Prosecco’s great—we get it. But there’s more to Italian sparkling wine than bargain bubbles. Cutting-edge producers all over the country are making terrific bottles worth paying a little more for. Here, three of our top picks.
Franciacorta
Italy’s most elegant bubbly comes from this Lombardy wine region. Producers have borrowed more than a few tricks from Champagne, including some of the grapes being used: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Go-To Bottle: NV Ca’ del Bosco Cuvée Prestige Brut ($45).
Lambrusco
Forget the sweet, industrial fizz you might have seen in the US. Lambrusco, from the Emilia- Romagna region, has a long artisanal history. The best are dry and complex—not to mention red!
Go-To Bottle: 2015 Vigneto Saetti Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce ($20).
Trento
The steep, cool vineyards of the Dolomites foothills, in Italy’s far north Trentino region, are ideal for crisp, sparkling wines. Unlike Prosecco, Trento must be aged for a minimum of 15 months, which helps to add complexity.
Go-To Bottle: NV Ferrari Brut ($28).
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