2. PROSECCO

The most famous style of fizz is also the most varied on our shelves. If you’re mixing prosecco for a cocktail then its intrinsic flavour is not important, but if you intend to drink it straight you must be very picky, because there is an awful lot of neutral, gassy rubbish out there.

2017 Taste The Difference Conegliano Prosecco Superiore TREVISO, ITALY (£10, reduced to £7.50 from 12 December

until 1 January, Sainsbury’s) A very fine wine indeed, with superb control and length. The freshness found here is as shocking and invigorating as taking a deep breath on a cold winter’s day. You can hunt down halves and magnums of this wine as well if you’re eagle- eyed! It is a worthy winner of our top prosecco spot.

FOODIE NOTES

The ultimate all-rounder when it comes to food-matching, this winning prosecco works with all party-style canapés and lighter starters such as smoked salmon. NV Maschio, Prosecco Superiore

VENETO, ITALY (£11, Morrisons) Our first runner- up is made from the prosecco grape glera, blended with pinot bianco and chardonnay. It’s another finely assembled creation with just the right amount of vivacity on the palate and very fine bubbles, too. It’s often discounted, so watch out for deals.

2017 La Gioiosa, Prosecco Superiore Millesimato, Valdobbiadene VENETO, ITALY

(£13.49) This delicious wine is made from

100 per cent glera grapes and comes from the most famous of all the prosecco sub-regions in northern Italy, Valdobbiadene. The creamy fruit is luxurious, mouth-coating and refreshing, and it is noticeably indulgent. Posh prosecco – who’d have thought it?