Cuvée Prestige Franciacorta Edizione 47, Ca' del Bosco 75cl

Franciacorta is Italy's answer to Champagne, and Ca' del Bosco is the house that put it on the map. This Cuvée Prestige, in its Edizione 47 release, is the estate's flagship non-vintage — a metodo classico sparkler of real polish that stands comfortably alongside serious Champagne at a friendlier price.

Made in Lombardy's Franciacorta zone, near Lake Iseo, this is a blend of roughly 75% Chardonnay, 22.5% Pinot Nero and a touch of Pinot Bianco. The Edizione system means each release blends the current harvest with reserve wines from previous years for consistency and depth. It is made by the traditional method with a long second fermentation in bottle on the lees.

Expect a fine, persistent mousse and a nose of ripe apple, white peach and citrus, layered with brioche, toasted almond and a gentle honeyed note from lees ageing. The palate is dry and creamy yet lively, with bright acidity carrying a long, savoury, faintly chalky finish. Elegant and generous at once.

At around £40 this is genuinely excellent sparkling value — a wine that punches at Champagne's level for less. Drink it as a celebratory aperitif or across a whole meal; there is no need to age it further.

How to Serve

Serve at 8–10°C in a white wine glass rather than a narrow flute, which lets the aromatics show. No decanting required.

Where to Drink It

Bocca di Lupo, Soho — a natural home for Franciacorta. Sartoria, Mayfair — for a stylish aperitivo. Lina Stores, Soho — for a celebratory glass with antipasti.

Food Pairings

Wonderful with fried delicacies — think arancini or tempura vegetables, where the bubbles scrub the palate clean. It also loves a plate of fresh oysters.