What is Crémant and What Should I Try?

Sparkling wine tends to come to many of our minds during springtime, encouraged by the warmer weather and the celebratory period as wedding season beckons. Sparkling French wine is perfect for these occasions, but did you know there’s so much more out there than just Champagne? We're talking about Crémant which has enjoyed increased popularity lately, so you might be keen to know what it is and why Crémant sparks such interest. Let's delve further into the world of Crémant to find out more!

What is crémant?

First of all. Crémant is a sparkling wine variety, which is quality wine that can be either white or Rosé, produced within 8 specific regions in France (also referenced as appellations) – we will come back to those specific regions later. As the French treat Crémant as seriously as they do Champagne, the production of Crémant is protected, which is known as being AOC classified (controlled origin appellation) and the appellations are authorised by the INAO (France’s regulatory body for appellations). This means that not any old sparkling wine produced in France can just call itself a Crémant! Crémant is made by the traditional method production (similar to Champagne) and this specific production type binds all 8 appellations. There is even a National Federation of Crémant Growers and Producers that was founded in 1982!

Where does crémant come from?

Coming back to those 8 regions mentioned above, Crémant is produced in Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Die, Jura, Limoux, Loire and Savoie – these regions cover most of the corners of France, so this sounds like the perfect excuse for a spot of wine tourism with a French road trip following this wine route! Some of these regions, such as Bordeaux, may already be known to you for their still white and red wines and now you can also combine the usual wine tasting visit with tasting some bubbles too! The Crémant name is protected by the National Federation of Crémant Growers and Producers which encourages the knowledge and promotion of their beloved wine on a national and international scale.

What is the difference between champagne and crémant?

This is a good question as these are both sparkling wine varieties produced in France but the key difference is that Champagne can only be produced in the Champagne region, whereas there are other regions to choose from that produce Crémant. Plus, of course there is the price difference with Crémant being a cost effective solution without reducing the taste quality as it’s produced in the same way to Champagne. Crémant can use different grape varieties (Champagne only uses Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and can also have a higher PH level than Champagne.

Does crémant differ depending on the region (appellation) that it is made from?

Again, this is a very good question as a 2009 community regulation contains the requisites that all Crémant wines must adhere to and yet there are also regional differences. What is common to all Crémant wines is that there is secondary fermentation in the bottle (this is where the delightful bubbles are created due to carbon dioxide). The rules for Crémant also mean that the wines are aged in the bottle for at least 9 additional months, which is where that yeasty smell and taste may be apparent, as there is that contact with the lees (dead yeast cells) when the wine is stirred. Crémant must also be sold only 12 months after the bottling process. Furthermore, the other rules for Crémant are quite stringent; they must be manually harvested, the wine needs to come from specifically squeezed grapes, and there are restrictions on the amount of sulphur chemicals and the level of sugar content too! Let’s explore France some more to truly get to know Crémant!

Alsace

Within the Alsace region, vineyards are planted close to the local villages and it is therefore not surprising that the region is the largest producer of Crémant with around 32.9 million bottles sold per year! According to the Alsace regional tourism board, those sales fall second to that of Champagne in the sparkling wine production, which is a very impressive statistic! Crémant d’Alsace accounts for approximately 24% of Alsace’s wine production and there are regional stipulations governing Alsace’s Crémants, so let’s talk about those!

In 1976, Crémant d’Alsace received its AOC classification but the wine producers from Alsace employed the traditional method for their sparkling wines since the late 19th century! Some of the Alsace Crémants will involve a blend of grape varieties but others may be a single grape variety. But, Pinot Noir tends to be the main grape variety which provides that delicate taste. However, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay may also be present and Pinot Noir is the only variety used for the rosé version. As another tip, you can access the online directory for the Alsace wine route when in France!

