The Best Sparkling Wines
From All Over the World
Today, sparkling wines come from all over the world – they are being experimented with in all wine-growing regions, and in some, very successfully. The most famous example is certainly England, which has made a name for itself in recent years with first-class sparkling wines. As the Falstaff Trophy shows, top quality can also be found in California or South Africa, for instance. The Champagne region almost always remains the role model, which is clearly noticeable in the wines' stylistic character. However, this does not detract from the enjoyment in any way.
Legend
95 – 100 Classic
93 – 94 Excellent
91– 92 Outstanding
88– 90 Very Good
85 – 87 Recommended
1st Place
2013 L’Ermitage Brut
Roederer Estate
Philo, California
95 Points
Brilliant golden yellow. Complex bouquet of almond brioche, lemon confit, blackcurrant, and a touch of blossom honey. Finely balanced refreshing acidity, delicate mousse, and a rich mid-palate captivate. A great arc of tension with a distinct mineral finish and a slight ginger spice accompanies the long finale. Great elegance.
1st Place ex aequo
2013 Tillington Single Vineyard Nyetimber
West Chiltington, England
95 Points
Bright golden yellow. Vanilla cream, lemon confit, a hint of biscuit, and blossom honey define the complex bouquet. Full-bodied, profound palate impression with mineral finesse and a delicate arc of acidity. A vinous type of great length and complexity. A fantastic food companion with potential.
2nd Place
2013 Tillington Single Vineyard Nyetimber
West Chiltington, England
94+ Points
Silvery golden yellow with green reflections. Complex aroma of crème caramel, yeast braid, and yellow apple, with herbal undertones and citrus zest when aerated. Full-bodied, densely woven texture on the palate with a delicate mousse, piquant acidity, and undertones of white pepper. The long finish reveals an impressive, youthful tension of a fresh, salty sea breeze. Convincing!
3rd Place
2015 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive Graham Beck Robertson, Western Cape
94 Points
Subtle, elegant bouquet with notes of citrus fruits, yellow stone fruit, and ripe apple. Also a hint of broth, citrus fruits, and green apple. On the palate, ripe juicy acidity, beautiful mellowness, aromas of honey, citrus fruits, and a little caramel. Mineral, long finish.
Sold Out
3rd Place
2009 L’Ermitage Brut Rosé Roederer Estate
Philo, California
94 Points
Light salmon red with a coppery hue. Attractive complex nose, ripe wild strawberries, blood orange zest, lemon thyme, subtly of pink biscuit and candied almond. Tight pull, energetically charged acidity, finely structured body with much mellowness in the mouth, elegant mousse. Piquant aftertaste of grapefruit. Astonishing freshness, very harmonious with long palate presence. Unique!
3rd Place
2016 Gusbourne Rosé Gusbourne Appledore, England
94 Points
Radiant copper color. Inviting ripe fruit bouquet, black cherry, cranberry, and rooibos. Full-bodied on the palate with a skillful interplay of finest acidic nerve, minerality, and mousse. Complex rosé with an elegant finish and long aftertaste. Simply great.
3rd Place
2013 Blanc de Blancs
Nyetimber West Chiltington, England
94 Points
Bright gold with silvery reflections. Delicate aromas of butter brioche, pickled lemons, and nuances of linden blossom and marzipan. Finest perlage caresses the palate, dense and powerful with good drinkability and mineral undertones. Characterful mouth-watering length with an exciting tart touch. Impressively youthful.
4th Place
2016 Gusbourne Brut Reserve Gusbourne Appledore, England
93 Points
Brilliant golden yellow. In the fragrant opening, brioche, roasted almonds, fresh lemon zest, a hint of blossom honey. Mineral, chalky on the palate, juicy, delicate acidity, elegant mousse. In the long finish, youthful elegance with savory freshness, a citrusy kick.
4th Place
Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Brut Méthode Cap Classique NV Leopard’s Leap Franschhoek, Western Cape
93 Points
Elegant fruit aromas on the nose with notes of yellow stone fruit, ripe apple, citrus, and exotic fruits. Also hints of buttered toast and white pepper. On the palate, delicate, with ripe acidity and fine perlage. Aromatic and fresh, with ripe yellow apple, buttery hints, and subtle citrus fruit. Long finish of mirabelle plum.
Sold Out
4th Place
2016 Silverthorn Jewel Box Silverthorn Wines
Robertson, Western Cape
93 Points
Medium golden yellow. Beautiful ripeness with notes of roasted almonds, nougat, and nuances of red berries, plus spicy notes. On the palate, characterized by a fine, creamy perlage. Of medium body with juicy acidity and a long finish of nougat.
Promotion
SILVERTHORN
MCC The Jewel Box – 2016
CHF 35.90 instead of CHF 44.90
4th Place
The Genie Rosé Brut NV Silverthorn Wines
Robertson, Western Cape
93 Points
Medium pink. On the nose, berry notes, cherry, and summer blossoms. On the palate, characterized by a fine, creamy perlage. Noticeable dosage, ripe acidity, cassis notes. Long finish.
