What is it, then?
Prosecco is a (normally) sparkling wine from the Venezia and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions in north-east Italy. The name 'Prosecco' has legal geographical protection, meaning that wine produced elsewhere cannot be called Prosecco.
It's made from a grape called Glera, and the village of Prosecco is where this grape is said to originate from.
How do they make it?
It's almost always made using the Charmat-Martinotti method, so the secondary fermentation takes place in big stainless steel tanks. Therefore, you won't get that toasty flavour that you get from sparkling wines made using the traditional method, such as Champagne, and your bubbles won't last as long.
What does it taste like?
Light and fruity. Apples and melons. Simple, not too much alcohol. It tastes softer and gives a sweeter impression to the palate than many other sparkling wines.
How should it be drunk?
It's normally seen as an aperitif wine, or you can mix it with peach juice for a delicious Bellini. It's not built to last, though. Buy it and drink it, as otherwise the flavours will just fade away.
It is a good food match with fruit or Asian dishes.
And why is it so popular?
Popular is the word. In 2014, it overtook Champagne in popularity in the UK. My concern is that it is so staggeringly popular at the moment, you kind of suspect that there'll be a backlash amongst some who will decide that it is no longer fashionable, and people who are impressed by such nonsense will jump off the bandwagon as quickly as they got on.
It is sparkling which gives it an association with fun times, the method of production makes it relatively cheap (despite bonkers levels of demand having upward pressure on the price), its soft, light, fruity taste makes it a real crowd-pleaser!
Should I try it?
I would be surprised if you haven't already! Yes, try it. Drink it as a refreshing aperitif on a warm day, take it to a party, DEFINITELY make yourself a Bellini.
To me, it isn't anywhere as interesting as a well-made traditional method sparkler, but that doesn't stop it being fun and easy to drink.
Don't forget, though, you normally get what you pay for, so do your homework and consider spending an extra couple of quid.
