Prosecco

Light, fresh and endlessly easy to enjoy, Prosecco is Italy's best-loved sparkling wine. Made mainly from the Glera grape in the Veneto and Friuli, it is fermented a second time in large pressurised tanks rather than in bottle. This keeps the focus firmly on the fruit, giving vibrant notes of pear, green apple and white flowers with a soft, frothy mousse.

For something a step up, look to the hills. Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG come from steep slopes north of Treviso, producing wines with more finesse, minerality and precision, with Rive and Cartizze bottlings representing the very best sites. Prosecco Rosé, blended with a little Pinot Noir, adds delicate red berry character, while cloudy Col Fondo styles are fermented in bottle and left on their lees for a more rustic, savoury take.

On the label, Brut is the driest, while Extra Dry is actually slightly sweeter. Serve well chilled as an aperitif, with antipasti and light seafood, or as the base for a Bellini or Spritz.