Prosecco is the most popular types of Italian sparkling wine, or Spumanti.  Hailing from the Veneto region of Northeastern Italy, Prosecco has recently become a very trendy sparkling wine choice in the U.S. due to its delightfully bright and citrusy flavor, and also thanks to its affordability.  Many high quality offerings can be purchased for as little as $10-$20 a bottle.

Prosecco is not made like Champagne, which uses the method champenoise, but instead uses the Charmat method.  In the Charmat method, the wine goes through the second fermentation in pressurized tanks rather than in individual bottles.  The wine itself is made primarily from the prosecco grape, a white grape that ripens very late in the season.  It is typically blended with a mix of other grapes as well such as Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay.

Unlinke Champagne, Prosecco is not a wine that should be aged.  Drink them young.  And if the mood strikes, mix it with peach puree (or peach nectar from the grocery store) to make Italy’s celebrated Prosecco-based cocktail, the Bellini.

Prosecco pairs well with: lighter foods like fruit and salads, salty snacks, and desserts.