Prosecco Food Pairing

What kind of food goes with Prosecco - one of the most popular sparkling wines in the world? Actually, Prosecco pairs well with a wide range of foods. You can drink Prosecco before or after dinner, with snacks, spicy food, strawberries, or even desserts. This wine guide will help you find the best food parings for this Italian sparkling wine.

Last updated April 26th 2023

Prosecco food pairing is exciting. Thanks to the bubbles and the fruitiness of the wine, Prosecco pairs well with many different kinds of foods. You can even pair this Italian sparkling with spicy dishes, strawberries and sweet desserts!

Prosecco is a food-friendly wine that can pair well with almost anything, as long as you are aware of the sweetness level of your specific bottle. This wine guide will help you better understand how to pair different styles of Prosecco with food.

What is Prosecco?

Prosecco is the most famous Italian sparkling wine. Prosecco is produced in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions in Northeastern Italy. It is the largest DOC region in Italy. The best Proseccos are know to come from the sub-region Valdobbiadene. This sparkling wine is made of mostly Glera grapes, but up to 15% of the blend can be made of other indigenous grape varieties such as Verdiso, Bianchetta and Perera. Even more famous grape varieties like Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio can be used. 

Prosecco is known for being an affordable sparkling wine. While it is true that it is mostly less expensive than Champagne, there are still some very good (and expensive!) Proseccos available on the market.

Prosecco is made with a different winemaking method than Champagne. The so called Charmat method, where the second fermentation takes place in a stainless steel tank instead of in the bottle, as it does in the Méthode traditionnelle (the method for making Champagne).

Some people might wonder if Prosecco is a grape or not. The answer is that Prosecco was originally a grape variety, but the grape name was changed to Glera in order to protect the region in Italy where Prosecco is made.

What does Prosecco taste like?

Prosecco is often described as a fruity sparkling wine, characterized by its aromatic flavours of green apple, pear, citrus, apricot, almond and cream. It is often thought to have a hint of sweetness, but it is in fact the fruity character that gives an illusion of sweetness. The sweeter styles can sometimes taste like tutti frutti. 

The acidity level of Prosecco is medium-high. The wine is usually dry, but there are different sweetness levels about which you can read more further down in this article. 

Prosecco vs Champagne

Many of you might wonder what is the difference between Prosecco and Champagne? Both of them are sparkling wines, but there are some notable differences.

• Made with different grapes. Prosecco is made with Glera grapes while Champagne is made of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
• Made in different countries. Prosecco is made in Italy and Champagne is made in France.
• Different methods during the second fermentation (the stage when the bubbles are formed). Prosecco is made using the Charmat method, which means that the second fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Champagne is made using the Méthode traditionnelle where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. 
• Prosecco is more fruity than Champagne.
• The bubbles in Prosecco are larger than those in Champagne (and other sparkling wines made by the Méthode traditionnelle).
• Champagne bubbles typically last longer than Prosecco bubbles, due to differences in production methods.
• Prosecco is more budget-friendly than Champagne because it is cheaper to produce than bottles made using the traditional method.
• Champagne is often more complex than Prosecco.
• Prosecco has slightly lower acidity than Champagne.
• Prosecco gives an illusion of sweetness which is not the case with Champagne.

Tips! If you want to learn more about different types of sparkling wine, we recommend our wine guide about sparkling wine. 

Different styles of Prosecco

There are different styles of Prosecco, defined by their carbonation levels.

• Spumante (sparkling)
• Frizzante (semi-sparkling with less persistent bubbles)
• Tranquilo (still, no bubbles)

The great majority of the Prosecco wines are made in the style Spumante.

Prosecco can also be divided into different categories:

• Non-vintage Prosecco is the most common style. This style is ready to drink and is not suitable for ageing for many years. When people talk about Prosecco, this is the style they are usually referring to. Non-vintage Prosecco is known for its light body, low alcohol, big bubbles and flavours of citrus, green apple and pear. 
• Vintage Prosecco is the most exclusive style of Prosecco. It is made with grapes from the same vintage (year). Vintage Prosecco is quite rare to find. The style is richer and more full-bodied than the non-vintage style. Aromas of baked apple, citrus, roasted almonds and cream are common. This style is not very common. 
• Prosecco Rosé is a pink color style which is becoming increasingly popular. This style gets its characteristic pink color from the pigment of red grapes. Rosé Prosecco often has noticable sweetness and typical flavours of strawberries, peach and flowers.

