Five sparkling wines to try this festive season

Back in my early days working as a sommelier, there was always a rush of excitement around the restaurant floor when the first pop of a cork rang out. It’s a sound that belongs to moments of anticipation. But to me, sparkling is more than a celebratory wine – it’s my everyday wine, whether I’m relaxing on the couch with a juicy burger or telling stories late at night in a moody wine bar.

It’s what I gravitate to first on any wine list, the one I collect and cellar,…