A global rise of premium sparkling wines challenges champagne's dominance

A new wave of premium sparkling wines is gaining attention worldwide. From the Dolomites to South Africa, producers are crafting high-quality bottles using traditional methods. These wines range from vintage-only cuvées to biodynamic blends, each offering distinct flavours and backgrounds. Ferrari Trento has been producing champagne-style sparkling wines in the Italian Dolomites for over a century. Their focus on high-altitude Chardonnay has made them a standout name. The Ferrari Perlé 2019, sourced from their finest vineyards, spends five years on the lees and retails for £45.

In South Africa's Tulbagh region, **Krone** specialises in vintage-only Cap Classique wines. Their **Krone Borealis Cuvée Brut 2024**, a Chardonnay-led blend, features bright notes of lemon curd, apple, and grape flower. It is priced at R1,350 (around £60). Meanwhile, **Raventós i Blanc** left the Cava appellation in 2012 to focus on traditional-method wines in Penedès. Their **Blanc de Nit Rosé 2023**, a pale-pink rosé with summery flavours of wild strawberry and watermelon, costs £29. The family's commitment to organic and biodynamic farming has earned them international acclaim, including a 93-point rating from *Wine Spectator* and a Gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards. In Oxfordshire, **Hundred Hills** produces small-batch, champagne-method wines served at Michelin-starred restaurants. Their **Blanc de Blancs 2018 'Library Release'** offers crisp yuzu freshness with hints of beeswax and almond cake. A three-bottle set retails for £199. German winemaker **Moritz Kissinger** also contributes to the trend with a vibrant blanc de blancs made from biodynamic Pinot Blanc. This bottle is available for £62.

These producers are redefining sparkling wine with traditional techniques, organic practices, and unique terroirs. Their bottles, now recognised by critics and served at top venues, reflect a growing demand for premium alternatives to champagne. Prices vary, but each wine offers a distinct taste of its origin.