Sparkling wines are celebratory darlings, de rigueur at weddings and birthdays, as aperitifs at gallery openings, and centre-stage at garden parties. Here, Patricia Stefanowicz MW looks at the best expressions on the market.

It’s not always easy to tell how bubbly a wine is, though you might get a hint by carefully reading the label and winemaker notes. Prosecco makes it convenient to know how effervescent the wine is: "spumante” is very bubbly, “frizzante” is slightly bubbly, and “tranquilo” is not carbonated. Also, pouring these wines into a Champagne flute will trap the bubbles and produce a livelier drinking experience. With high-quality judges and a unique sampling process, The Sparkling Masters provides a chance for your wines to star. The 2023 competition was judged on 10 May at Ibis Styles, London Bridge, London, employing experienced judges.

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It’s up to you! You could add petite straws and sip directly, though note drinking straight from the bottle won’t properly highlight the aromas the Champagne provides. For the best olfactory experience, pour them into a glass. As these bottles hold just one glass, it’s on you how you want to drink it.

As you explore sparkling wines, be sure to serve them well-chilled. Keep the bottles in the refrigerator for at least a few hours to fully enjoy the taste and effervescence of the wine. Fortunately, these mini bottles don’t take up much space, which is another advantage of going small.Alfredo is Tuscan-born and spent his childhood helping his father and grandfather tend the vineyards, harvest, press, and bottle. He knew from a very young age that his passion was the earth and wanted to express that passion by becoming a viticulturist. He graduated with a degree in Agronomic Sciences from the University of Pisa and went on to research plant density in historic Sangiovese vineyards in Chianti. Alfredo has more than 15 years of experience in wine production and has mainly worked in various regions of Tuscany including Chianti Classico, Montepulciano, and Maremma. Alfredo is a strong believer that good wine starts with good grapes. The same could be said of cool-climate wines from Trentodoc in northern Italy or indeed for cooler areas in Austria. Excitement comes from Spain, with Catalunya and Castilla-La Mancha showing nicely with either the traditional Cava grape varieties of Xarel.lo, Macabeo, and Parellada, or as blends with the more ‘modern’ style incorporating Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. With so much excitement and diversity, it is hardly surprising that sparkling wines are enduringly popular. White Sparkling Brut (12g/l or lower) Winery