Founded in 1972 by Fabio Ceschin (whose family have made wine since the 1920s) Il Colle lies amid the rolling hillsides of San Pietro di Feletto, to the north of Italy's Treviso region, which Italian wine aficionados will recognise as Prosecco country. This is a fine example of the style, fresh and dry, with crisp green apple flavour and ephemeral bubbles.
Additional info: Il Colle
Rob Dundon rose through the ranks of famous Aussie cellar Hardy's for 11 years then struck out on his own with Beresford, going on to win over 1,000 show accolades. With accomplice Scott McIntosh (ex-Maglieri) he now creates forthright South Australian styles at Beresford's century-old HQ in McLaren Vale - grand bluestone cellars built into a hillside. This genuinely elegant Chardonnay-Pinot Noir is crisp and creamy-smooth, with ripe, 'biscuity' fruit.
Additional info: Beresford Wines
This outrageously good value fizz from the progressive 'Viñedos y Reserva' winery near Madrid, on the banks of the Ciguela River, has had Jancis Robinson raving. After 20 short years, 'V&R' are leading the field of sparkling wine producers on the plains of La Mancha (Europe's biggest designated wine region and home to Don Quixote). Their 'Drop of Silver' rosé tastes as good as it looks, with delicious fresh strawberry flavour and a moreish dry finish. A must for summer.
Additional info: Gotas de Plata
The progressive 'Viñedos y Reserva' winery near Madrid, on the banks of the Ciguela River, has won praise from Jancis Robinson, edged ahead of the competition on the plains of La Mancha (Europe's biggest designated wine region) and furnished us with our favourite new fizz. Made with 100% Airen, Spain's widest-planted grape, the 'Drop of Silver' is lightly fruity, pleasingly frothy and a terrific bargain at the price.
Additional info: Gotas de Plata
Give this soft, subtle, strawberry-scented 100% Pinot Noir Champagne, with its beguiling hue (from extensive skin contact) and enticing 'biscuity' notes to someone you're hoping is fond of you. You're sure to soar in their estimation. Daniel Dumont, long-established on the Montagne de Reims in the Premier Cru village of Rilly, cultivates thousands of young vines every year to sell to other producers in the region, ably assisted by his two well-trained sons.
Additional info: Daniel Dumont
Plumb in the middle of Victoria's historic Yarra Valley, Green Point earned its title because the property remained verdant longer than any other after the grass-searing onset of summer. Run by Moet & Chandon since 1986, the focus is, as you'd expect, on classic fizz. Their fastest-seller is this Chardonnay-Pinot Noir, a paradigm of New World elegance, with small, persistent bubbles and creamy flavours of white peaches, honey and toasted hazelnuts.
Additional info: Green Point
Being based in Southwold means we're never much more than a short stroll from the beach. And here's what we pack when we're heading out for seaside picnics when it's just too hot to stay indoors: our very own pink Champagne, bursting with fresh, lively summer fruit flavours. Elegant, satisfying stuff.
Additional info: Champagne H Blin
Our favourite 'salmon-pink' owes its richly fruity, 'biscuity' character to the predominance of Pinot Noir in the blend. Founded in 1818 by Nicolas-François Billecart, this aristocratic estate is renowned for producing Champagnes that age gracefully over many years. Adding to their own select parcels of vines, they buy fruit from growers in the Marne Valley and the Montagne de Reims. High quality protocols include long fermentations using estate-cultured yeasts.
Additional info: Billecart-Salmon
