At the onset of a family gathering, I popped open a bottle of Ballatore Moscato Rose Spumante. Within minutes, the volume of certain family members’ voices seemed lowered, and the comments more easily digested. All in all, it was a nice experience that may not have been possible without a bit of bubbly to relax one and all who accepted a pour. This spumante would have gone a long way if I’d made this cocktail, courtesy of Ballatore:

Sparkling Mocha Truffle

• 4 tablespoons chocolate shavings
• 3/4 oz. white creme de cacao
• 3/4 oz. vanilla liqueur
• Splash of walnut liqueur
• 1 oz. Ballatore Rose ($9.99 a bottle)

Wet the rim of a a martini glass in white creme de cacao and dip into plate of chocolate shavings. Set aside. In a cocktail shaker, combine the 3/4-oz. white creme de cacao, vanilla liqueur and walnut liqueur with ice. Shake vigorously. Add Ballatore Rose and stir. Strain into glasses.

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My bottle of Ballatore Gran Spumante was recently opened while visiting friends in the Berkshires. Four glasses were poured, toasts made and sips savored. My first taste sensation was of cream soda. The old fashioned kind. Everyone agreed, but also commented on how much they enjoyed the creaminess and slight bubbles.

For 30 years, Ballatore has been producing sparkling wines in the Italian Asti-style. I have to admit I’d never before heard of Ballatore, so it was a nice introduction to some tasty sparkling wines that don’t break the budget.