Sparkling Masters 2017: results and analysis

AROUND THE WORLD

Finally, when it comes to the more obscure types of fizz from around the world – exciting finds included a rosé from Torres in Chile called Estelado, which is made using the historic grape País, and an excellent brut sparkling from India that hailed from Grover Zampa vineyards in Karnataka.

Sparkling wine is a strongly branded category: not just in terms of producers, but regions.

This year’s Sparking Masters, through blind assessment, tested the quality inherent in those brands, and found that the famous regional brands are on song, but also that up-and-coming areas are delivering much quality and interest, sometimes – though not always – at lower prices. Not only that, but it showed, conclusively, that first-rate fizz is not only the preserve of Champagne and Prosecco.

And if there’s something to celebrate in sparkling wine, it’s the increasing diversity of source areas, which is bringing new excitement to the category and ensuring that the established regions don’t become complacent.

Over the following pages are the medal winners in full from this year’s Sparkling Masters.