Sweetness levels of Prosecco 

Prosecco can have varying levels of sweetness. It is important to check the sweetness level of your bottle of Prosecco, because it will affect the food pairing.

There are six sweetness levels of Prosecco:

• Brut Nature is very dry, often described as bone dry
• Extra Brut is also a very dry style
• Brut is dry
• Extra Dry, sometimes called Extra Seco, has a hint of sweetness
• Dry, also called Seco, has a notable sweetness
• Demi-sec, also called Semi-Sec or Semi-Seco, is the sweetest style 

Are you confused by the different sweetness levels? Don’t worry, you are not the only one. Most consumers find it confusing that “extra dry” actually is not extra dry, but has a hint of sweetness! Prosecco bottles with a label that says “extra dry” are in fact sweeter than those with a label saying “brut”.

The sweetness level will affect the wine paring for Prosecco, and that is why it is important to pay attention to what it says on the label. Most Proseccos are produced in the brut style, which means it is a dry wine. Prosecco Extra dry or Dry are the styles you are most likely to find in the supermarkets, but Brut is becoming increasingly available.

Rule of thumb: Always choose a wine which is at least as sweet as the food you are having.

Prosecco Brut Nature

Prosecco Brut Nature has the least amount sugar. This style is bone-dry. For this level, the wine can only have 0-3 grams of residual sugar per liter. Brut Nature Prosecco can also be called Brut Zero.

If you want a Prosecco with almost no sugar, this is the style for you. Keep in mind that this sweetness level is not very common because it is extremely dry and most people prefer a little bit of sugar to balance the bubbles and the acidity.

Prosecco Extra Brut

Prosecco Extra brut has slightly more residual sugar, but it is still a very dry sparkling wine. This wine has 0-6 grams of residual sugar per liter. Even this sweetness level is quite rare and can be difficult to find in regular supermarkets.

Prosecco Brut

Prosecco Brut is an increasingly popular sweetness level. It is still a dry wine, but the hint of sweetness makes it very pleasant to drink for most people. Prosecco Brut contains 0-12 grams of residual sugar per liter. The sweetness at this level is barely noticeable, but it makes the wine balanced and easy to drink.

Prosecco Extra Dry (Extra Seco)

Prosecco Extra Dry, also called Extra Seco, is also a quite dry style of Prosecco, but the hint of sweetness is slightly more noticeable. Extra Dry contains 12-17 grams of residual sugar per liter. This is the traditional style and also one of the most common sweetness levels. 

Prosecco Dry (Seco)

A Prosecco with the sweetness level Dry (Seco) has a more noticeable sweetness level with 17-32 grams of residual sugar per liter. The sugar gives the wine a pleasant sweetness. It is one of the most common sweetness levels.  

Prosecco Demi-Sec (Semi-Sec or Semi-Seco)

Prosecco Demi-Sec is the sweetest Prosecco. It is considered a semi-sweet wine with 32-50 grams of residual sugar per liter. The fruity aromas make the wine taste sweeter than it is.

Tips! In our guide Sparkling Wine Sweetness Levels you can learn more about sweetness in wine. 

About Prosecco Food Pairing

Which food goes well with Prosecco? The answer is: many! Prosecco is a surprisingly versatile wine, and it pairs well with a wide range of dishes. It is a food-friendly wine that you can pair with many different cuisines, including more spicy cuisines like Thai, Indian, Mexican and Vietnamese. It is also perfect for celebrations, and it pairs well with many different types appetizers and snacks.

You can drink Prosecco before or after dinner. With food or without. You can put strawberries in Prosecco or make cocktails. You can serve it with charcuterie and cheese, or you can drink it together with your favourite pizza. The combinations are almost endless, but there are some things to take into consideration when pairing Prosecco with food. The key when it comes to Prosecco food paring is to know the sweetness level of the wine.

