The Drinks Business is inviting champagne producers to submit entries for the first ever Champagne Masters competition.

Wines will be judged in four categories: vintage, non-vintage, prestige cuvee and rose, with gold, silver or bronze medals to be awarded in each category by a panel of industry experts.

The competition closes for entries on June 25th, and will complement the publication's range of Masters competitions for spirits.

"This is a unique opportunity for champagnes to contrast their individual characteristics," said Anthony Hawser, publisher of The Drinks Business.

"It allows them the chance to shine amongst their peers, rather than being lumped in as part of a sparkling wine category."

Recently, a single bottle of the 1841 Veuve Cliquot champagne recovered from a shipwreck off the Aland Islands set a new record for old champagne sold at auction, fetching a price of €30,000 (£26,000) when it was sold by Acker Merrall & Condit.