Tis the season to sparkle! Champagne may be the finest fizz, but if you're catering to a thirsty crowd or want something less mainstream, wise men know there are plenty of other options to help you sparkle through the festive season.

For some top performers that have their own distinctive style, taste, or blend, these bubbles sing from the glass and dance on the taste buds...

1. Allini Pinot Grigio Vino Spumante Brut 2016, Italy (£6.99, Lidl, in-store only)

Just because you're on a tight budget, doesn't mean you can't celebrate with something fizzy and fun. Imagine your favourite glass of pinot grigio but with the bonus of bubbles. Dry and fresh with a citrus charm.

2. Tesco Finest Blanquette de Limoux, France (£9, Tesco)

An early champion of the traditional method used in champagne, Blanquette sparkling wines have been around for hundreds of years. A blend of chardonnay and chenin grapes from the Limoux region in southern France, it has the floral fruitiness you'd find in champagne, while ripe green apples and hints of brioche are key.

3. Freixenet Prosecco, Veneto, Italy (currently £10 from £12, Sainsbury's)

With the popularity of prosecco remaining strong, even top notch Spanish cava producers are turning their hand to the glera grape. Eminently drinkable and dressed to impress, we love the striking cut-glass bottle - and thankfully it tastes good too. Bright, light and awash with white peach and a touch of sweetness.

4. Spar Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG, Italy (£10 from £12, now until December 31, Spar, in-store only)

Drum roll please... A Which? panel of judges voted this the best prosecco at their Christmas tasting and the wine was commended for its "pleasant balance and meaty, savoury style." There's definitely something special to the ripe, fruity palate and layered aromas of white peach.

5. Masi - Moxxe Spumante Brut 2016, Veneto, Italy (£15.95, Wine Direct)

A bright, refreshing and graceful style, it's dry, but not too dry. Pinot grigio dominant with semi-dried verduzzo grapes to give the wine body, it has a floral, fruity nose with hints of pear that follow through with a lovely purity to the tiny beads of bubbles. Perfect as an aperitivo, while good acidity livens the finish.

6. Domaine Baumard Carte Turquoise Cremant de Loire, France (£15.99, Virgin Wines)

The cremant wines of France (made in the traditional method) can vary enormously depending on the grape and region, but by far and away, the beautiful Loire Valley produces some of the best. A blend of chardonnay and cabernet franc, this is bang on the money with a fine, structured style, attractive aromatics and freshness on the finish.

7. Langham Estate Classic Cuvee Brut 2014, Dorset, England (£25, Marks & Spencer)

Thanks to the increasing popularity of English sparking wine, home grown fizz has been a boon to the amount of sparkle we're sinking, and with wines such as this silver medal winner, it's easy to see why. A classic champagne blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and meunier, the red fruit nose and brioche characteristics follow through on the palate with a fleeting hint of poached pear. Distinctive and delicious.

8. Franciacorta Brut Saten DOCG 2011 La Valle, Italy (£31.76, Tannico)

If you're looking for a top notch alternative to champagne, Franciacorta is the artisan of Italian bubbles. Predominantly made from chardonnay, the saten style - similar to a blanc de blancs - is appreciated for its elegance and sensuous silky palate. With its honeyed aromatics and soft acidity, it's a rare treat and worth seeking out.