Bubbly lovers are increasingly spoiled for choice when it comes to something to quaff at a big event. There are, of course, the legendary French Champagne houses; many, predictably, stop there. And though Prosecco from across the border in Italy has become a palatable and affordable alternative, champagne it ain’t. But over the past 50 years the Italian wine industry has, in certain key pockets, been raising its game, refining its sparkling wines and elevating its growing, fermentation, and production in line with traditional French methods.

Of course, technically you still can’t call it champagne, because it’s not French in origin; rules are rules. But one Lombardy wine region, Franciacorta, has been giving the French a very real run for their money in terms of quality, and also making i

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