Greet the holiday season in style with Kerry Parkin's definitive guide to sparkling wine.

Splurge

1) Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label, $89. An excellent example of a classic, bone dry, tongue-tingling fizz. 2) Taittinger Brut Reserve NV, $75. A full-bodied bottle packed with caramel and honey flavours. 3) Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial NV, $80. Probably the most recognised champagne brand in the world and a sure-fire hit. 4) Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV, $79. Simple, refreshing and utterly elegant - a consistently good buy. 5) Lanson Black Label Brut NV, $70. Not too sweet, not too dry: an all-round crowd pleaser.

Steal

1) Thorn Clark Sandpiper Pinot Noir Chardonnay NV, $13. Has great fizz, hints of strawberry and a lovely nutty aftertaste. 2) Bimbadgen Ridge Sparkling Semillion NV, $12.50. A real find – beautifully balanced, and a serious thirst quencher. 3) Yellowglen Yellow NV, $13. Immensely drinkable and well made, an excellent bottle at a great price. 4) Yarrabank Brut Cuvée 2001, $40. This complex, fruity bottle is perfect on a hot summer's day. 5) Pauletts Clare Valley Trillians Sparkling Reisling 2005, $19.95. Bursts with citrus and mineral flavours - a break from the sparkling norm.

Champagne facts

1) Popular myth states the tipple was discovered in the 17th century by a French monk called Dom Perignon, who is quoted as saying, "I am drinking the stars!" after his first sip of bubbly.

2) Only wine from the Champagne region in the northeast of France can use the Champagne name.

3) Champagne is produced in varying degrees of sweetness. Brut = very dry; Extra Sec = dry; Sec = slightly sweet; Demi Sec = sweet.

4) A vintage champagne is made from grapes of one specific year, while non-vintage (NV) sparkling wine is a blend, or cuvee, of grapes from different years.

How to open a bottle of bubbly

1) Chill to a temperature of seven degrees celsius.
2) Remove foil and wire cap.
3) Hold bottle away from you at a 45-degree angle.
4) Keep the bottle stable while you gently twist and ease the cork out.

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