Prosecco delightfully bubbly!

A true Prosecco hails from the Veneto region of Italy, and is produced from the Prosecco grape. Its a young wine, often fruity and light as well as lower in alcohol content than many wines. The relaxed friendly bubbly has exploded in popularity so much that bottling has increased dramatically over the past five years in Italy and 'copy cats' are now found all over the world.

We love Prosecco and think this is a perfect wine to bring to a picnic, not only for its light airy quality but also because its relatively inexpensive. Since picnic season is officially upon us we wanted to share the Dow Jones Prosecco Index of inexpensive Prosecco:

Minonetto Brut. $9.99
Best tasting and best value. Some Champagne-like finesse. Minerals, toast and real fruit tastes, especially apples and pears.

Bartenura Extra Dry. $15.99
Good fruit, with ripe, white grapes, a touch of brown sugar and complicity that many lack.

Astoria 'Cuvee Tenuta Val de Brun. $19.99
Nutty, mineral nose, with some tasted almonds. Very pleasant.

Bisol 'Crede'. $22.99
Easy drinking. Clean, with hints of mango and lime.

Col del Sole Extra Dry. $11.99
Clean, fresh nose with some minerals. Vibrant bubbles. Lychee and mangoes - a bit tutti-frutti but relaxed and happy.

Di Fliore 'Passionne'. $9.99
Lively, with ripe tastes, nice balancing acidity and a very easy, light finish.

Foss Marai Extra Dry. $15.99
Fun, with tart, green-apple tastes and a little hint of minerals.

Desiderio Jeio Brut. $14.99
Ripe lemons with a touch of sweet fruit. Clean, soft and nice, with particularly charming little bubbles.