Bordeaux

Bordeaux may be renowned for its delicious red wines but it is also a producer of quality Crémant sparkling wines! However, it was only in 1990 that the Crémant de Bordeaux received its AOC ranking. Similar to the Alsace region, Bordeaux also uses the traditional method for its crémant production and what you can expect from these Crémants, as indicated by the Bordeaux regional tourism board, are fine bubbles and aromatic wines. Crémant only accounts for 1% of the wine production in Bordeaux, making it one of the smaller Crémant producers but these typically use the same Bordeaux grapes as their still wines. Therefore, the main grape varieties you will see in a Crémant de Bordeaux are Sémillion and Sauvignon. For the Rosé Crémants, these might have a blend of Cabernet and Merlot.

Bourgogne

It was in the early 19th century that Champagne knowledge, via the village Rully, was imported to Bourgogne (Burgundy in English). But, the AOC classification for Crémant de Bourgogne was only received in 1975! Again, this Crémant uses the traditional method (méthode champenoise) and with Crémant de Bourgogne you can also find a Blanc de Blanc and Blanc des Noirs as well as the usual white and red varieties. You can expect to find the grapes of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir within these Crémants. There are approximately 19.2 million bottles sold each year which amounts to 10% of the wine produced in the Bourgogne region! Plus, there is the further segregation within Crémants from Bourgogne with the ‘eminent’ Crémants, aged for at least 24 months and the ‘grand eminent’ Crémants aged for 36 months or more!

Die (the Rhône)

From the Drôme Valley vineyards comes the Crémant de Die with its special location between the Alps and Provence. The vineyards therefore occupy some of France’s highest altitudes at nearly 700 metres! Die is approximately two hours away from Lyon in the south east of France and is one of the smallest Crémant producers. The appellation was received in 1993 and approximately 700,000 bottles of Crémant de Die are sold each year. The grape varieties typically used are Clairette, Aligoté and Muscat which create that green fruits aroma. Crémant de Die could also be combined with chestnut liqueur for a Kir which sounds like a very tempting cocktail to us!

Jura

Whilst this sparkling wine production dates back to the late 18th century, the AOC classification was only received in 1995! This appellation region is also connected with the Côtes du Jura, Arbois, Château-Chalon and L’Étoile. Crémant du Jura differs from some of the other appellations as there are five authorised grape varieties! These are Poulsard, Pinot Noir, Trousseau, Chardonnay and Savagnin. For white Crémants du Jura, there must be at least 70% of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Trousseau. At least 50% of Pinot Noir, Poulsard and Trousseau must be utilised for the Rosé and the grapes are hand harvested too! There are approximately 1.7 million bottles sold per year which accounts for around 16% of the total Jura AOC production. A fun fact is that there is also a specific Crémant du Jura flute glass specially designed to get the best out of your Crémant du Jura!

Limoux

Situated in the south of France and in the middle of the Languedoc, Crémant de Limoux was first mentioned in a document dating back to 1544 starting with the ancestral method of production. However, the AOC label was only granted to Crémant de Limoux in 1990, but it’s just one of five AOC classifications in the region. The AOC Crémant de Limoux typically consists of two main grape varieties being Chardonnay and Chenin with at least 90% of these varieties having to be used. Additionally, the other varieties Mauzac and Pinot Noir would use 40% maximum of the variety, of which 20% must be Mauzac. Like we said, it can be strict and precise! The grapes will be hand picked and the Crémants produced by the traditional method. The Crémants de Limoux are typically Brut with a floral aroma and the region sells approximately 5.8 million bottles per year. What is also exciting, as mentioned by the Limoux regional tourism board, is that the 33rd edition of the National Crémant Competition will take place in Limoux in April 2024 - keep an eye out for the winners!

Loire

The production area of Crémant de Loire covers the villages of Drain to Cheverny and therefore includes AOC classified regions such as Anjou and Saumur. Crémant de Loire received its appellation in 1975 and its northern location means that there is a diversity of climates impacting the grapes production. The main grape varieties used are Chenin and Cabernet Franc, but there may be blends using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grolleau Noir, Grolleau Gris and Orbois to add more flavour! The Crémants de Loire will therefore typically be quite fresh and subtle on the nose and approximately 17 million bottles are sold each year.

