There was a time when all sparkling wines were commonly referred to as ‘Champagne,’  in reference to the infamous region credited with popularizing a sparkling style of wine. Then came Cava and Prosecco as distinct international styles, along with a host of sparkling wines from all over the world. Still, none of these wines rivaled the quality or status of classic Champagne, until now.

An unlikely rival to the French region has been found in England, of all places. This year we were excited to award the English Chapel Down Three Graces 2010 Tenterden with the Chairman’s Trophy for World Sparkling Wines. The regions south of London where many English sparkling wines are being produced mirrors the climate of Champagne, especially as global temperatures continue to rise. The characteristic misty weather of England also mirrors the famed French region’s, and there are even similarities in soil, namely a high concentration of chalk.

Likewise, our Italian sparkling Chairman’s Trophy winner, the Merotto Cuvee del Fondatore Graziano Merotto 2014 won 96 Points which was the highest score any sparkling wine received this year. From Spain, the MM Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2012 won the Chairman’s Trophy with 95 Points, on par, if less pricey, than our French Chairman’s Trophy winner, Moet & Chandon Brut Grand Vintage 2008 Epernay.   

As the quality of sparkling wines from around the globe continues to rise, consumers will benefit from the value of lower prices and high quality. It may also motivate classic Champagne producers to lower their prices in order to stay competitive in the growing market. Whichever way the market goes, we can expect a wider range of top shelf sparkling wines, even if they come from unexpected places.