Promotion
SILVERTHORN
MCC The Genie Rosé NV
CHF 27.90 instead of CHF 34.90
5th Place
2017 La Motte Brut La Motte Franschhoek/ Franschhoek Valley
92 Points
Fruity bouquet with notes of citrus fruits, ripe apple and yellow stone fruit. Also hints of honey and apricot jam. On the palate, fine acidity and lovely mellowness, fine perlage and aromas of local pome fruit and citrus. Saline elegance in the long finish.
Promotion
LA MOTTE
Brut MCC – 2017
CHF 32.90 instead of CHF 39.00
5th Place
2014 Graham Beck Brut Zero Graham Beck Robertson, Western Cape
92 Points
Pale golden yellow. On the nose, pleasantly ripe with notes of nut nougat, roasted almonds and brioche, alongside ripe citrus fruits and apple. On the palate, characterized by a rather subtle but lively, fine perlage. Medium persistence, ripe acidity, long finish with herbal notes.
Promotion
GRAHAM BECK
Brut Zero Dosage- 2014
CHF 29.00 instead of CHF 35.00
5th Place
2017 Silverthorn The Green Man Silverthorn Wines Robertson, Western Cape
92 Points
Pale golden yellow. On the nose, rich and sweet-seeming with notes of light stone fruits, ripe citrus fruits, acacia honey, green apple, and brioche nuances. On the palate, elegant and balanced with a fine perlage, juicy overall impression, and a certain tartness in the long aftertaste.
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
SILVERTHORN
MCC The Green Man – 2017
CHF 26.90 instead of CHF 39.90
5th Place
2012 Tokara Blanc de Blanc Vintage Tokara Stellenbosch, Elgin
92 Points
Pale golden yellow. Intense nose with notes of ripe citrus fruits, yeast, and pastry, and apple nuances. On the palate, very
elegant with fine perlage, ripe acidity, ripe citrus notes, and a mineral finish. Leaves a salty impression.
Promotion
TOKARA
Blanc De Blanc Vintage MCC – 2012
CHF 49.00 instead of CHF 85.00
5th Place
Quartet Brut Roederer Estate Philo, California
92 Points
Radiant golden yellow. Refreshing bouquet of lime zest, white peach, mint, subtle smoky notes. In the mouth, lively mousse, harmoniously balanced acidity, strong pressure on the palate, underscored with ginger spiciness. Juicy, saline finish with good length. Savory.
5th Place
Nyetimber Rosé Brut NV Nyetimber West Chiltington, England
92 Points
Brilliant old rose with orange reflections. On the nose, ripe, red fruits of sweet cherry and raspberry compote, flanked by candied almonds. In the mouth, juicy texture with a piquant acidic nerve and delicate sweet tail, soft mousse. In the finish, refreshingly salty with a palatable, lingering wild strawberry.
6th Place
L’Ormarins Brut NV
Anthonij Rupert Franschhoek, Western Cape
91 Points
Subtle bouquet with notes of ripe yellow apple, orange zest, grapefruit, and exotic fruits. Also hints of apricot tart. On the palate, juicy acidity, fine perlage, and aromas of citrus fruits, ripe pome fruit, and exotic notes. Medium-long finish.
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
L`ORMARINS
Brut NV
CHF 15.90 instead of 22.90
6th Place
Graham Beck Brut NV
Graham Beck Robertson, Western Cape
91 Points
Elegant bouquet with notes of kiwi, citrus fruits, and yellow stone fruit. Also yeasty and exotic hints. On the palate, ripe acidity, fine perlage, aromas of citrus fruits and ripe apple, as well as mango. Long mineral-like finish.
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
GRAHAM BECK
MCC Brut NV
CHF 16.90 instead of 24.00
6th Place
Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir Cap Classique
Steenberg Vineyards
Steenberg, Western Cape
91 Points
Fruity-floral bouquet with notes of red berries, grapefruit, and ripe apple. Also hints of physalis and light blossoms. On the palate, a beautiful interplay between sweetness and acidity, fine perlage, and aromas of red berries, citrus, and a touch of the exotic. Long, fresh finish.
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
STEENBERG
1682 Rosé Pinot Noir MCC NV
CHF 17.90 instead of 29.90
6th Place
2013 L’Ormarins Blanc de Blanc Anthonij Rupert Franschhoek, Coastal Region
91 Points
Pale lemon yellow. On the nose, distinctly citrusy with lemon notes, subtly green apple. On the palate, initially somewhat effervescent with apple and yeast notes. Rather slender overall impression. Ends medium-long.
