What you need to know

Prosecco is both a grape and an Italian appellation , a DOC which has recently formed to ensure better quality.

It is made in a slightly different way to champagne (which is called Charmat) which means the bubbles are less fine and the flavour more fruity.

Prosecco comes in a variety of styles; confusingly the driest is brut, the medium is Extra Dry whilst the sweetest is called Dry. We mostly see Brut or Extra Dry in the UK

Prosecco is a straight forward and simple, aromatic style of sparkling wines. Classically you taste apples and pears with a floral hint. The purity of the flavours makes it very versatile and easy drinking.

It is less acidic than champagne, which makes its good for parties where you might have a few glasses.

Great for cocktails – the bellini is the classic Prosecco cocktail.

Top tip – Look out for wines marked DOCG Congliano-Valdobbiadene, they are the Prosecco Superiore and guaranteed higher quality.