In order to find the best food for your bottle of Prosecco, you need to take into consideration the following characteristics of the wine: 

• Sweetness level - the sweetness of the wine needs to be matched with an equal sweetness level of the food, and vice versa. If you drink a dry wine with sweet food, the wine will not taste very good. Prosecco with some residual sugar can be paired with spicy food.
• Fruity aromas - makes it possible to pair it with aromatic food.
• Light to medium body - pair it with medium-intensity foods (chicken, charcuterie, cheeses, tofu).
• Medium high acidity & bubbles - most Prosecco styles have medium-high acidity and refreshing bubbles which makes it possible to match with food that has high fat content and/or acidity.
• Relatively low alcohol - makes it possible to pair with delicate and light dishes.

Prosecco should always be served very cold. The best serving temperature is 5-9°C (41-48°F).

Prosecco with Asian cuisine

Prosecco is an excellent wine pairing for spicy foods, such as Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and Chinese. Choose a Prosecco with a touch of sweetness, such as Extra Dry, Dry or Demi-Sec. The sweetness in the wine will balance the heat in the food. The fruity flavors of the wine also pair very well with aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, curry, chili and many other condiments. Prosecco also works very well with other spicy cuisines, such as Mexican and Cuban. 

Great Prosecco food pairings include:

• Pad thai (the sweetness in the wine will match the sweetness in the food)
• Thai curry
• Spring rolls
• Peking duck 
• Indian curry
• Spicy wok 
• Bibimbap
• Sushi 
• Teriyaki chicken 
• Fish tacos
• Sweet and sour sauce

Tips! Serve the wine cold (5-9°C/41-48°F) if you are having it together with spicy foods. 

Prosecco with Pizza

Prosecco and pizza are great together. This Italian combination works very well due to the bubbles in the wine and its medium-high acidity. Prosecco's acidity will cut through the fat in the pizza and also balance the acidity in the tomato sauce. Thanks to the fruity aromas in the Prosecco, you can pair it with many different types of pizzas, including spicy and slightly sweet pizzas. Try Prosecco with Hawaiian pizza with sweet pineapple, or a spicy pepperoni pizza.

Tips! If you want to find the best wine pairing for your favourite pizza, we recommend our Wine and Pizza guide.

Prosecco with Fish

Prosecco is great to pair with fish. The low alcohol and refreshing bubbles make it a good match with different types of fish dishes. It is especially good with fatty fish like salmon and/or aromatic fish dishes, such as fish curry. Keep in mind that the fruity flavours of Prosecco can overwhelm more delicate fish dishes.

The best fish pairings for Prosecco include:

• Grilled salmon or other grilled fatty fishes
• Fish curry and other aromatic fish dishes
• Sushi with a slightly sweet Prosecco, such as Extra Dry or Dry
• Deep-fried fish, such as fish and chips
• Fish with buttery sauces or cream

Prosecco with Seafood

You might think that Prosecco and seafood is a great pairing, but this is not always the case. The fruity aromas and the sweetness of the wine can overwhelm delicate seafood like oysters and caviar. If you want to have seafood with your Prosecco, make sure you know the sweetness level of your wine.

If you have a very dry Prosecco with no or little residual sugar (Brut Nature, Extra Brut or Brut) you can pair it with the following shellfish:

• Mussels and clams
• Lobster
• Crab
• Shrimps

If you have a slightly sweet Prosecco with more residual sugar (Extra Dry, Dry och Demi-Sec) you can pair it with the following:

• Shrimps with cocktail sauce (or other sauces)
• Shrimp curry
• Mussel soup
• Grilled shellfish

Tips! When pairing Prosecco with shellfish, try to balance the sweetness of the wine with the flavours and richness of the food.

Prosecco with Pasta

Prosecco and pasta is another classic Italian food and wine pairing. The medium-high acidity in the wine will balance fatty sauces with cream or olive oil as well as the acidity from tomatoes. This makes Prosecco a good wine pairing for a wide range of pasta dishes, including pasta with seafood or spicy condiments.

Prosecco Snack Pairing

Prosecco is one of the best wines for snacks and antipasti. It is one of those wines that can be served as an aperitif before dinner with many different types of appetizers. The wine's relatively low alcohol level, festive bubbles and pleasant fruity aromas will not overwhelm almost any type food. Prosecco is surprisingly versatile and pairs well with a wide range flavours which makes it one of our favourite wines together with snacks.