Savoie

In the steep valleys of the Alps, the Crémant de Savoie is the newest region to receive its appellation, which was only granted in 2015! The AOC Crémants de Savoie use a multitude of grape varieties but there are restrictions, as usual, for production! The main grape varieties used are the Savoyard Jacquère and Altesse grapes of which 60% must be used - the other 40% being from the Jacquère grapes. Other grape varieties include Chasselas, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay for the other 40% but there must be a maximum 20% of grape varieties used. You should therefore expect fresh and citrus aromas from the Crémants de Savoie given the cool climate and there are approximately 350,000 bottles sold each year. It would therefore be ideal to combine your skiing with wine tasting in the Savoie region!

Which crémants should I try?

Now that you are armed with all of this Crémant knowledge about the appellations, here are some bottles of Crémant that we think you will love!

Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire Rosé

This is a smooth drinkable Rosé with a pale pink salmon colour. It is bursting full of strawberries with a light aroma, a dry flavour and medium finish. It offers a subtle elegance that makes it ideal to drink by itself as an after work treat! This one is a definite crowd pleaser!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £12.50

Louis Vallon Crémant De Bordeaux Blanc De Noirs

A medium bodied Crémant with a light texture, this is an easy drinking elegant bottle. There are citrus, peaches and apple aromas on the nose with a slight detection of yeast and almonds. This Crémant pairs well with almonds as an aperitif.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £14.75

Cave De Turckheim NV - ALSACE AOC

This is a balanced Crémant from Alsace with a pale lemon colour and fine bubbles and tastes just like a Champagne! There are peach and floral aromas on the nose with a medium intensity and strong finish which pairs quite well with popcorn for a film night!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £12.75

N.V. Crémant de Bourgogne, Dufouleur Pere et Fils

This is Brut Crémant with a slightly golden colour and is from the Nuit St George’s area. There is a fruity aroma with green apple and peach with a creamy biscuits taste on the palate and medium intensity as a good all rounder.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £17.75

Waitrose Cuvée Royale Brut Crémant de Limoux

This is a fresh tasting Crémant with big bubbles from the Limoux region. It has a medium complexity with an aroma of floral pears to provide a light but dry wine with a biscuity taste. This would pair very well with salmon blinis for those celebrations!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Price: £13.99

Aldi Specially Selected Crémant du Jura

This Crémant is very popular and keeps flying off the shelves - we can see why! It is a flavourful, aromatic Crémant packed with a fruit forward profile which is also fresh with green apple and a creamy secondary aroma with medium intensity and finish. This would be the ideal Crémant to have with brunch with friends!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £8.99

Château de l'aulée Crémant NV - Crémant de Loire

This is a dry Crémant that surprisingly tastes just like a Champagne and is very quaffable! It uses Chenin Blanc as its single grape and has a golden colour with rich primary and secondary aromas of apple, brioche and biscuits. This will appeal to many palates and would work well with sea food.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Price: £18.99

Benjamin Darnault Vignerons Wife Crémant de Bourgogne Brut

A very smooth, easy drinking Crémant which is a Chardonnay blend. This is ideal for those who enjoy a lighter, subtle sparkling wine with aromas of green apple, floral and a crisp taste. This will be ideal for sitting in the garden with a picnic.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £19.99

Sainsburys Taste the Difference Crémant d’Alsace

This is a dry tasting Alsace Crémant with hints of green apple, citrus flavours and secondary flavours of brioche. It has a medium intensity with high acidity and a creamy texture to provide that balanced profile and can be drunk by itself for that spa day!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £11.50

We would love to hear which Crémants you have tried as they make such a good alternative to Champagne and there is often not that much difference in the taste, depending on the region! Crémant will be great for those spring and summer special occasions or a perfect excuse to treat yourself - what are you waiting for? Santé!

