I will never tire of writing about prosecco; it’s the Italophile in me that harks back to European summer days spent in the town of Treviso in the Veneto region in the north of Italy, from where prosecco hails. I was staying in an unairconditioned attic apartment and the building’s elevator didn’t reach the top floor. After lugging heavy bags to the top of the building in 30-degree heat, I’d hang out of the skylight attempting to cool down and a glass of cold prosecco purchased from the local supermercato never tasted so good. That said, lately I’ve been embracing the fact that the Australians are now growing the glera grape abundantly in South Australia and, it has to be said, those Aussies are most capable of making prosecco that rivals the Italians. Case in point, our top six divides Italian and Australian examples equally.

Though the split in the top wines is equal, as always there can only be one top wine. This beautiful example from South Australian stalwart Jacob’s Creek truly charmed our judges. It’s pale and bright in the glass with high-toned citrus, jasmine blossom and honeysuckle aromas on the nose. The palate is soft and fresh with a vibrant yet creamy mouth-filling mousse. The steely line of acid that runs through the palate balances nicely against the sweetness present to make a delicious and moreish sparkling wine that will please the prosecco adorer. (A)