Whether you’re hunting down a bottle for that birthday celebration or simply limbering up in advance for the festive period, it’s pretty much a given that you can never have too many bubbles in the cellar (or, more likely, the wine rack). It’s for this exact reason that ShortList has compiled our pick of the best champagne and sparkling wines around.

We’ve covered the spectrum; from high-end champagne brands renowned for their quality to deliciously affordable Prosecco. This selection really does cater to every budget.

From champagne masterclasses to showcases from the finest French châteaus, we’ve trawled the globe, with only the finest offerings around making the cut.

We know, we know, it sounds like awfully thirsty work, doesn’t it? But this selection of tried and tested names have risen to the challenge and delighted our taste buds in all the right ways. Yes, we really have done the hard work so you don’t have to

So, without further ado, take a look at the best champagnes and fizz on offer below...

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13. Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label

Featuring the distinctive dominance of Pinot Noir grapes, the finish of this champagne makes it instantly identifiable as Veuve Clicquot. The bottle, with its vibrant yellow label (and equally golden contents), has become a bold offering in its own right. Containing a variety of grapes, this champagne mixes varieties in the proportions: 50 to 55% Pinot Noir, 28 to 33% Chardonnay and 15 to 20% Pinot Meunier. Known for its fine beads of bubbles, this non-vintage is balanced by delicate Chardonnay grapes and has hints of ripe fruits and brioche for good measure (who doesn’t love sweet carbs in a champagne?!).

12. Piper-Heidsieck Vintage 2008

We’re sure you’ve spotted Freixenet in your local supermarket, but the brand’s Italian range takes things up a notch courtesy of their cut-glass inspired bottles that allow the prosecco’s golden hay colour to shine through. A great option for those popping to a friend’s house for a quick tipple, Freixenet Prosecco DOC is clean and fresh on the palate and contains hints of ripe lemon, green apple and grapefruit. This is definitely a light and fresh offering that comes in at a bargain price.

11. Freixenet Prosecco DOC

We’re sure you’ve spotted Freixenet in your local supermarket, but the brand’s Italian range takes things up a notch courtesy of their cut-glass inspired bottles that allow the prosecco’s golden hay colour to shine through. A great option for those popping to a friend’s house for a quick tipple, Freixenet Prosecco DOC is clean and fresh on the palate and contains hints of ripe lemon, green apple and grapefruit. This is definitely a light and fresh offering that comes in at a bargain price.

10. Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2012

When it comes to champagne, Möet & Chandon is an instantly recognisable name. In particular, the Möet & Chandon Grand Vintage variety is founded on three basic principles: Freedom of interpretation, selection of the year's most remarkable wines and individuality of the vintage. What does that translate to? In simple terms, one great 2012 offering, featuring hints of deliciously sweet pastry that leads to a zesty acidity with hints of pink grapefruit.

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