Vigna Sancol Prosecco DOC Brut, Veneto

Vigna Sancol is based in the rolling hills around Valdobbiadene, in the heartland of north-eastern Italy’s sparkling wine country. The estate focuses on bright, expressive Prosecco that captures the easy charm of the region while retaining plenty of freshness and character. Their Prosecco DOC Brut is made for immediate pleasure: crisp, aromatic and importantly, drier than the familiar Extra Dry style.

The vineyards of Veneto benefit from warm Adriatic influences tempered by cooler air descending from the nearby Alps. These temperature swings help preserve acidity and delicate aromatics in Glera, while the secondary fermentation used to create the bubbles keeps the wine focused on fresh fruit and floral lift rather than yeasty richness.

Pale straw with a lively stream of fine bubbles, the nose bursts with green apple, nashi pear and white peach, followed by lemon blossom and a little citrus zest. The palate is crisp and energetic, with crunchy orchard fruit, fresh lemon and a gentle floral note carried by bright acidity and lively bubbles. Being Brut, the finish is pleasingly dry and refreshing, with green apple, citrus and a clean mineral snap.

This is dangerously versatile: freshly shucked oysters, prosciutto and melon, zucchini flowers, salt-and-pepper calamari, arancini or a mountain of Parmesan-dusted fries.