Without doubt, one of the greatest pleasures in life is having the opportunity to sit in the summer sun, raising a glass of perfectly chilled sparkling wine. A brief, indulgent respite from the daily toil –a chance to kick back, celebrate, and to toast whatever takes your fancy. Well, summer’s finally on its way and it’s time to consider just what you should be stocking up on so that you can enjoy those early evening moments. Prosecco is the ideal aperitivo for bright summer days – although the sweeter styles (confusingly marked as Dry on the label – rather than Brut or Extra Dry) – make a good choice to drink with pastries and fruitbased desserts. Or why not do as the Venetians do and take it as una ombra? The word means ‘shade’, but in Veneto and Venice it commonly refers to a glass of prosecco taken during the day. Legend has it that the name comes from the custom of drinking prosecco in Venice’s Piazza San Marco in the shadow of the Basilica’s lofty bell tower – something that every Italian wine lover should try to do at least once in their lifetime!