Roasted nuts

Not all Prosecco is created equal – and this bottle from the family-owned Biancavigna estate proves why it's worth seeking out producers who go beyond the basics. Sisters Elena and Enrica Moschetta run this small winery with a focus on sustainable farming and quality over quantity, setting their bottles apart from mass-produced alternatives. Produced from vineyards in the heart of the Prosecco region, this sparkling wine captures everything that makes good Prosecco so appealing – it's fresh, fruity, and effortlessly drinkable with just enough complexity to keep things interesting. Made using the Charmat method (where the second fermentation happens in pressurized tanks rather than in bottle), it maintains the bright, aromatic character that defines the style. Perfect for celebrations, aperitivo hour, or brunch cocktails (hello, Mimosas and Bellinis), but good enough to enjoy on its own. When Prosecco is this well-made, it deserves to be more than just a mixer.

This Spanish sparkler proves that you don't need a Champagne budget to enjoy quality bubbles. CUNE's Brut Cava delivers all the celebration without the financial hangover – made in the traditional method with secondary fermentation in the bottle, just like its French cousin. CUNE (pronounced 'COO-nay') is primarily known for their exceptional Rioja wines, but their venture into sparkling wine shows their versatility and commitment to quality across styles. This Cava spends 12 months aging on the lees, developing those complex bread-like aromas that blend beautifully with the bright fruit notes. Perfect for turning Tuesday night into a celebration or upgrading your weekend brunch game beyond basic mimosas.

Scarpetta's Pinot Grigio comes from Friuli – the northeastern Italian region where Pinot Grigio reaches its highest expression and bears little resemblance to the bland, watery versions that give the grape a bad name. This wine shows what Pinot Grigio can be when grown in the right place and made with care – aromatic, flavorful, and distinctly mineral. The name 'Scarpetta' refers to the Italian tradition of using bread to soak up the last bit of sauce on your plate – a fitting name for wines designed to complement food rather than compete with it. Created by Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey and Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, the Scarpetta wines are crafted specifically to enhance the dining experience. This Pinot Grigio is the perfect bottle for those looking to rediscover a grape they may have dismissed, proving that sometimes the most pleasant surprises come from giving second chances.

'Crustaces' (French for 'crustaceans') telegraphs exactly what this wine was born to do – pair beautifully with seafood. This Alsatian blend from the historic house of Dopff & Irion is essentially a love letter to shellfish, with a mineral profile and zippy acidity that makes seafood dishes sing. The beauty of this wine lies in its precision and purity – there's no oak to mask the crystalline fruit flavors, just the honest expression of Alsatian terroir. The blend combines Riesling's backbone of acidity and minerality with the soft, rounded notes of Pinot Blanc. It's the vinous equivalent of a cool ocean breeze – refreshing, invigorating, and exactly what you want on a warm day. While the name suggests shellfish, don't let that limit you – this versatile white is happy to accompany everything from sushi to salads to solo sipping.

If you still think all Riesling is sweet, this dry (trocken) version from Rheinhessen is here to change your mind. Prost's offering showcases the versatility of Germany's signature grape, delivering all the aromatic complexity and vibrant fruit that makes Riesling special, but in a completely dry style. Rheinhessen has undergone a quality revolution in recent decades, with a new generation of winemakers focusing on lower yields and more expressive wines. This bottle represents the modern face of German wine – precise, food-friendly, and utterly delicious. It's the perfect introduction for those who have been hesitant to explore Riesling due to concerns about sweetness. And for those already converted to the Riesling fan club, it offers a textbook example of the variety's appeal at a price that makes it easy to enjoy any night of the week.