Champagne might be the most famous sparkling wine in the world, but it's far from the only one made this way. The traditional method, where the bubbles come from a second fermentation inside the bottle, is also used to make Crémant across France, many of England's best sparkling wines, and fantastic bottles from Spain, Italy, Germany, South Africa and beyond. It's a slower, more hands-on approach, but it's what gives the wine its fine, persistent bubbles and the layers of flavour that develop as it rests on the lees. Expect everything from bright citrus and crisp green apple to brioche, toasted nuts and baked pastry, with each region putting its own spin on the style.

Champagne will always have its place, but it's only one part of a much bigger picture. Different grape varieties, climates and ageing times all shape the finished wine, which is why a grower Champagne, an English sparkling wine and a bottle of Crémant can all taste completely different despite being made in the same way. If you love sparkling wine with freshness, complexity and plenty of character, there's a whole world to explore beyond the obvious choices.