Your must-buy festive fizz – our expert’s guide
Whether it’s prosecco, champagne or English bubbly, we’ve got the best fizz to add sparkle to your Christmas festivities.
Whether it’s prosecco, champagne or English bubbly, we’ve got the best fizz to add sparkle to your Christmas festivities.
Nothing puts a smile on your face like sparkling wine. A friend of mine calls it “a glass of giggles”. And at Christmas, there are giggles for every occasion.
First, we need something for parties. This needs to balance “this is lovely” with “this is affordable enough to open another bottle”. Which is why you should go for Senti Prosecco Extra Dry NV (£12.99). With its soft, foamy bubbles, and pear and citrus fruit flavours, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you like something a bit more champagney in style, then you need Langlois Chateau L’Extra Cremant de Loire Blanc de Blancs NV (also £14.99). You’ll find elegant and crisp orchard fruit, and more vigorous and tingly bubbles. It’s the perfect match for canapés.
When it comes to Christmas Day itself, we need something that’s both delicious and a bit of a talking point. The Bolney Estate Bolney Bubbly Brut NV (£28.50) is perfect, and happens to be one of the UK’s most-awarded sparkling wines. With its light, floral aroma, it’s perfect as a fresh aperitif, while its citrus fruit and zestiness make it the perfect wine with a salmon starter. English wine is now firmly among the world’s finest – it’s earned its place at everyone’s Christmas table.
As for when the hubbub and excitement have died down, what do you serve in a quiet moment? When you want something really special just for you?
I’d pop open a bottle of Champagne Pierre Gimonnet Cuis 1er Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs NV (£41.99). This is a grower’s champagne, rather than one of the bigger brand names, and is made by a family dedicated to the finest expression of chardonnay from the finest vineyards. They’ve created a pure, balanced, focused and lingering wine that’s lovely on its own or with food.
Personally, I always have one extra day that I prepare for, because what do we serve on Boxing Day? It’s the day of leftovers, friends, family and reviving walks. I recommend you buy a couple of bottles of the wonderful Flint Vineyard Charmat Rose NV (£22.99). This is not only one of England’s best wines, it’s also one of the most innovative: a wine of juiciness, fruitiness, and frothy, fun indulgence. I promise it'll make everyone you serve it to smile.
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