The Best Sparkling Wines to Try Instead of Prosecco This Summer
Prosecco is one of the world's most popular sparkling wines - and for good reason. It's fresh, fruity and easy to enjoy. But if you're ready to discover something new, there's an entire world of exceptional sparkling wines waiting to be explored.
From elegant French Crémants and prestigious Italian Franciacorta to traditional-method Cava and premium sparkling wines from New Zealand, each style offers its own personality while remaining perfect for warm summer days.
Every bottle in this guide is currently available at Punin Wine.
Why Look Beyond Prosecco?
While Prosecco is produced primarily from the Glera grape using the Charmat method, many of the world's finest sparkling wines are made using the traditional method, where the second fermentation takes place inside the bottle.
The result is finer bubbles, greater texture and more complex aromas, making these wines ideal not only as aperitifs but also at the dinner table.
Our Top Sparkling Wine Alternatives
1. Dopff Crémant d'Alsace Cuvée Julien Brut (France)
Region: Alsace
Made using the traditional method, this Crémant offers crisp citrus, green apple and delicate brioche notes with elegant, persistent bubbles.
Best for: Champagne lovers looking for exceptional value.
2. Bouvet Ladubay Crémant de Loire Brut Excellence (France)
Region: Loire Valley
Fresh orchard fruit, white flowers and lively acidity combine with fine mousse to create one of France's classic sparkling wines.
Best for: Summer aperitifs.
3. Dopff Crémant d'Alsace Rosé Brut (France)
Bright strawberry, raspberry and red currant aromas balanced by refreshing acidity and delicate bubbles.
Best for: Rosé lovers and outdoor dining.
4. Ceci Otello Spumante Brut (Italy)
A vibrant Italian sparkling wine with fresh citrus, white peach and floral aromas, offering excellent freshness and balance.
Best for: Casual celebrations.
5. Ceci Otello Bolle di Chardonnay 1813 Bianco Frizzante (Italy)
Made primarily from Chardonnay, this lightly sparkling wine delivers ripe orchard fruit, floral notes and refreshing acidity.
Best for: Light lunches and seafood.
6. Berlucchi Franciacorta '61 Extra Brut (Italy)
Produced in Franciacorta using the traditional method, Berlucchi is considered one of Italy's benchmark sparkling wines. Elegant mousse, citrus, green apple and brioche create a refined Champagne-style experience.
Best for: Champagne lovers seeking Italian excellence.
7. Nino Franco Faive Rosé Brut Veneto 2020 (Italy)
A sophisticated sparkling rosé with aromas of wild berries, citrus and delicate floral notes supported by lively acidity.
Best for: Summer evenings.
8. Nino Franco Grave di Stecca Primo Franco Brut 2016 (Italy)
A single-vineyard vintage sparkling wine offering remarkable complexity, creamy texture and layers of citrus, toasted almonds and mineral freshness.
Best for: Special occasions.
9. Villa Conchi Cava Brut Selección (Spain)
Produced using the traditional method, Villa Conchi combines citrus, apple and pastry notes with refreshing acidity and fine bubbles.
Best for: An affordable Champagne alternative.
10. Marisco Diamond Heart Waihopai Cuvée 2017 (New Zealand)
A premium vintage sparkling wine with elegant citrus, brioche and stone fruit aromas balanced by vibrant acidity.
Best for: Discovering New World sparkling wines.
Which Sparkling Wine Should You Choose?
- Closest to Champagne: Berlucchi Franciacorta '61 Extra Brut
- Best French alternative: Dopff Crémant d'Alsace Cuvée Julien Brut
- Best value: Villa Conchi Cava Brut Selección
- Best rosé: Dopff Crémant d'Alsace Rosé Brut
- For special occasions: Nino Franco Grave di Stecca Primo Franco Brut 2016
- Something different: Marisco Diamond Heart Waihopai Cuvée 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crémant better than Prosecco?
Neither is objectively better—they're simply different. Crémant is made using the traditional method, producing finer bubbles and greater complexity, while Prosecco is typically lighter, fruitier and more approachable.
What is Franciacorta?
Franciacorta is Italy's most prestigious traditional-method sparkling wine, produced in Lombardy using methods similar to Champagne.
Is Cava similar to Champagne?
Yes. Like Champagne, Cava undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, resulting in elegant bubbles and a more complex flavour profile than most Prosecco.
Which sparkling wine is best for summer?
Fresh Crémant, elegant Franciacorta and crisp Cava are all excellent choices, depending on whether you're looking for an aperitif, food pairing or celebration bottle.
Final Thoughts
If Prosecco has been your go-to sparkling wine, summer is the perfect time to broaden your horizons. From crisp French Crémant and elegant Italian Franciacorta to refined Spanish Cava and premium New Zealand sparkling wine, each bottle in this selection offers a unique expression of craftsmanship and terroir.
Explore the full Sparkling Wine collection at Punin Wine and discover your new favourite bottle.
