There is a misconception that Italian sparkling wine begins and ends with simple Prosecco. But if you dig just a little deeper, you realize that Italy is actually one of the most dynamic sparkling wine nations on earth. We have the "Grand Crus" of Valdobbiadene, the serious Metodo Classico of Lombardy, the savory fizz of Emilia, and even volcanic bubbles from the slopes of Etna.

Sparkling wine in Italy isn't just for a toast; it’s food wine, it’s conversation wine, and it’s a daily ritual. We wanted to curate a selection that shows the full spectrum of Italian bubbles—from the dry and mineral to the lush and aromatic.

Here is a guide to the sparkling gems currently on our shelves.

The Kings of Prosecco: Foss Marai

If you think you know Prosecco, Foss Marai will change your mind. This is not the mass-produced stuff found in supermarkets; this is high-altitude, handmade Glera from the steep hills of Valdobbiadene. These wines are fixtures in Italy’s Michelin-starred restaurants for a reason: they possess an elegance and a fine mousse that puts them in a league of their own.

Foss Marai "Strada di Guia" Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Extra Dry $18.99 This is the classic style. It’s incredibly inviting, with notes of wisteria, acacia, and crisp apple. The "Extra Dry" sweetness is perfectly balanced by the acidity of the steep slopes.

Foss Marai "Guia" Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Millesimato Brut $21.99 For those who prefer a drier, more modern expression. This vintage-dated Brut is precise, savory, and driven by citrus zest and white peach. A perfect aperitivo.

Foss Marai "Cartizze" Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Dry $29.99 The Grand Cru of the region. Sourced from the prestigious Cartizze hill, this wine is lush, creamy, and intense, with layers of glazed almond, apricot, and white flowers. It is pure luxury in a glass.

Ostro Prosecco Rose Extra Brut $11.99 And for a splash of color, the Ostro offers a dry, vibrant pink Prosecco full of wild strawberries and a refreshing snap.

Franciacorta

When we talk about Italian Metodo Classico (made in the same way as Champagne), all roads lead to Franciacorta. And in Franciacorta, one name stands above the rest.

Ca' Del Bosco "Cuvée Prestige" Franciacorta" $42.99 Maurizio Zanella’s masterpiece. This is the benchmark for the region. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco, it is treated with obsessive care (including their famous "berry spa" wash for the grapes). It is toasty, rich, and impeccably polished—a wine that proves Italy can stand toe-to-toe with the great houses of Reims.

The Lambrusco Renaissance

Forget the sweet, industrial soda of the past. Real Lambrusco is dry, savory, and one of the best food wines in the world.

2024 Medici Ermete Concerto Reggiano Lambrusco $21.99 This was the wine that changed the game, the first single-vineyard Lambrusco to gain international acclaim. It’s dark, frothy, and dry, bursting with black cherry and violet. Pair this with salumi and you’ll understand the magic of Emilia-Romagna.

2024 Paltrinieri "Radice" Lambrusco di Sorbara $22.99 For the adventurous palate. This is the Sorbara clone—pale pink, high acid, and electric. Made in the ancestral method (fermented in the bottle), it tastes of tart cranberry, rhubarb, and citrus. It’s funky, fresh, and wildly drinkable.

The Unexpected: Volcanic and Southern Bubbles

Italy’s sparkling culture extends to the very tip of the boot. These are two of our favorite "alternative" bubbles.

2018 Terrazze Dell'Etna - Cuveé Brut $36.99 Sparkling wine from a volcano. Made from 100% Nerello Mascalese on the slopes of Mount Etna, this Metodo Classico spends years on the lees. It is smoky, mineral, and tense, with a texture that speaks of lava stone and high altitude.

2022 Ciro Picariello "Contadino" Fiano Brut $39.99 Ciro Picariello is a master of Fiano in Avellino, and his sparkling version is a revelation. It captures the smoky, hazelnut character of Fiano but with a refreshing fizz. A true "farmer's fizz" that overdelivers on complexity.

The Sweet Finish

Sometimes, the only way to end a meal is with a touch of sweetness and a little sparkle.

2024 Elio Perrone "Bigaro" Bracchetto Moscato" $16.99 A brilliant blend of Brachetto and Moscato. It’s pink, frothy, and tastes like a bowl of fresh raspberries and strawberries. It is pure joy in a bottle.

La Caudrina "La Selvatica" Asti $21.99 Romano Dogliotti is the king of Moscato, and "La Selvatica" is his masterpiece. It’s aromatic, smelling of sage, honey, and orange blossom, but the palate remains fresh and lifted, never cloying.

- Orazio Campoli, K&L Italian Wine Buyer