Forgot Prosecco, Franciacorta is Italy's most qualitative response to France's Chamapgne. Made from the same grapes as over the French border, their wines are also made in the Traditional Method, and even require more extensive ageing than their French counterpart.

And good examples are simply delicious and offer incredible value. It's a shame the world is yet to catch on. They have crisp acidity, the trademark brioche characters that are shared with Champagne, and plenty of minerality. 

Do yourself a favour, and take the path less travelled. It's a pretty tasty one.