All over the world, sparkling wine is a popular choice to help toast all that life has to offer. 

With options to suit all budgets, whether you’re planning a big birthday, drinks reception, or even just a tribute to getting through Monday, this quick guide will help you pick the perfect fizz for the moment.

Champagne

It hardly needs an introduction! Arguably the most famed sparkling wine, Champagne is world renowned for its luxurious quality and taste. True to its name, Champagne can only come from the Champagne region in Northern France and is exclusively made with three grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Champagne production is a highly regulated, time consuming and meticulous process which explains the often hefty price tag.

For an indulgent, inviting and easy going Champagne, try this Champagne Moutard Grande Cuvee Brut NV. Made with Pinot Noir grapes and 36 months of bottle aging, it gives rich buttery notes of brioche combined with lots of fresh citrus. Cheers to that!

Prosecco

Prosecco has taken the UK by storm in the past decade – Brits are the second biggest drinkers of Prosecco, only beaten by the Italians themselves.  Produced in Italy with Glera grapes, Prosecco is made using the tank method for the second fermentation. This tends to make it more affordable, and removes the bready, yeasty characteristics that Champagne has.

Bright straw yellow in colour, with beautiful bubbles, this Pasqua Prosecco Brut NV is fruity with soft notes of apples, pears and melons. Perfect on its own or even for combining in a fruity cocktail like a Bellini or Aperol Spritz.

Cremant

The French didn’t just stop with Champagne, they gave us Cremant too! Cremant is the name given to sparkling wines produced outside of the Champagne region, but using the same technique – the ‘Méthode Traditionelle’, meaning it does have a similar taste profile to Champagne. Every region uses a different grape, in the Alsace you’ll find Pinot Blanc, and in the Loire it will often be Chenin Blanc.

For the Champagne taste without the price tag, try Chateau de l’Hestrange Cremant de Bourgogne Cuvée Elizabeth II. This 100% Chardonnay Sparkling shows apples, minerals and a burst of creamy fresh bubbles.  It was even served at Queen Elizabeth’s birthday celebrations.  If it’s good enough for Her Majesty, then it’s good enough for us!

English sparkling wine

Sparkling wines produced in England have been a fabulous success story, with many English bubbles beating Champagne in blind taste tests. Some even use the same grapes as the famous French fizz, and with many counties in southern England having a similar chalky soil and climate, it’s no wonder that the taste is comparable.

This Langham Culver Classic Cuvee NV from Langham Wine Estate has a gorgeous fruity aroma with a subtle salinity and Danish pastry flavours.  The perfect fizz for celebrating life’s special moments.