On June 5th, the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will host a bubbly experiment that goes far beyond brand names and bottles. Inside Italian Bubbles: A Blind Tasting Journey Through Italy’s Finest Sparkling Wines is more than just a tasting—it’s a statement.
Curated by ICE – the Italian Trade Agency in collaboration with Vinitaly, and led by Stevie Kim, the session brings together six Italian sparkling wines—served blind—to an invited audience of Asian sommeliers, importers, and wine influencers.
But here’s the twist: this isn’t just another Prosecco showcase.
More Than Just Prosecco: A Broader Italian Sparkle
While Prosecco DOC and Prosecco Superiore DOCG are still power players, Italy’s sparkling scene is expanding—and so too are global palates.
At this event, alongside crowd-pleasers like Bottega and Villa Sandi, attendees will have the opportunity to taste:
These wines offer everything today’s Asian wine consumers are looking for: freshness, elegance, food-friendliness, and a story that’s waiting to be told.
Why This Matters to the Asian Market
In a region where consumers are increasingly curious, health-conscious, and food-driven, Italian sparkling wine checks all the right boxes. It pairs beautifully with Asian cuisine, from the minerality of Etna Carricante with sushi, to the creamy autolysis of Franciacorta alongside dim sum.
Moreover, as wine lists across Asia mature, there’s growing demand for alternatives to Champagne that still deliver quality, complexity, and prestige— but with a more approachable price tag.
“Italy’s sparkling wine scene is as diverse as its landscape,” says Stevie Kim. “We’re here to show that there’s a wine for every mood, every dish, and every identity—and Asia is ready for it.”
Is This the Start of a Trend?
Absolutely. If Prosecco opened the door, wines like Trento DOC and Metodo Classico from Lugana or Sicily are quietly making their case to stay on the table. Importers across markets like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are already exploring these lesser-known sparklers to differentiate their portfolios.
Meanwhile, Asian consumers—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are looking for wines with authenticity, sustainability, and a sense of place. Italian bubbles deliver on all three.
So What’s Next?
“Inside Italian Bubbles” is more than a tasting—it’s a spark. A spark that connects Italy’s heritage to Asia’s future-facing food and beverage culture.
And if you’re a buyer, a sommelier, or even a curious wine lover in Asia, this is your chance to look beyond the usual suspects. Because the next big thing in sparkling wine? It might just be Italian—and it might just surprise you.
🎧 Stay tuned to the Italian Wine Podcast for interviews with the producers featured in this event, including Stefano Bottega, Diva Moretti Polegato, Nadia Zenato, and Giacomo Marzotto.
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