English sparkling wine triumphs in Italy

The first ever World Championship of Traditional Method Sparkling Wine, has taken place in Italy in Verona, the home of Prosecco, and England has triumphed once more against international rivals.

An English sparkling wine was voted one of the top three winners alongside two Champagnes. Camel Valley Vineyard in Cornwall took second place with its White Pinot 2005 after Bollinger Brut Special Cuvée, beating Champagne Deutz Brut Classic into third position.

Some 60 wines from around the world were entered into the competition aimed at top quality sparkling wines, organised by leading Italian wine magazine Euposìa-La Rivista del Vino. Entries were submitted from France, Italy, Spain and England and further afield from South America, Moldova, Greece, South Africa, Australia, Russia and Israel.

The nine judges included sommeliers and wine journalists from around Europe.