50 Great Sparkling Wines of the World 2018

Welcome to the 6th annual edition of the Sparkling Wine Competition: 50 Great Sparkling Wines of the World by Wine Pleasures.

Once again the 50 Great Sparkling Wines of the World competition has uncorked a breathtaking array of sparkling wines from around the globe. We have gold and silver award winning sparkling wines in 3 different production categories – Traditional Method, Charmat method and Frizzante all at different price points but all within the the 5 to 25 Euro price range. As always,  Italy, Portugal and Spain head the tables with silvers awarded to sparkling wines from Australia and Slovenia.

The Competition

The Sparkling wines are grouped according to method of production, dosage and ageing on the lees and then tasted blind by a panel of 5 judges. Judges are aware of the method of production, dosage levels and time on lees. After each Sparkling Wine tasted, the judges compare notes and reach a consensus on a score out of 100 points. Gold and Silver medals only are awarded for the top 50 Sparkling Wines. Wine producers can label medal-winning Sparkling Wines with stickers for bubble lovers to recognise in store. The main aim of he competition is to identify, reward and promote wine quality to both the trade and wine lovers. Medals are only awarded to wines in which consumers can have total confidence.

Meet the Judges

Click on the links to view the Judge’s background, comments and discover their particular favourite Cava in the competition.

Anthony Swift I Colin Harkness I Juan Manuel Gonzalvo I Albert López Galvez I Jenny Siddall

The Results

The results are presented according to the method of production. Overall the judges found the tasting challenging, but in the end they came up with some real category winners. The top scoring Sparkling Wines coming from names not on the tip of our tongues such as Le Terrazze di Antonio Terni, (Marche -Italy) Vía de la Plata (Cava (Extremadura) – Spain), Valados de Melgaço (Vinho Verde – Portugal) and Cormons (Friuli – Italy). Most of the top Sparkling Wines were all priced at under 16 Euros offering fabulous value for money.