Italian fizz rose from nowhere about 12 years ago when the prosecco boom began. Demand was huge for cheap fizz, and it was less harsh than Cava. The backlash began a few years ago in response to the acidic, insipid £6 stuff on sale – and it’s image as a drink to get you drunk. It was at this time I heard rumours, from an Italian on a WSET course with me at the London Wine School, that there was a good quality ‘champagne’ being made near Brescia. I was sceptical, but had tried some great fizz in Italy. But Franciacorta costs Champagne money – so it is a bit of a gamble…

Tasting notes:  A pale lemon colour. Initially some yeasty aromas. Dry. Fine persistent mousse. Flavours of apple, almond. Balanced acidity. Some complexity. A pleasant finish with some length. Good fizz. Made in the champagne method with 100% Chardonnay grapes – so a Blanc de Blanc.

Region of Origin – Lombardy
Wine Colour – White
Price – £15 (currently £11.25 with their 25% off deal)
Where do I get it from? Tesco
Current Vintage – NV
Producer – Castel Faglia
Grape – Chardonnay
Country – Italy

Verdict – Good wine and good value at the moment. Better value than many of the ‘value’ Champagnes on offer at this time of year, but still lacks the biscuity bite of a good bottle of the real thing.

Food matching – would go really well with canapes.