If you serve Prosecco as an aperitif before dinner, it is best to choose a bottle with a just a little hint of sweetness (Brut or Extra Dry). The bone-dry styles (Brut nature or Extra Brut) tend to be too dry for mingle and snacks.

Snacks, nibbles and finger foods that go with Prosecco are:

• Nuts! There are many nuts that go well with Prosecco, especially almonds, cashews and pine nuts. A spicy nut mix will also work very well with Prosecco (Brut, Extra dry or Dry)
• Potato chips & deep-fried food. The relative high acidity and the bubbles in the wine will balance the fat in the food. Try Prosecco with spring rolls, flavored chips, tempura or other deep-fried finger foods
• Spicy canapés. A Prosecco with a hint of sweetness (Brut, Extra dry or Dry) will pair well with spicy and aromatic appetizers. 
• Olives and charcuterie pair well with Prosecco Brut and/or Rosé Prosecco
• Soft and delicate cheeses, such as Mozzarella, Halloumi and Brie
• Breadsticks
• Artichokes

Prosecco Cheese Pairing

Prosecco is a great pairing with cheese. It pairs well with different types of cheeses, but especially mild and soft cheeses or semi-soft, nutty cheeses. Avoid pairing Prosecco with with too strong cheeses, such as blue cheese, because they will overwhelm the aromas in the wine. Instead, pair your Prosecco with one of these cheeses:

• Brie
• Camembert
• Mozzarella
• Feta cheese
• Ricotta
• Halloumi
• Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Gruyère
• Comté
• Burrata
• Goat cheese

Tips! Learn more about wine and cheese in our guide about wine and cheese pairing.

Prosecco with Vegetarian Food

Prosecco is an excellent wine pairing for vegetarian dishes. With its good acidity, citrus aromas and refreshing bubbles, it pairs well with anything from salads to medium heavy dishes with lots of flavours. Vegetarian food pairing suggestions for Prosecco include:

• Colorful salads
• Salads with cheese
• Dishes with tofu
• Spicy vegetarian dishes, such as vegetarian curry (choose a Prosecco with a hint of sweetness)
• Anything deep-fried, including samosas, springrolls and tempura

Tips! In our wine guide for vegetarian food you can learn more about the best wine for vegetarian dishes.

Prosecco with Meat & Poultry

Prosecco might not be your first choice if you are having a juicy steak, but this sparkling wine works well with some meat and poultry. Popular Prosecco and meat parings include:

• Mixed charcuterie, including spicy pepperoni and salami
• Deep-fried chicken
• Chicken salad
• Peking duck
• Chicken curry
• Light pork dishes

Prosecco with Desserts

Prosecco is one of the best sparkling wines to have with desserts. Thanks to its fruity profile and medium-high acidity, Prosecco works excellently with fruity desserts. Make sure to choose one of the sweeter styles (Dry or Demi-Sec). The sweetness in the wine will match the sweetness in the dessert. Prosecco is an excellent wine to serve together with desserts with fruit or berries.

Good desserts with Prosecco are:

• Mixed fruit & berry platter
• Desserts with both chocolate and berries/fruit
• Cupcakes
• Lemon pie
• Tiramisu
• Strawberry cheesecake
• Pavlova

Prosecco with Strawberries

Prosecco and strawberries are a match made in heaven. The high level of acidity and the fruity aromas in the wine pair perfectly with the sweet and acid strawberries. If you wonder how to serve Prosecco with strawberries, you don't need to make it very complicated. You can either put strawberries in a glass of Prosecco, or serve it in a bowl next to the wine. If you want to make it into a dessert, you can serve chocolate covered strawberries with your Prosecco.

Tips! Make sure you choose a Prosecco with a touch of sweetness (Dry, Extra Dry or Demi-Sec) in order to balance the sweet strawberries.

Prosecco in Cocktails

Last but not least, Prosecco is also a perfect wine for cocktails. It is the sparkling wine used in the classic brunch cocktails Bellini and Mimosa. The fruitiness of the wine amplifies the fruit flavor of the juice/puré used in the cocktail.

Enjoy your food and wine!

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