Words by Helena Nicklin
It’s official. Prosecco now comes in pink! Thanks to a change in the laws that govern winemaking in the protected region of Prosecco in Northeastern Italy, winemakers are now able to use up to 15% of the red grape Pinot Nero (Italian for Pinot Noir) in their Prosecco wines along with the famous Glera grape. Pink sparklers have always been found around the Veneto, but now, as long as a wine is produced with Glera and Pinot Nero (with a few other geeky regulations), it can officially be called Prosecco. Aldi was the first to market with their Costellore and now, the other supermarkets are following suit. It’s going to be a new bubbles trend, so watch this space! The great thing about Prosecco is that at around 11% abv, it's easy enough to drink alone but also goes with most food - and the pink ones are fabulous with fruit puds and cold cuts too. Hot off the (wine) press, here’s a look at the UK’s first-ever Pink Proseccos to hit the shelves...
Prosecco Rosé, Brut: M&S
A Brut style, so drier than some, this is a fun, fruity fizz with notes of wild strawberry, cherry and a dry finish. A sophisticated sparkler worth the extra pound or two.
ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: Case of 6 normally £60 currently £48
Corte Molino Prosecco Rosé, Extra Dry: Co-op.
Raspberry ripple pink with ripe, summer berry fruit and pear flavours. Flirty and frothy, this is very soft, fairly sweet and goes down far too easily.
ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £8.50
Prosecco Rosé, Fillipo Sansovino, Extra Dry: ASDA
This pretty pink is all about strawberries and cream with lots of soft bubbles. Not as refreshing as some on the finish, but the choice for those who like their fizz a little sweeter.
ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £6.50
Prosecco Rosé, Extra Dry: SPAR
Pale rose petal pink and delicate, this is a crisp, refreshing Prosecco that’s well balanced. Excellent value for money and one that everyone will most likely enjoy.
Size: 75cl
Find it in store: £8.99
Rosé Prosecco, Extra Dry: Lidl
In this rather striking cut glass bottle, this pale pink Prosecco is more savoury than you would expect from an Extra Dry. Simple and raspberry-scented with a subtle smokiness on the nose.
ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £6.49
Costellore Pink Prosecco, Extra Dry: Aldi
A slightly darker pink and more meaty, this Prosecco is packed with very ripe red fruit but also, a subtle note of struck-match, which might split the judges.
ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £6.49
Splash Out! Prosecco Rosé, il Fresco Brut: Villa Sandi
Ok, it’s not under £10 but it’s definitely worth a mention. Brut in style, so drier than most of the others, this sparkler is a real step up in terms of texture and flavour, with notes of caramelized pear and raspberry purée. Beautifully presented, this one could also take some heftier dishes too, such as pork or poultry. Roast chicken with all the trimmings, anyone?
ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £14.99
Want to know more about Prosecco and its sweetness levels? Check out this article!