By Latoya Austin

Celebrate The New Year in Style With These Champagne Cocktails

Yes, there are alternatives, and yes, it’s more expensive than other sparklers, but Champagne will always be the ultimate glass of elegance and celebration. It’s a classic way to ring in the new year, and such a big day requires the special feeling that cocktails bring to an occasion, so why not combine the two?

Champagne is perfect for keeping cocktails light and refreshing, as well as bringing a bit of fruity crispness to robust mixes. Start the year as you mean to go on with these memorable Champagne cocktails.

Kir Royale

This wonderful cocktail goes back to 19th century France and makes full use of the gorgeous blackcurrant liqueur Crème de Cassis. Elegant bubbly bite with silky, juicy sweetness – simple but delicious. Also, it pairs perfectly with berry and meringue desserts like Eton mess and pavlova if you’re having a New Year feast.

Ingredients
1 tbsp crème de cassis
Champagne
Blackberry or raspberry (optional garnish)

 Method
Crème de cassis first, poured into a Champagne flute before topping up with Champagne. A blackberry or raspberry tops it up nicely, and if it’s frozen you can use it to chill the cocktail too.

Black Velvet

These two might seem like a slightly odd match at first, but it’s actually a cocktail steeped in history. As the legend has it, a London steward was inspired to come up with it following the nation’s mourning of Prince Albert in 1861. The crisp Champagne takes the robust heaviness away from the Guiness, and you get a fruit dipped in dark chocolate kind of profile. Rich, lively and interesting to try if you never have before.

Ingredients
100ml Guinness
100ml Champagne

Method
Two ingredients with equal measures, how’s that for simple? Go for Champagne first, and then pour the Guinness in over the back of a spoon for some lovely layering.

Champagne Bowler

This wine heavy classic dates back to the 30s and brings a splash of summer to the New Year celebrations. The foundation of three grapes compliments the fresh, natural flavour of those sweet strawberries, and the result feels clean and crisp, with a hint of richness.

Ingredients
3 chopped strawberries
20ml brandy (preferably Cognac)
30ml dry white wine (like Chardonnay)
60ml champagne
Dash of syrup (optional)

Method
Muddle your chopped strawberries in a shaker, and add the brandy, white wine, a little ice and shake well. Unusually, we don’t recommend straining here because we want all that strawberry goodness and flavour, so just top up with Champagne and toast to the warmer weather ahead.

Poinsettia

This is essentially a cranberry mimosa, and it’s delicious. The ruby red hue and rosemary garnish keep the festive theme, and the flavours are citrusy, tart and refreshing. The orange liqueur gives a little weight and sweetness, the cranberry juice gives that bittersweet fruit, and of course, the fizz is there with its fine bubbles to lighten the mood. It just works so well.

Ingredients
25ml orange liqueur
50ml cranberry juice
75ml champagne
1 rosemary sprig to garnish

Method
Chill everything beforehand for this one, it makes all the difference. Pour the orange liqueur and cranberry juice into a chilled glass, and very gently top up with champagne before finishing with a rosemary sprig for aesthetics and faint whiff of herby goodness.

Classic Champagne Cocktail

This old-school classic is what started it all, and though it’s as simple as a cocktail can get, it is definitely worth including if you’re looking to retain all the star power and complexity of your champagne. The Angostura-soaked sugar cube gives a little sweet spice to liven up a straight serving of fizz.

 Ingredients
1 sugar cube
4 dashes of Angostura bitters
200ml champagne
Lemon or orange slice to garnish

Method
Drop the sugar into the bottom of the flute and soak for a few minutes with Angostura. Then top up with Champagne and finally, garnish with a little citrus. Simple excellence.

Champagne Punch

Something slightly different here, because if you’re seeing in the New Year with a big group, then a punch is always handy. It’s quite an extravagant way to use champagne, but if you can’t do that at New Years then when can you? Like any punch, there aren’t many hard and fast rules, but we think this run down works a treat. The fresh lemon, lime, and citrus cut through nicely, there’s plenty of crisp wine, fruity sweetness and gentle warmth from Cognac and ginger.

