Astoria, Cuvée Honor Spumante Venezia Extra Dry, Nv

Astoria Cuvee Honor -Venezia D.O.C.is the latest release from this top sparkling wine producer. The vineyards for the grapes for this wine are grown close to the River Piave between the provinces of Treviso and Venice. It is a blend of Glera (Prosecco), Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. The pearl is very fine and continuous, the aromas are elegant and packed with fruit as is the palate where notes of pear dominate. This wine was created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the company.

This is the thinking man's Prosecco. With the basis being the Glera (Prosecco) grape it shares many characteristics with Prosecco but the Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco give the wine added complexity. It's fresh and just off-dry so it makes a wonderful aperitif but try it with fish dishes and all sorts of starters, you'll love it.

We love quality Prosecco and so does most of the UK wine drinkers. But this has an added dimension. It's very easy drinking with very refined fruit flavours. It makes the palate come alive before a meal and certainly gets the appetite going.

• ❖ ABV: 11.5%