Q: My wife and I have recently fallen in love with Prosecco. What's different about this wine from other sparklers?
Buddy West
Cummings, Georgia

A: Congratulations on discovering one of the world's most enjoyable sparkling wines. Prosecco is sparkling for sure, but it's far from French Champagne (and, for that matter, other sparklers from around the world produced using the traditional Champagne method). Unlike Champagne, which undergoes a more refined second fermentation in the bottle, Prosecco is fermented a second time in large tanks (called the Charmat method). That said, this fruity, easy-drinking Italian gem is not to be overlooked. It's fun, cheap, and perfect for just about any lighthearted occasion--morning, noon, or night.

Made in the Veneto in northeastern Italy, Prosecco the country's best-selling spumante (which is Italian for "sparkling"). It's also worth noting that Prosecco, combined with white peach nectar, makes a bellini, the cocktail made famous at Harry's Bar in Venice. Look for producers such as Rustico, Toffoli, Zardetto, and Mionetto.