Franciacorta is Italy’s answer to Champagne, traditional method, bottle-aged sparkling wines that aim for finesse rather than flamboyance. Ca’ del Bosco is one of the region’s most respected producers, and their Cuvée Prestige offers a polished, fruit-driven expression of the style, built on freshness and backed up with complexity.

In the glass, it’s a pale lemon with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose opens with gentle white blossom and ripe citrus, lemon and peach give way to subtle tropical hints of melon. There’s a creamy, baked element too, with aromas of pastry, bread and a dusting of vanilla, leading into a faint thread of honey and dried apricot that adds some welcome depth.

On the palate, the wine is dry with medium-plus acidity and a round, almost silky texture. Flavours mirror the nose, ripe orchard fruit, delicate citrus, and that creamy brioche core, supported by a soft mousse and a gently warming finish. The complexity is there, albeit restrained, and while the finish doesn’t quite linger long enough for top-tier status, this is a really very good wine.

It’s a shame that we don’t see that much Franciacorta in the UK. Look out for these elegant, well-balanced wines often with extended lees aging for those lovely brioche notes when you are in Italy. I particularly like the Saten style which is a Blanc de Blanc with lower dosage.