Tsarine is made by Chanoine Frères, which was founded in 1730; only the house of Ruinart is older. The Tsarine Cuvee Champagne was originally created in honour of the Russian tsars, since Russia was a major export market for champagne in the nineteenth century. The cepage is approximately 33% pinot noir, 33% pinot meuniere and 34% chardonnay. Golden hues highlight the aspect of this cuvée, imparting brightness and elegance. Delicate effervescence is enhanced by a chorus of fine bubbles. Aromas are expressed gradually on notes of mirabelle plum and freshly picked grape blossoms. Yellow fruit flavours peach, apricot and nectarine gradually blend with those of bitter orange, producing a well-balanced wine with remarkable breadth that finishes on lemony notes.

The house of Besserat de Bellefon was founded in 1843 near Ay in Champagne, and is now based in Epernay. The hallmark of the house is the lower than normal pressure that the wine is kept at under cork. This lower than normal pressure does not reduce the effervescence, but softens it, allowing the wine to partner better with food. Aspect: Coppery and bright, nuances of yellow straw Bouquet: Open and indulgent, wisps of linden blossom, honeysuckle, hazelnuts, mirabelle plum Palate: Harmonious, balanced, vinous Assemblage : Chardonnay I Pinot Noir I Pinot Meunier

Mumm 4 is a striking, modern reinterpretation of the champagne maturation process breaking all the traditional codes associated with champagne. This mature wine is clearly labelled to show the number of years spent on the lees rather than any specific vintage year. The look: Exuberant bubbles with reflections of gold, showing discrete maturity. The aromas: Complex ripe aromas of yellow and white fruit, peach marmalade and buttercream alight entice. The taste: Fresh, lively and rounded, yet with a tension that plays right through to the finish. Mumm 4 can be savoured slowly to enjoy the deep complexity or enjoyed matched with poultry with chanterelles and apricot compote, or truffled Brie.

This very special drop is the perfect way to add a little sparkle to every occasion. Delicate pale yellow with an edge of green in colour, this sparkling wine is made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The bouquet is bright and driven by lemon, pear skin and an exotic subtle marzipan perfume mixed with suggestions of baked French pastry. The palate is lively and also exhibits fresh lemon, Granny Smith apples complemented by an interwoven chalky minerality. This wine has spent 3 years in bottle providing yeast autolysis influences on the palate and provides further complexity to this traditionally made sparkling wine from Zonzo Estate.

The cool slopes of the Tamar Valley region, located in northern Tasmania, have the potential to produce great sparkling wine. This richly flavoured cuvée made from Chardonnay and Pinot noir by Pirie boasts complexity from barrel-aged base wine and reserve blending. It displays the impact of terroir and the favourable interaction of climate and soil on these vines.

Straw/light gold with fine, persistent bead; floral and honeycomb notes with long, minerally finish. One of Australia's best sparklers for quality and value.

In the glass: Fine straw yellow with a very slow release fine bead. On the nose: Nectarine and peach over hazelnut with leesy richness. On the palate: Intense and elegant with white peach and white strawberry umami plus fine elements of flint, struck match and velvety roundness under a bright, racy frame of acidity. Deliciously mouth-watering and crisp yet so flavoursome.