My top 5 Sparklings from Concours Mondial

One week ago, I was in Anadia - the capital of Sparkling - in central Portugal. This town at the region of Bairrada was hosting the Sparkling wine session of Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB). I've been judging for CMB for three years now and this is my second time as chair of the table.

My panel, composed by four more great judges, tasted more than 90 wines over 2 days of competition. In total, we were 65 judges from 23 nationalities and together we've score more than 960 sparkling from all over the world.

I got unusual regions in my panel as Sparkling from Sicily, Switzerland (which surprised me in a very good way) and Eastern Europe. I also had incredible, high-quality sparklings from our host Bairrada, one is between my top 5 for sure.

Espumante Montanha BAGA 2018 - Gold Medal

Portugal, Bairrada

On the nose, apple, pear, lemon, honeysuckle, bread and brioche. On the palate, nuttiness comes through with a touch of honey. Lovely finish with great persistence.

Quinta dos Abibes Baga 2015 - Grand Gold Medal

Revelation Sparkling Wine from Portugal

Green apple skin, apple, pear, surprisingly fresh for the age. On the palate, a good concentration of the fruit balancing the wine very well. Elegant with a very pleasant and fresh finish.

Champagne Charles Clément Cuvée Pinot Noir - Gold Medal

France, Champagne

Pronounced nose of blossom, red apple, honey, bread, nuts. On the palate, creamy with a great texture. Full of flavours with the biscuit notes coming back on the aftertaste. Persistent finish.

Mauler Cuvée Brut Millésime 2016 - Grand Gold Medal

Switzerland - Vin de Pays Suisse

Lovely gold colour. On the nose, ripe apple, pear, dried apricot, honey, marmalade and nuts. Complex palate showing signs of maturity with a dried fruit profile. Refreshing and lingering finish. Ready to be drunk.

Champagne Collard-Picard Prestige Extra Brut - Gold Medal

France, Champagne

Green apple, pear and floral notes. On the palate, complex, concentrated with honey and petrol notes hitting the aftertaste leaving a long finish.

Keep tuned for more recommendations, trending wines and tips for cellaring.