It’s no secret that when we think of sparkling wines, our minds immediately race towards Champagne. And while Champagne has been the epitome of a celebratory drink for centuries, there are a lot of other expressions of sparkling wines that act as perfect toasts for your parties or occasions. 

Not only that, but sparkling wines are also a great party starter, and can pair perfectly with many different types of foods and cuisines. 

So the next time you’re looking for a sparkling wine, try one of these 5 top notch recommendations.

We have to start the list with a Champagne.

The story of Besserat de Bellefon starts in 1843, when Maison Besserat was founded by Edmond Besserat. It became Besserat de Bellefon when Edmond Besserat married Yvonne Méric de Bellefon, and today, stands as one of the most revered Champagne houses. Over the years, Besserat de Bellefon has earned quite a reputation with many accolades to their name. During the 1960s and 70s, Besserat de Bellefon was served in the most famous cabarets around the world like The Crazy Horse and Moulin Rouge, in Air France for all their Concorde flights, and many more. 

Made with 45% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, the Grande Tradition Brut is an intense, generous wine with notes of dried flowers and aromas of dried fruit. On the nose, it's strong and fresh, and then reveals its full roundness, structure and smoothness, notes of fresh fruit, apricot, pineapple and vineyard peach.

In the late 1950s, leading Champagne house Moët & Chandon began to produce sparkling wines outside the Champagne region under the Chandon name. The first estate was created in Argentina in 1959. Today, Chandon wineries span continents, and along with Argentina, are present in Brazil, California, Australia, China, and India. 

The Chandon Brut is a blend of 70% Chenin Blanc, 15% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Noir. It’s an elegant expression of the Chandon style with notes of citrus blossom, green apple & hints of tropical fruit & vanilla.

Being the only Indian wine to win a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge, it’s no surprise that the Sula Brut Tropicale is on this list. Sula Vineyards is one of the most revered brands in India, with everyone from new wine drinkers to those with the most developed palates enjoying the brand’s many expressions. 

The Brut Tropicale is a blend of 60% Chenin Blanc, 40% Shiraz, and Viognier. It’s an elegant sparkling rosé wine, full of tropical notes such as its charming passion fruit aromas - perfect for any occasion.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good Prosecco from time to time? For the Villa Sandi vineyard, the roots were planted in the early 1920s by Mario Polegato, grandfather of the current president Giancarlo. The winery was then taken over by Mario’s son Divo, and as the family grew, Villa Sandi continued to flourish like no other. 

The Asolo Prosecco has an intensely fruity aroma with clear hints of ripe golden apple and pear, and a final sensation reminiscent of jasmine flowers. Fresh on the palate, it’s sapid with a soft note well balanced by a savoury finish.

Codorniu is the oldest leading Cava company in Spain, and is known for its impeccable expressions. The Codorniu Clásico Brut is known to be the most traditional flavour of Cava. It’s fresh, balanced, and pleasant to sip on - and pairs beautifully with savoury cakes, nuts and canapes. 

Cava is ideally made with the same method as Champagne, but tends to be on the more value for money side. So if you’re looking for a great expression without paying the bucks for Champagne, go for a Cava like this one.