecco on the drier side, you've been doing it wrong by reaching for 'Extra Dry'.
'For those who do prefer their Prosecco dry, simply look for the word 'Brut' on the bottle, rather than 'Extra Dry'," she says.
This seemingly small detail makes a significant difference in the glass, offering a crisper, less sweet profile.
'Both 'Extra Dry' and 'Brut' Proseccos offer wonderful experiences; it's all about knowing which one best suits your taste.'
While understanding sweetness levels is paramount, she also highlights other key indicators for Prosecco lovers. Shoppers should also be looking out for DOC and DOCG on the label.
'Essentially these are Italian wine quality indicators, with DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) being the standard, and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) being the step above – the very highest quality.'
Finally, for those who prefer a gentler fizz, she notes that 'Spumante' on the label simply means fully sparkling, while 'Frizzante' indicates a softly sparkling wine, with a less vigorous bubble.
Top tips for enjoying prosecco
Temperature is key: Always ensure your Prosecco is at fridge temperature to prevent a frothy explosion on opening The perfect pop: Keep one hand firmly on the cork once you've removed the wire cage/muzzle. Twist the bottle, not the cork, for a controlled and elegant opening Common myth debunked: Putting a spoon in the bottle to maintain the bubbles simply does not work.
Recommended reading:
Aldi has a range of Proseccos for every drinker, she explains:
Costellore Still Prosecco DOC (£4.99, 75cl)
Made from the same Glera grapes as its bubbly counterpart, this wine offers all the fresh, fruity flavour of Prosecco, minus the fizz. Think vibrant orchard fruit aromas and a crisp, refreshing taste – perfect for those seeking a trend-forward alternative to traditional white wine.
Costellore Organic Prosecco DOC (£6.69, 75cl)
This medium-bodied Prosecco features grapes that are gently pressed to ensure that only the highest quality juice is used. It's a wine that not only tastes good but does good too, as the winery is committed to using renewable energy wherever possible.
Aldi organic prosecco (Image: Aldi)
Costellore Prosecco Spumante DOC (£5.35, 75cl)
This Italian sparkler boasts soft peach and pear flavours with notes of apple peel and lemon zest, making it the perfect sip by itself, or a great value option for spritz cocktails.
Costellore Prosecco Rosé (£6.49, 75cl)
A pink fizz with a blend of berry fruit flavours and hints of white peach and citrus.
Specially Selected Prosecco Spumante DOCG Valdobbiadene (£7.99, 75cl)
Another fan favourite at a competitive price point, this Italian tipple is favoured for its light, creamy quality, and delicate floral touches. A refreshing and aesthetically pleasing bottle of bubbles, this Prosecco is the perfect accompaniment for any alfresco occasion.
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