In Italy, when one says sante, a glass of Prosecco better be in tow — or more aptly, in hand. For the Italians, a glass of Prosecco is the unofficial way to kick off a night of gastronomical festivities. It’s also becoming more popular in the United States, but what’s it all about?

Prosecco is actually a grape that is native to Friuli, but it is now the pride of the Veneto region of Italy. While Amarone and Soave are the more famous wines from this region, Prosecco’s home in the Valdobbiadene and Conegliano appellations is actually much closer to Venice. Prosecco can be made into a still wine, but this crisp, white grape is usually turned into bubbly. It is without a doubt the highest quality “charmat” method sparkling wine to be found, meaning that the secondary fermentation occurs in tank, not bottle. Prosecco can be “frizzante,” with a slight sparkle, or “spumante,” which is more effervescent.