7 fantastic fizzes to signal summer soirees
From prosecco to cremant, to champagne, these are the corks to pop, says Sam Wylie-Harris.
With garden parties, wedding celebrations and summer socials in full swing, nothing signals a good time wine like a glass of sparkle to lift the mood.
Scintillating and full of verve, there is good reason why an effervescent mist pairs so beautifully with sunshine, blue skies, and tiny beads of bubbles create a buzz when crystal stemware is at the ready.
To pimp up the party, these new vintage releases, firm favourites and medal-winning labels are where it’s at…
A trusty party pleaser to have on standby, this soft, fruity prosecco is teaming with blossomy aromas, delicious ripeness of apple and pear fruit, refreshing acidity and bright finish which holds your focus – encouraging thoughts of a classic bellini. Just add a splash of peach puree.
2. Specially Selected Cremant de Loire, France, £8.99, Aldi, in-store
An affordable alternative to champagne, the beautiful Loire Valley is a hub for light, stylish sparkling wines which show a little vivacity, and super easy to enjoy. If you’re on the hunt for budget bubbles which speak with a French accent, look forward to gentle hints of lemon sherbet, quince and honey, soft creamy mousse and fresh finish.
3. Segura Viudas Brut Vintage 2023 Premium Cava, Spain, £12.50, Tesco
A little cracker from Catalunya, this is another consistently good sparkler with lots of bright freshness, slightly creamy texture with well-balanced fruit, hints of citrus, delicate yeasty note and crisp finish. With a luxe-looking label to boot, it’s a keenly priced bubbly for birthdays and celebrations.
4. Chapel Down Classic NV Brut, England, £23, (was £31), now until August 18, Waitrose
Eminently drinkable, there’s a reason why one of England’s leading producers – with countless medals under its belt – is such a go-to with its award-winning brut. Reliably delicious, the first couple of sips always leave you looking forward to the second glass with its enticing notes of apple, citrus, refreshing acidity, and lasting, crisp finish. A winner every time.
5. Champagne Bissinger & Co Premier Cru, France, £24.99, Lidl, in-store
A golden nugget, Lidl’s own-label champers pipped other luxury labels and major brands to be crowned World’s Best Champagne at the World Drinks Awards 2026; commended for its ‘elegant and delicate notes of peach and sherbet lemon with a touch of elderflower’. The judging panel described it as ‘elegantly complex without being loud’, and with brioche, honey, and citrus leading the palate, it’s a seductive style with fresh berry desserts.
6. Cuvee Prestige Ca’del Bosco Franciacorta DOCG, Italy, £46, Hedonism
Hailing from Lombardy in northern Italy, Franciacorta is Italy’s answer to champagne, and celebrated for its elegance, complex character, fine acidity and freshness… with everything as it should be. A critics’ favourite, Robert Parker awarded these classy bubbles a 91-point score (outstanding, exceptional wine with great complexity and character). Aromatic with hints of stone fruits, pastry and lemon blossom, it’s beautifully balanced with a long, persistent finish. Gorgeous.
7. Gusbourne Rose 2020, England, £55, (Member price, £45) Gusbourne
Celebrating their 20th harvest this year, multi-award winning Gusbourne only produce vintage wines and this rose is worth making a song and dance about. With a resplendent nose of ripe raspberries, wild strawberries and hints of orange groves; hedgerow fruits emerge on the elegant palate, with some biscuity notes, strawberry, apple pie, soft spice and wonderful berry freshness on the long finish. Quite charming.