Nino Franco: Redefining Prosecco on the world stage
Prosecco is often seen as the light-hearted cousin of sparkling wines, enjoyed as a refreshing apéritif or to celebrate life’s small moments. But at Nino Franco, Prosecco is transformed into something far more profound. Nestled in the heart of Valdobbiadene, where the mineral-rich soils and steep, rocky slopes provide an ideal terroir, this family-run winery has been elevating Prosecco since its founding in 1919. Today, Nino Franco Prosecco is not only a favourite in Italy but graces the tables of Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe, pairing beautifully with a wide range of cuisines.
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In 1999, Tim was introduced to Primo Franco by Colleen McKendrick while working at Che Restaurant and Bar. That introduction sparked what would become a long and fruitful partnership. From the first taste, Tim was struck by the elegance and depth of Nino Franco’s wines. It was clear that Primo Franco’s commitment to quality and precision in his winemaking elevated Prosecco to a level that had not yet been seen in the market. Sommelier's Choice was born, and Rustico, one of Nino Franco’s flagship wines, quickly became a staple for fine dining establishments in the UK, marking the beginning of Sommelier’s Choice’s journey with the winery.
A family legacy of excellence
Established by Antonio Franco in 1919 after World War I, Nino Franco began as a modest winery in the steep, hilly town of Valdobbiadene, a region renowned for its exceptional terroir. Antonio’s vision of creating quality Prosecco was passed down through the generations, first to his son Giovanni and later to Primo Franco, who took the reins in the early 1980s.
Primo Franco redefined what Prosecco could be. Moving away from bulk production, Primo focused on single-vintage and single-vineyard cuvées, crafting wines that were complex, balanced, and deeply expressive of the terroir. Grave di Stecca, grown in Valdobbiadene’s only walled vineyard, Single vineyards Nodi and Riva di San Floriano plus and the legendary Rustico cuvée, brought unprecedented elegance to the category. His introduction of the first vintage-dated Prosecco in 1983 set a new benchmark for quality, as did his leadership in producing Grave di Stecca, Prosecco’s first "clos" wine.
Primo was also instrumental in modernising Prosecco production, taking his expertise around the world and showcasing the wine on an international stage. Under his leadership, Nino Franco became synonymous with quality and innovation, introducing techniques like extended lees contact to add depth to the wines while maintaining their hallmark freshness. Despite the expansion of the Prosecco DOCG appellation, which has led to an influx of lower-quality wines on the market, Nino Franco has stood firm in its commitment to producing exceptional wines, ensuring that each cuvée tells its own story.
Primo Franco’s gentle revolution
Primo Franco has always been as much a visionary as a craftsman. Known for his charm and humility, he revolutionised the perception of Prosecco in a way that no one had before. His belief in treating Prosecco with the same reverence as fine wines led him to insist that it be served in wine glasses rather than flutes, allowing its complexity to shine through. Primo once quipped that his wines had “round bubbles, not square,” a reflection of their smooth, refined character.
Through innovations like extended lees contact and the use of single vineyards and a walled single vineyards Primo has shown that Prosecco can be more than a celebratory wine—it can be a serious, elegant expression of terroir. The consistency and quality of their wines, particularly Rustico, is what sets Nino Franco apart. Despite the exclusivity of their single-vineyard cuvées, Rustico remains a go-to favourite for fine dining and beyond.
Rustico: A groundbreaking Prosecco with consistent quality
One of the standout wines in Nino Franco’s range is Rustico, a Prosecco that has become synonymous with quality and value. In 2019, Rustico was awarded Best Value Wine in the World by Wine Enthusiast's Top 100, marking the first time a Prosecco had ever earned this accolade. This recognition highlighted Rustico's ability to transcend its reputation as an entry-level Prosecco, offering a complexity and finesse that distinguishes it from others in its category. Every major wine critic in the world has lavished praise on this cuvée, consistently scoring between 90 and 95 points.
What makes Rustico particularly special is its ability to maintain exceptional quality despite the brand's growth. Over the years, Nino Franco has expanded production, sourcing grapes not only from their own vineyards but also from long-standing partner growers across Valdobbiadene. These partnerships are built on shared values, with Nino Franco insisting on the same viticultural and sustainable practices across all vineyard sites. This commitment ensures that Rustico remains true to its roots, embodying the terroir-driven characteristics of Valdobbiadene.
For Tim, the introduction of Rustico to fine dining in the UK was seamless—"the product was so good, sommeliers understood the quality immediately." Despite its larger production scale compared to when it was first launched, Rustico has never compromised on quality. Its consistent excellence over the years is a testament to Nino Franco’s uncompromising approach.
Another key factor in Rustico's success is its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a crisp, refreshing apéritif or paired with a range of foods—from oysters and sushi to lighter salads—making it a favourite in both fine dining and casual settings. Moreover, Rustico’s capacity to age gracefully is a rare quality in Prosecco, further adding to its allure for both sommeliers and wine enthusiasts.
As Nino Franco continues to lead the way in Prosecco production, Rustico remains a cornerstone of their range, demonstrating that quality and value can go hand in hand. Its enduring appeal is a reflection of Primo Franco’s original vision—combining innovation, tradition, and sustainability to create wines that elevate Prosecco to a new level.
