Can you sense it? There’s a buzz in the air, the heat is on, music festivals, garden parties and summer socials are in full swing… time to spark up the celebrations with a glass of something fizzy.
The life and soul of the party, it’s smiles all round when glasses are raised, you hear that heaven-sent hiss, and a steady stream of bubbles bursts onto the scene – to dazzle with every delicious sip.
Here’s what’s to have on standby in the sunshine…
1. Wine Atlas Garda Sparkling, Italy, £6.97, Asda
With its picture-postcard label and taste of la dolce vita, this refreshing spumante makes a delightful alternative to prosecco. Gently scented with blossomy notes, delicate flavours of citrus, apple and zip of lemon sherbet, mouthwatering acidity and lasting finish, you get a lot of bang for your buck. An added bonus, it’s an IWC Silver 2025 medal winner.
2. Vilarnau Brut Reserva Organic Cava, Spain, £9.80, (was £12.80), Ocado
Sure to be a huge hit, this showy bottle is inspired by Barcelona’s famous mosaic tile designs – and the wine just as attractive with its inviting nose, gentle toasty notes, well-balanced fruit, balanced acidity and sunny deliciousness. Olé olé!
3. Langlois-Chateau ‘Classique’ Cremant de Loire Brut, France, £18, Majestic
A close contender to champagne, this label comes with excellent credentials. It’s owned by the Bollinger family and hails from the picturesque Loire Valley – second-largest producer of the country’s sparkling wines. With summer meadow notes, finely spun fruit with hints of quince, yellow apple, peach, and lingering, fresh finish, it’s right on point.
4. Jansz Premium Cuvée NV Tasmania, Australia, £13.50 (was £18.50), Waitrose
Tasmania loves to tease us with its stunning sparkle – on a par with the best – and Jansz a gem of a glass. A trailblazer for sparkling wines Down Under, look forward to layers of flavoursome fruit framed by zesty citrus, hints of honeysuckle, touch of hazelnut, almond, brioche and enduring, fruity finish.
5. Journey’s End Methode Cap Classique Brut Reserve NV, South Africa, £22.50, Noble Green Wines
A golden nugget worth seeking out, this award-winning producer proves the sparkling wines of South Africa are just as impressive as those with a higher price tag. With alluring aromas of lemon groves, white peach and hints of brioche, similar flavours cascade onto the minerally palate with nuances of nougat, fine line of acidity and flourish of a finish.
6. Colinas Reserva Cuvée Brut Nature, Portugal, £22.95, N D John Wine Merchants
Tall, dark and handsome, there’s never been a better time to satisfy your curiosity about Portuguese fizz; especially with fine examples such as this refreshingly crisp, dry, style from the historic Bairrada wine region, northern Portugal. With delicate biscuity aromas, citrus and stone fruits, a fresh minerally core laced with subtle brioche notes, it finishes long and fabulously fresh. Bring on a platter of seafood appetisers. Viva!
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