Follador Prosecco: Budget Bubbles That Sparkle

Celebrate Your Inner Nonna with Follador Prosecco: Budget Bubbles That Sparkle

Italians have this magnificent way of owning their heritage, making every moment. From the simple aperitivo to the grandest celebration every moment feels like a centuries-old tradition. You don’t have to have an Italian nonna (grandmother) to feel that vibe; you just need a bottle of the right bubbly. And when it comes to frizzante finesse and true heritage, few do it better than Follador Prosecco.

Established in 1769—yes, you read that right, before the American Revolution—Follador is one of the original families of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region, the heartland of high-quality Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Their commitment to quality, including their proprietary Gianfranco Follador Method™ of vinification, means you’re not just drinking a bubbly wine; you’re sipping on history.

The Follador Family: A Sparkling Lineage

The Follador line is a beautiful journey through the different expressions of the Glera grape in its best territory. While they are a premium producer, savvy shoppers can often find fantastic value in their DOC and Superiore DOCG wines, making them a worthy budget-splurge that delivers quality far above its price point.

Follador’s Core Prosecco Range:

Nani dei Berti -Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut

Xzero -Prosecco DOC Treviso Extra Brut

Torri Di Credazzo -Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry Millesimato

Finding Your Giusto Budget Bubbly

While Follador offers exceptional quality, not everyone can swing the price point of a DOCG Superiore for Tuesday night. My recommendation to stay on a budget, I’m here to say: don’t compromise on quality, just look for the right designation!

The secret is to look beyond the famous names, but stick to the quality markers. Try these alternatives that still deliver excellent value and a taste of Italy:

• Look for DOCG on a Budget: While Follador’s DOCG wines are great, you can often find other excellent Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG or Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG for a lower price. The DOCG guarantees grapes from the superior hilly slopes, so the quality floor is high. Brands like Nino Franco Prosecco Superiore are consistently praised for providing consistent flavor and quality without breaking the bank.
• Explore the DOC: If your budget is firmly under $15, pivot to a well-regarded Prosecco DOC from the Treviso region. These offer vibrant freshness and fruity aromas, perfect for mimosas, spritzes, or a casual glass. Just be aware they are generally sweter and more aromatic than their DOCG cousins.

The Dolce Vita of Pairing Follador

The elegance of a quality Prosecco like Follador is its versatility. The goal isn’t just to buy it; it’s to enjoy it, transforming your everyday moment into a slice of the dolce vita (sweet life).

• The Dry Styles (Brut, Extra Brut, Xzero): The strong minerality and clean finish of Follador’s driest wines make them an unbelievable pairing for savory foods. Forget the idea that Prosecco is only for appetizers. These can handle grilled seafood (especially calamari or shrimp), a beautiful risotto, or even classic Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• The Classic Styles (Extra Dry, Ruiol Castei): The slight hint of residual sweetness in the Extra Dry makes it the quintessential aperitivo wine. Pair it with lighter fare like vegetable-based appetizers, fresh mozzarella, or a simple plate of olives and bruschetta. It’s also fantastic with slightly spicy Asian dishes, where the sweetness balances the heat.
• The Rosé (Laelia): With its red-fruit notes, the Rosé bridges the gap beautifully. It’s perfect with cured meats and mature cheeses, but also shines with a grilled chicken salad or even a light fruit tart for a delicious dessert pairing.

Cheers to celebrating heritage, quality, and the thrill of a fantastic bottle that’s truly worth every paisa (penny). Salute!