Praise from Tom Stevenson: Nino Franco as a benchmark
Critics have not overlooked Nino Franco’s contributions to the world of sparkling wine. Tom Stevenson, one of the most respected wine critics in the world of Champagne and sparkling wines, has long championed Nino Franco. Over the years, Nino Franco has won more gold medals in the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC) than any other Prosecco producer. Stevenson highlights that it’s not just the distinct aromas of white pepper and celery seed that set these wines apart—it’s their balance, depth, and textural finesse.
In blind tastings, Nino Franco’s Proseccos often defy expectations, offering more complexity than many expect from this style of wine. As Stevenson notes, Nino Franco has set a new standard for what Prosecco can achieve, competing on equal footing with some of the finest sparkling wines in the world.
Nino Franco: A collection of Proseccos for every occasion
Nino Franco’s Prosecco range offers a wide spectrum of styles, each with its own unique profile, making them versatile enough to pair with everything from seafood to rich desserts:
Rustico
Crisp, refreshing, and highly acclaimed with 94 from Wine Enthusiast. With notes of pear, white flowers, and citrus, Rustico is perfect as an apéritif or paired with oysters, sushi, and light salads.
Shop "Rustico" Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Primo Franco
An off-dry Prosecco that balances tropical fruit flavours with a creamy mouthfeel. Primo Franco, with 93 points from Wine Enthusiast, is excellent with fruit tarts, lighter desserts, or enjoyed on its own.
Shop "Primo Franco" Prosecco DOCG 2013
Shop "Primo Franco" Prosecco DOCG 2014
Grave di Stecca
Grown in Valdobbiadene’s only walled vineyard, Grave di Stecca is a structured, complex Prosecco with notes of stone fruit, herbs, and a hint of spice. Awarded 94 points by Wine Enthusiast, it’s a fantastic choice for roast chicken, savoury pastries, or a well-curated charcuterie board.
Shop Grave di Stecca Spumante Brut 2010
Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano
A single-vineyard Prosecco that reflects the mineral-driven characteristics of the steep hills of Valdobbiadene. Featuring floral aromas, apricot, and almond notes, this wine pairs beautifully with soft cheeses or grilled seafood. Its precision and finesse make it an elegant choice for more refined meals. The steeply sloped vineyards contribute to the wine's exceptional depth, ensuring a fresh and vibrant finish. 95 Points, Wine Enthusiast.
Shop Prosecco Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano DOCG 2010
Nodi
Another single-vineyard Prosecco, Nodi offers a vibrant, dry style with flavours of white peach, citrus, and a refreshing finish. Sourced from a small vineyard site with older vines, Nodi is the embodiment of Valdobbiadene’s unique terroir. Its 93 points from Wine Enthusiast reflect the wine’s quality, making it ideal with shellfish or light pasta dishes.
Shop Prosecco Nodi Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG 2016
Cartizze
Regarded as the pinnacle of Prosecco production, Cartizze is produced from the highly prized Cartizze Hill, a mere 107 hectares of prime vineyard land in Valdobbiadene. This special cuvée delivers a richer, more concentrated Prosecco with ripe fruit aromas of apple, pear, and a hint of almond. It is perfect for celebrations or for pairing with more indulgent desserts like fruit tarts or panna cotta. Known for its luxurious texture and exquisite balance, Cartizze captures the essence of what makes Valdobbiadene the top tier of Prosecco production.
Shop Prosecco Cartizze di Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG 2023
Prosecco for the world’s finest tables
One of the defining traits of Nino Franco’s Proseccos is their incredible versatility, which has made them a staple in many of the world’s best restaurants. These wines have a unique ability to complement a wide range of cuisines, from Michelin-starred fine dining to more casual settings. This flexibility has ensured that Nino Franco wines are not just a fleeting trend but a permanent fixture on wine lists globally.
Tim’s best experience of a pairing was cured salmon by Ben Tonks at The Seahorse with pink peppercorns—this made the Primo Franco 2013 absolutely sing. Rustico, too, was a seamless introduction to fine dining in the UK, thanks to its instant appeal and the understanding of sommeliers who recognised its quality. Tim often says, "Rustico is a wine I will never get bored of, and it also has the potential to age gracefully."
Looking to the future: Sustainability and innovation
Since 1919, Nino Franco has been committed to quality and sustainability. Primo Franco’s innovations, such as extended lees contact and minimal intervention winemaking, have now been passed down to the next generation. Silvia Franco, who joined the family business in 2006, continues to push for environmental stewardship while maintaining the legacy of excellence that her family has built.
The Nino Franco philosophy—"To make great Prosecco, you need to make great wine, and great wine begins with the hard work you do in the vineyards"—has become a defining standard by which we assess any new supplier at Sommelier's Choice. This commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship ensures that Nino Franco will continue to lead the way for Prosecco in the decades to come.
Nino Franco: Leading Prosecco into the future
Nino Franco’s legacy of innovation, sustainability, and dedication to quality is more relevant now than ever. Whether enjoyed at home, shared at a family meal, or served at some of the world’s finest restaurants, Nino Franco’s Proseccos are the embodiment of Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. They set the standard for what Prosecco can achieve, and their story is far from over.
At Sommelier’s Choice, we are proud to have been part of this journey for over 25 years, celebrating the innovation and legacy that define Nino Franco. From Rustico to Grave di Stecca, their wines continue to showcase the best of Prosecco.
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