So what is prosecco? The Italian spumante or sparkling has become en vogue for diners and party-goers around the world who seek a refreshing and easy to drink bubbly. We Thais tend to love it for its Italian flair and most non-vintage bottles have a relatively neutral taste, lower alcohol content and simple structure, which make it an affordable and accessible choice. Made from the glera grape (formerly known as prosecco), this sparkling wine is most often tank fermented, and does not see any oak maturation or ageing. If one can generalize, a typical, good prosecco should have a refreshing taste, good fruity aromas of lemon, green apples and a nicely balanced finish.

WHERE: Prosecco is grown in the Veneto region in Northeastern Italy, the country’s third largest wine region. Visitors to this area, also the home of the soave and the amarone varietals, can find the glera grape all over the rolling hills north of Venice. A wine labelled prosecco means it is from this area, but if you want to seek out the better wines, do look out for those with DOC status. Even better, if the towns of Cartizze, Conegliano or Valdobbiadene are mentioned: this signifies DOCG status, which is the highest quality available.

HOW MUCH: Before the new Thai wine tax was implemented this past September, the price for a bottle ranged from under B500 to B800. Now, however, consumers need to dig deeper into their pockets, between B700-B1,000 for a  bottle that’s fit for a party or worthy of gracing the dining table.

THE TASTE: A good prosecco has a well-defined fruit profile, a fine bead and a balanced fruit and acid component. A prosecco may also be frizzante (lightly sparkling) in which case the wine would be almost like a fizzy white wine. This style can be a very nice option to sip with appetizers.

Zonin Prosecco Brut DOC BEST BUY

Rated top by all tasters, this sparkler has a pale green color with a yellow hue. The mousse (aka bubbles) is fine and regular. The nose is crisp with pure notes of green apples and lime. The palate is very harmonious and the finish shows good cut and an appetizing bitterness, which is ideal for a cocktail or meal. 

B765. Available at www.wineqshop.com. Imported by IWS.

Sassello Prosecco DOC BK PICK

Pale green with little fizz. The nose reveals appetizing peach and yellow fruits. This bottle seems more perfumed and finishes with palate-cleansing acidity. Don’t be fooled by how it looks, and go for what’s inside!

B659. Available at Villa Market and Foodland. Imported by Ambrose.

Osteria Vino Frizzante Prosecco DOC 

A frizzante, so don’t look for bubbles and serve in a normal white wine glass. The nose is very aromatic combining perfumed roses, grape and peach aromas. On the palate the experience is enhanced by subtle spice notes and a clean refreshing finish. 

B950. Available at www.fin-wine.com. Imported by Fin-Wine.

Villa Sandi Prosecco Spumante Brut Millesimato Valdobbiadene

Pale green with fine bubbles. The aromas do not immediately jump from the glass, but you can sense refreshing peach and pear notes. A crisp and dry sparkler, which is quite well suited as an aperitif.  

B970. Available at Villa Market and Foodland. Imported by BB&B

Cascine 7 Prosecco Treviso DOC 

Pale green color and solid bubbles. The nose is slightly metallic, but the wine is gentle and fruity on the palate. The lower acidity level makes it easy to drink and ideal for parties. The iconic orange label has been known in Thailand for quite some time and now the producer has given it a fine new packaging. 

B785. Available at 253 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-261-8500. www.italasiagroup.com.