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
L`ORMARINS
Brut Blanc De Blanc – 2013
CHF 16.90 instead of 24.90
6th Place
L’Ormarins Brut NV Rosé Anthonij Rupert
Franschhoek, Western Cape
91 Points
On the nose, beautiful fruit aromas with notes of grapefruit, green apple, and yellow stone fruit. Also subtle yeasty notes. On the palate, ripe acidity, pleasant tartness, and fine perlage. Aromas of citrus fruits, peach, and pear. Medium-long finish.
Promotion
HAUTE CABRIÈRE
Pierre Jourdan Blanc de Blanc Brut – 2016
CHF 23.90 instead of CHF 29.90
6th Place
Quartet Rosé Brut
Roederer Estate Philo, California
91 Points
Luminous copper color. Fruity red berry fruit, saffron, a touch of yeast and delicate floral notes in the bouquet. Smooth mousse, pointed acidity lays creamy on the palate. The finish has well-adhering citrus fruit, savory, phenolic hints. Juicy, captivating length. A fine food companion.
6th Place
2016 Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs
Graham Beck Robertson, Robertson
91 Points
Medium green-yellow. Bread crust on the nose, subtle fenugreek and honey. On the palate, characterized by a fine mousse with chalky and fruity nuances of light stone fruit. Ends medium-long with a certain spiciness.
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
GRAHAM BECK
Blanc De Blancs – 2016
CHF 24.90 instead of 32.00
6th Place
2015 L’Ormarins Brut Rosé Anthonij Rupert
Franschhoek, Western Cape
91 Points
Delicate salmon pink. Subtle fruit aromas on the nose with notes of citrus, pear, apple and exotic fruits. Plus a hint of cassis. Juicy acidity and fine perlage on the palate, with aromas of citrus fruits, red berries and green apple. Medium-long finish.
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
L`ORMARINS
Brut Rosé – 2015
CHF 16.90 instead of 24.00
6th Place
Nyetimber Classic Cuvée Brut NV Nyetimber West Chiltington, England
91 Points
Silvery pale gold with green reflections. Delicate biscuit notes, greengage and herbal spice of fennel seed in the bouquet.
Very fine mousse. Refreshing palate with finely juicy acid structure, mineral touch. Pleasant citrus fruit in the aftertaste. Straightforward, adhering and gripping finish.
7th Place
Graham Beck Rose NV
Graham Beck Robertson, Western Cape
90 Points
Subtle bouquet with notes of red berries and citrus fruits as well as yellow stone fruit. In addition, hints of honey. On the palate, ripe acidity, creamy texture and fine perlage. Aroma of green apple, citrus fruits and a touch of exoticism. Long finish.
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
GRAHAM BECK
Brut Rosé NV
CHF 16.90 instead of 24.00
7th Place
Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay Cape
Classique Steenberg Vineyards Steenberg, Western Cape
90 Points
Rather pale gold-yellow. Pleasantly ripe fruit on the nose with notes of light stone fruit, ripe citrus fruit, subtle hazelnut nougat. On the palate, medium-bodied and pleasant structure with ripe acidity, medium-fine perlage and a mineral-salty finish.
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
STEENBERG
Chardonnay MCC NV
CHF 16.90 instead of 24.90
7th Place
2016 Klein Constantia MCC Brut Klein Constantia Constantia, Constantia
90 Points
Pale golden yellow. Pronounced citrus on the nose with notes of ripe citrus fruits and citrus blossoms, subtle pastry and nougat notes. Fresh on the palate with citrus and apple notes. Medium-long finish.
KLEIN CONSTANTIA
MCC Brut – 2016
CHF 33.00
7th Place
Pongracz Rosé Sekt NV Distell Stellenbosch, South Africa
90 Points
Salmon pink with copper reflections. Red fruit undertones of wild strawberry, raspberry and blood oranges on the nose. Juicy, firm texture, lively mousse and pleasant acidity. Harmonious, lingering fruit sweetness with a tart touch stays on the palate. Invigorating aperitif.
PONGRÁCZ
Brut Rosé NV
CHF 22.90
7th Place
Pongracz Sekt NV
Distell Stellenbosch, South Africa
90 Points
Brilliant pale gold with green reflections. Delicate aromas of Mirabelle plums, candied citrus fruit, vanilla cream and a hint of lime blossom. Fine mousse. On the palate, fruit-driven acidity and an animating salty undertone. Charming and complex with a spicy, long finish.
PONGRÁCZ
Brut NV
CHF 19.90
8th Place
Graham Beck Bliss NV
Graham Beck Robertson, Western Cape
89 Points
Fruity bouquet with notes of grapefruit, red berries and exotic fruits. In addition, hints of dried pineapple
and mango. On the palate, ripe acidity, clearly noticeable residual sugar, aroma of yellow apple, strawberry and citrus fruits. Medium-long finish.
Promotion
GRAHAM BECK
Bliss Nectar MCC Demi Sec NV
CHF 19.90 instead of 24.00
