Cover Telmont is a comparatively new player in the Champagne region (Photo: Telmont)

Whatever the occasion, these new to market sparkling wines are reason enough to celebrate

Firstly, let’s clarify that while there is a variety of bubblies in the market, only the sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France can be classified as champagne. The Italians are renowned for their prosecco, and the Spanish have their cava—both of which are fizzy, but they can’t be termed as champagne.

Then there’s also the regular and rosé sparkling wines to choose from. Rosé labels are generally sweeter and fruitier than regular bubblies, but they’re not as light. Then again, not all pink wines are created equal—some are more full-bodied than others. It all depends on the varietal of grapes that go into the drink.

Having gotten that out of the way, let’s dive into a few exciting bottlings for sparkling wine enthusiasts to try. Some of these have already been available in different markets outside the country, but there are a couple of brand-new entries.

Read more: Champagne for Days: Find Your Perfect One Based on Your Favourite Drink

Telmont

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Above Telmont introduces four labels to the market: Réserve Brut, Réserve Rosé, Blanc de Blancs 2013, and Vinothèque 2013 (Photo: Telmont)

Despite being over a century old, Telmont is a comparatively new player in the Champagne region, having started production back in 1912. Founded by Henri Lhôpital in response to the Champagne Riots in 1911, the brand officially made its entry into Malaysia this year. Now helmed by fourth-generation Bertrand Lhôpital, the maison aims to be sustainable as it continues to push for a 100 per cent certification in organic agriculture by 2025.

The local launch saw Ludovic Du Plessis, the president of Telmont, introduce four labels to the market: Réserve Brut, Réserve Rosé, Blanc de Blancs 2013, and Vinothèque 2013. Telmont champagnes are described to be ethereal yet structured, striking a balance between tension and freshness.

See also: Cocktail Festival 2023: Savour these bespoke drinks crafted exclusively for the event

GH Mumm

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Above Recently introduced to Malaysia, the Mumm Marlborough is a sparkling wine hailing from the wine valley of New Zealand (Photo: GH Mumm)

It isn’t often that you come across a champagne house that also delves into sparkling wines. Maison Mumm, which has been around since 1827, is one of them. Recently introduced to Malaysia, the Mumm Marlborough is a sparkling wine hailing from the wine valley of New Zealand. This bubbly marries the finest aspects of New Zealand terroir and French 62 craftsmanship.

Part of the Mumm Terroirs collection, this sparkling wine boasts a naturally high acidity, complemented by its flinty complexity and red berry notes which give off a lively brightness balanced with elegance and finesse. There is also a rosé iteration of the Mumm Marlborough, which has yet to make its way into our market.

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Krug

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Above Krug Grand Cuvee 170th Edition, a unique blend of 195 wines from 12 different years (Photo: Krug)

The dream of Joseph Krug, since 1843, was to bottle the best that Champagne had to offer each year, regardless of the variations in climate and temperature. The house of Krug has honoured the founder’s vision, recently unveiling the Krug Grand Cuvee 170th Edition. This champagne is a blend of 195 wines from 12 different years, from 1998 to 2014, with slightly more than half consisting of pinot noir.

Meanwhile, the Krug Rosé 26th Edition was also introduced alongside the 170th edition of the Grand Cuvee. This champagne is a blend of 28 wines from seven different years, the youngest of which is from 2014, while the oldest dates back to 2005.

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Aaron Pereira
Deputy editor, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

If tall, dark and handsome is what you're looking for, Aaron Pereira ticks two out of three. This fine chocolate man (that is, a connoisseur of fine chocolate), enjoys the theatre, futsal, real-life conversations and of course, the English language. He believes that language should first be used to express, but the business of a sub-editor is to impress.

Check out his Instagram @aaronlpereira.