We conclude today the trifecta of articles devoted to the best mid-range Italian wines and sparkling wines, those that allow us to drink far more than pleasantly this holiday season (and after) or make very welcome gifts. During 2026 we will continue with this cut of articles by devoting ourselves to the different appellations.
In recent years, Italian sparkling wines have made an impressive leap in quality, so much so that it is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate labels, styles and territories. Classic Method, Martinotti/Charmat Method, bottle refermentations: different worlds united today by a increasingly careful production care and by stylistic research that focuses on elegance and drinkability.
With this selection of the best sparkling wines within 32 euros we want to show that you do not need to go beyond this threshold to find bottles capable of giving great satisfaction, both at the table and in moments of celebration. Sparkling wines that tell of territories, grape varieties and expert hands, and that offer a convincing balance between quality, personality and price.
Our selection
A guide designed for those who love bubbles and are looking for reliable choices, without giving up the pleasure of discovery. As in the case of the best red wines under 30 euros and of the whites under 25, we relied on the thousands of tastings conducted to produce the Essential Guide to the Wines of Italy 2026.
What emerged was a map of Italy where the Glera grape (the basis of Prosecco) plays a very important role and shows how the skills of different producers are essential to offer great sparkling wines at affordable prices even in the world of sparkling wine. Although excellent bubbles are now produced in almost all regions, northern Italy proved to be ahead of the pack when tested by the glass: in fact, in our selection we find-in addition to the area of Valdobbiadene with as many as 4 labels – Alta Langa, Oltrepò Pavese, Trentino, Colli di Parma and Alto Adige. Big absentees were Franciacorta and Trentodoc, the two best-known Italian sparkling wine appellations, which produce great bubbles, yes, but at higher prices.
Some data to finish up
In the fateful 35 days at the end of the year in Italy, we will stand at 90-92 million bottles of bubbly uncorked (not only Italian though), with a consumer countervalue of about 1 bn/euro (+7% compared to 2024). Almost 74% of corks will fly on the last day of the year.
Abroad, there are 163 countries receiving Italian bubbles: about 240 million “tricolor” bottles for $2.8 billion in consumer value.
Grave di Stecca 2018 Nino Franco Spumanti
Score: 98/100
Average price in wine shop: € 27,00
100% Glera. Charmat method for 6 months, then 18 months in bottle. Brilliant straw yellow, dense and continuous perlage. Complex and very well defined nose, with floral, wisteria, hawthorn scents, then fragrant and fruity, with notes of bread crust, yellow plum and rennet apple. Palate fresh, agile, snappy, with the carbon dioxide component creamy and almost sensuous on the palate. Great version.
Lively wine of the year 2026. (D.C.)
Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze La Rivetta Brut 2024 Villa Sandi
Score: 96/100
Average price in wine shop: € 28,00
100% Glera. Charmat method for 5 months. Light yellow, fine and continuous perlage. Very typical, fragrant, wisteria flowers, white peach. Taut, snappy, fresh flavor, very pleasant. (S.B.)
Alta Langa Pas Dosé Oltrequota Seicento 2021 Vite Colte
Score: 96/100
Average price in wine shop: € 32,00
80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay. Classic method for 42 months. Light straw yellow. Very fine and abundant perlage. Aromas crisp and fragrant, with notes of yellow citrus, bread crust and hints of flint. Taut, fresh, snappy taste, with the presence of creamy, well-dissolved carbon dioxide, which goes to make up a sensual and very pleasant sensation on the palate. (D.C.)
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Pinot Nero Brut 2018 Cà del Gè
Score: 95/100
Average price in wine shop: € 20,00
100% Pinot Nero. Classic method, 60 months on the lees. Gold with green highlights and lovely persistent perlage. The nose paints intriguing brackish and mineral atmospheres, amid smoky puffs. Beautiful, elegant, refined, saline, broad and consistent aftertaste. (F.R.)
Valdobbiadene Prosecco Rive di Santo Stefano Extra Dry Drusian
Score: 95/100
Average price in wine shop: € 20,00
100% Glera from 100-year-old vines. Martinotti method for over 3 months. Brilliant straw yellow with dense perlage. Intense and expressive on the nose with floral notes of wisteria and linden and fruity notes of pear. The palate is creamy, flavorful, elegant, with pleasant length. A great wine. (S.V.)
Trentino Metodo Classico Lasterosse Extra Brut 2019 Lasterosse
Score: 95/100
Average price in wine shop: € 26,00
100% Groppello. Classical method for 48 months. Very fine and dense perlage. Intense strawberry. Fragrant on the nose, bread crust, plum, white currant, wild flowers and alfalfa. In the mouth it is creamy, subtle and sharp, with great freshness and lingering finish. (D.C.)
Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze 2024 Col Vetoraz
Score: 95/100
Average price in wine shop: € 27,00
100% Glera. Charmat method, dry. Straw-colored, well-defined perlage. Jasmine green tea notes on the nose. Sweet spice, sweet but well-balanced palate. (S.B.)
Classical Method Brut Metodus Collection 2011 Ariola
Score: 95/100
Average price in wine shop: € 30,00
60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir. Classic method, disgorgement 2024. Golden yellow with not excessive effervescence. Definitely fruity aromas, yellow peach, blond plum, light bread crust. The palate is creamy, with nice density and structure. (M.M.)
Alta Langa Blanc de Blancs Pas Dosé 2021 Marcalberto
Score: 95/100
Average price in wine shop: € 30,00
100% Chardonnay. Large cask for about 8 months. Classic method, 36 months on the lees. Bright straw yellow tending to gold. On the nose, citrus, white-fleshed fruits. Very long sip with hints of talc and thyme. Very broad and pleasant, textural with a freshness to support the body. (E.M.)
Alto Adige Riserva Comitissa Pas Dosé 2021 Lorenz Martini
Score: 95/100
Average price in wine shop: € 32,00
45% Pinot Blanc, 40% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir. Classic method, 40 months on the lees. Brilliant straw yellow, fine and persistent perlage. Faceted aromas of green apple, alfalfa and bread crust. Creamy on the sip, very fresh and intense savoriness on the finish. (H.T.)
