Allan Mullins looks at some seriously festive fizz - from basement bargains to recession-busting

Local sparkling wine is made either by carbonation (simply pumping gas into still wine) or by following the Champagne method. The wine produced by the latter is called Méthode Cap Classique and it has made vast strides in quality over recent years.

Every bubbly has its time and place. For casual entertaining, carbonated sparklers are quite acceptable, particularly as their quality has improved markedly over the last few years. Quaffed on their own or topped up with orange juice, they add zest to any occasion.

The House of JC le Roux’s carbonated range is always reliable. This includes the ever-popular Sauvignon Blanc (dry, light and zesty), Le Domaine (sweet, muscat grapiness) and La Chanson (red and sweet, low alcohol). They all retail under R50.

Otherwise, be adventurous and go Italian with the Woolworths Pinot Grigio Brut or the Woolworths Prosecco Rosé for R59.95 and R69.95 respectively. These north-Italian sparklers crackle with character, style and feather-light fizziness. 

Prices correct at 01/01/2010