Other European Sparkling Wine
2019 GOLD: 1 SILVER: 6 BRONZE: 6 COMMENDED: 10
2018 GOLD: 2 SILVER: 13 BRONZE: 4 COMMENDED: 9
Sweeping up all Euro-fizzes barring cava, champagne and English, this can be a varied and stimulating part of the competition. And while it didn’t deliver much in the way of Golds (just the exceptionally well-priced Comte de Chamberi Brut) this was as much to do with our judges’ hard-nosed awareness of the limited number of places for wines such as this on the Sommelier Wine Awards’ mid-sized Gold List.
Certainly there was no shortage of interest from our tasters – particularly in the price gap between prosecco and English sparklers, where there were some really interesting and unusual wines to be had.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘There’s definitely a place for these on wine lists, though as a sommelier we would have to introduce them to guests – they wouldn’t just try them.’ Melania Battiston, 28-50 Wine Workshop & Kitchen
‘The less-expensive wines here were more what you would want. There was very good value for money.’ Sonal Clare, Purnell’s Restaurant
‘I felt really privileged to taste the sparkling reds. It’s a category that’s worth introducing to customers, and gave me a lot to think about. I think there’s a lot of opportunity here that we’ve missed. They’re much more food friendly than I would have thought before.’ Jim Bass, Scarlet Hotel
‘These are maybe too pricey, but it’s always good to have a Franciacorta on a list. Champagne is champagne, but it’s good to have traditional method from outside France.’ Chiara Sieni, Bottles Group
‘These are exactly what you’d want from this category: aperitif-style wines. And they take you out of your comfort zone.’ Sean Arthur, Cliveden House
‘Some of these were interesting, but when the price point gets to about £20, you can get champagne for the same amount.’ Antonio Federico Moccia, 67 Pall Mall