The region that surrounds the towns of Reims and Epernay to the east of Paris produces the most famous sparkling wine of them all – Champagne. When it comes to celebrating a wedding, promotion, birthday or anything else, Champagne is the only drink that will do. Only three grape varieties can be used here; chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot Meunier, and producers, both large and small, apply them in varying proportions to impose their house style. Whether a non-vintage for drinking now or a vintage for laying down, Champagne is certainly one of the most decadent drinks in the world.
Whilst Champagne is the king, many other regions are making a name for themselves by producing top quality sparkling wines – Italy, New Zealand, USA and England are amongst the most noteworthy examples.