Three Sparkling Wines Score 99 Points in 2026 Global Competition, France Absent From Winners List

The 2026 edition of the 50 Great Sparkling Wines of the World competition has announced its results, highlighting a diverse and high-quality selection of sparkling wines from around the globe. The annual event, known for its rigorous blind tasting process, took place earlier this year and drew entries from producers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Notably absent were French producers, a point remarked upon by competition director Anthony Swift.

Judges evaluated each wine without knowledge of its brand or origin, focusing only on production method, dosage (residual sugar), and time spent on lees. This approach is designed to ensure impartiality and to spotlight craftsmanship over reputation. The competition’s timing allows the results to serve as a guide for consumers during the holiday season and throughout 2026.

Three wines achieved the highest possible score of 99 out of 100 points. Two of these came from Freccianera Fratelli Berlucchi in Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy: Casa delle Colonne Zero Riserva 2015 and Casa delle Colonne Brut Riserva 2015. Both are made using the Traditional Method with extended lees aging between 60 and 100 months. The third top scorer was Busi Jacobsohn Wine Estate’s Blanc de Noir 2018 from Sussex in the United Kingdom, also produced by the Traditional Method with 30 to 50 months on lees.

Other high-performing wines included La Scolca’s Metodo Classico bottlings from Italy and Sidewood Estate’s Estate Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé from Australia. Sidewood’s wine, made using the Charmat Method (tank fermentation), scored an impressive 98 points—demonstrating that world-class sparkling wines are not limited to bottle-fermented styles.

The competition’s results reflect a broad range of production techniques. The Traditional Method dominated the highest scores, particularly among long-aged wines. However, Charmat Method wines also performed strongly, with several entries from Spain and Australia earning gold medals. In the lighter Frizzante category, J.García Carrión’s Frizzante Verdejo from Spain received a silver medal with a score of 92.

Italy was especially prominent among the winners, with Freccianera Fratelli Berlucchi securing multiple gold medals across different vintages and styles. La Scolca also earned top marks for both its Brut and Brut d’Antan bottlings. Spanish producers were well represented in both Traditional and Charmat categories, with Jaume Serra and J.García Carrión collecting numerous medals for their Cava and sparkling wines.

The United Kingdom continued to build its reputation as a source of high-quality sparkling wine. In addition to Busi Jacobsohn’s top-scoring Blanc de Noir, Windsor Great Park Vineyard received gold for its sparkling wine aged 30 to 60 months on lees.

Australia’s presence was marked by Sidewood Estate and Gilbert Family Wines, both recognized for their Traditional Method sparklers as well as Charmat Method entries. Portugal contributed with Herdade da Lisboa and Quinta D’aguieira among gold and silver medalists.

The competition’s methodology grouped wines into flights based on dosage and time on lees for Traditional Method entries. All gold and silver medalists were presented together in the final results table without further subdivision by flight or style.

Anthony Swift commented on the increasing competitiveness of the event: “This year’s judges were faced with such a high standard of sparkling wines that reaching the 50 Great list was more competitive than ever.” He noted that the results highlight not only technical skill but also creativity among winemakers from diverse regions.

Upcoming events related to the competition include international B2B workshops in Romania (April) and Spain (October) in 2026. These gatherings aim to connect buyers with cellars featured in the competition.

For sommeliers, retailers, and wine enthusiasts seeking guidance on outstanding sparkling wines for celebrations or cellaring, this year’s list offers a curated reference across price points and styles—from classic bottle-aged brut nature to lively Charmat rosés and approachable frizzantes. The absence of French entries did not diminish the global scope or quality of this year’s winners; instead, it underscored growing recognition for excellence in sparkling wine production beyond traditional strongholds like Champagne.

The full list of awarded wines includes detailed information on production method, aging period, country of origin, category, and suggested retail price—providing transparency for consumers interested in exploring new regions or styles within the world of sparkling wine.