Stelle d’Italia Prosecco NV Veneto, Italy 75cl

Stelle d’Italia is a Prosecco label from the Veneto in north-east Italy, the traditional home of the style. It sits firmly in the crowd-pleasing camp: a well-made, approachable sparkling wine designed for easy enjoyment rather than ceremony, and priced to open often.

Like all Prosecco, it is made from Glera, the region’s signature white grape. The bubbles are created by a second fermentation in pressurised tanks, the tank method that keeps Prosecco fresh, fruity and aromatic rather than bready and austere in the way of Champagne. It is a non-vintage wine, blended for a consistent house style you can come back to bottle after bottle.

Because it is non-vintage and built entirely on freshness, this is one to drink young and well chilled, while its fruit and fizz are at their brightest. There is no reward in keeping it; the pleasure is in opening it while it sparkles.

Expect a light, lively mousse with green apple, pear and a soft lemony lift, a gently off-dry feel and a clean, refreshing finish. Serve it thoroughly chilled as an aperitif, with antipasti, light seafood and creamy nibbles, or wherever a glass of something sparkling sets the mood.

Prosecco has become the go-to for relaxed celebration, and this is a dependable, good-value example of why. Pour it for a party, a Sunday brunch, a toast or the base of an Aperol spritz, and it earns its place without any fuss or pretension. A reliable, cheerful house fizz to keep chilled and on hand for whenever the moment arrives.