Fireworks Levels in Sparkling Wines

This is fireworks as in an explosion of flavours and aromas over anything smelling or tasting of gun powder or smoke! A category in the Glass of Bubbly Champagne and Sparkling Wine Awards that is seeking out those labels which are really radiant in character, glowing and awakening style that really makes you sit up and pay attention, certainly holding a bold statement of expression.

For this live tasting we put together all the medal winning sparkling wines from the category of ‘Fireworks’ in the 2020 Glass of Bubbly Awards to include the overall trophy winner. We taste through wines of Italy, Slovenia, England and France…

Trophy Winner Fireworks:

Champagne Autreau – 1670 Brut 2012 – France “Citrus, creamy pastry on the nose (lemon drizzle cake) with salty toastiness too. Clean and clear style of Champagne with citrus, good acidity, touch of pastry / sea breeze in flavours. Aa the wine stays in the glass a finer yellow stone fruits and pastry effect comes in to play.”

Gold Medal Winners Fireworks:

Cantina Rotaliana – R Riserva Brut Trentodoc – Italy “Roasted almond, apricot pastry, butter croissant and more on the nose. Golden fruits, citrus pastry, minerals in flavours.”
Ferrari Trento – Maximum Blanc de Blancs – Italy “Damp burnt toast, green fruits, minerals in aromas. Clear green fruits, soft creamy length.”
Fox & Fox – Tradition Blanc de Noirs Brut 2014 Magnum – England “Caramelised roasted parsnip, honey brioche, orchard fruits on the nose. Citrus, mineral acidity, gooseberry, freshly cut grass in flavours.”
Jože Bevec – Barbara Brut Rosé – Slovenia “Dry feta cheese, hints of red berry on the nose. Fresh sweeter red berries in favours. Silky sweetness.”

Silver Medal Winners Fireworks:

Motzenbacker – Universe Riesling Brut – Germany “Creamy green fruits, petroleum, freshly cut grass on the nose. Smooth and green fruity flavours. Almost oily.”
Villa Sandi – Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut Millesimato 2019 – Italy “Creamy yellow apples, white floral and peppery light green pears. White floral, golden fruits and flaky pastry flavours. As always, A1 example of superior Prosecco.“