A Sussex sparkling wine has been named the best in the world.

Nyetimber vineyard's Classic Cuvee 1998 won a gold medal and was named best in class at International Wine and Spirit Competition, the industry's most prestigious award.

It is the second year running a Sussex vineyard has won the award and confirms the county is snapping at the heels of its famous counterparts in the Champagne region of France.

Dermot Surgrue, winemaker at the 15-hectare vineyard in West Chiltington, said: "England used to be the joke of the world in winemaking but we are fast becoming the envy of the world."

Champagne was not judged in the award but Nyetimber was competing against brands from the rest of Europe and other renowned international winemaking regions such as California, South America, Australia and South Africa.

Mr Surgue, 32, said: "At between £22 and £24 a bottle, the Classic Cuvee 1998 is streets ahead of similarly-priced champagne and compares with vintage bottles costing up to £100."

Nyetimber 1997 and 1999 wines won silver awards in the competition while its 1998 Cuvee Blanc De Blanc won silver best in class.

The Ridgeview wine estate, Ditchling Common, won three silver and one bronze award while Bookers vineyard, Bolney, won a bronze. Ridgeview won gold best in class last year.

Mr Surgue said: "We won the same award back in 1998 so it seems that Sussex sparkling wines are becoming a dominant international force.

"It's a combination of the sunshine, soil and dry weather. We are only 100 miles from the Champagne region.

"1998 was a wonderful vintage year. We had a small crop, producing 24,000 bottles compared to an average 50,000.

"It was a warm and dry year which produced very ripe fruit with no disease. That improved the wine's longevity."

Judges tasting notes for the 1998 Classic Cuvee described its as "bright gold with a fine bead".

They said: "Lively, creamy, long lasting mousse. Nose packed with lemon, lime, brioche, honey and some smoky, grilled nut complexity.

"Mass of fine persistent tiny bubbles find every corner of the mouth spreading the flavours with them. Super smooth texture. Soft dry finish."