 Ingredients (for 8)
1 bottle of champagne
250ml grapefruit juice
200ml ginger ale
200ml dry white wine
100ml orange liqueur
100ml pineapple juice
1 sliced lemon
1 sliced lime
1 sliced orange
40ml Cognac/brandy
70ml simple syrup
Handful of mint leaves
Handful of cranberries
Ice

Method
The only important thing here is to leave the Champagne till last. We want to retain all those bubbles, so combine everything else and chill for an hour (at least). When guests arrive, pour in the bubbly, and make sure it’s drunk first so the effervescence hasn’t faded.

If these have caught your eye, then you just need one thing... that all important Champagne. Let’s be honest, if you’re mixing it then there’s no need to splash out on a super expensive bottle, and there are plenty of fantastic Champagnes at in the mid-range area that are perfect for cocktails. Take a look here!

The Best Sparkling Wines for New Years, Whatever Your Budget

New Years is the biggest celebration of them all, and sparkling wine is the drink most synonymous with celebrating, so getting the right bottle in is of the utmost importance.

There are hefty price tags floating around in the world of bubbles, so you want to be sure that you’re getting great value and not buying an overpriced bottle. We’ve been investigating Champagne, English Fizz, Prosecco, and Cava to find three different options for each, whatever your budget is. These bottles all give one hell of a bang for their buck and deliver a better drinking experience of bottles twice the price. So, without further ado... let’s pop the cork on the best sparkling wines for New Years!

The Best Champagne to Drink At New Year

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut

This is a fantastic value Champagne in the dry style that’s available at Aldi, hence the exceptional price. Of course, there isn’t the complexity of the top-end bubbly, but this is really well-made wine all the same, with loveable apple crumble character – think Granny Smiths, slightly spiced biscuits, nuts, and brioche. It’s one of the UK’s best sellers for a reason, and would raise many an eyebrow in blind tastings with far more expensive bottles.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14.99

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Non Vintage Champagne

Backed up so many awards, this is everything great Champagne should be. It screams (or gently whispers) elegance and carries a fragrant, inviting bouquet. In the mouth, the bubbles are persistent and lively, delivering soft, creamy fruits and a finish that stretches off into 2025, let alone 2024.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £42.99 (usually more!)

Champagne de Saint-Gall Orpale

This is fine Grand Cru Champagne aged on its lees for 12 years, and that beautiful deep golden hue hides so much depth. Delicate citrus hits the nose, rich, toasted brioche and minerality play off in the mouth, and all that racy power lingers too, with grapefruit appearing towards the end. Magical.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £94.95

The Best English Sparkling Wine to Drink At New Year

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010

The price of this used to be higher, and it was well worth trying then, so you just have to now. English fizz has come so far in the last two decades, now going toe-to-toe and even surpassing some fine French Champagnes. This is great way to experience all that improvement, without breaking the bank. 8 years of ageing brings beautifully deep biscuity notes, but the crispness of those British orchards holds strong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £18

Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs 2015

The 2015 harvest started cool but finished with heaps of sun, resulting in the intense flavours and crisp flavours you find here. The creamy feel coats the mouth and the citrus glimmers, throwing up images of lemon mousse, buttery shortbread, and crisp green apples. Vibrance and elegance is what this English bubbly is all about, and it’s no surprise to see it feature in so many top restaurants.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £44

Nyetimber 1086 Prestige Cuvee 2010

Another restaurateur’s favourite, Nyetimber are one of the leading lights in English sparkling wine. Creamy, nougat deliciousness fills out the palate, blanketing vibrant fruits. Those beautiful mineral tones begin to intertwine as it goes on, joined by crushed, toasted nuts. The structure is so strong, with everything in its place, and the only reaction is to be impressed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £129.95

The Best Prosecco & Cava to Drink At New Year

Pasqua 'Romeo & Juliet' Brut Prosecco DOC

The nose on this romantic Prosecco is seductively intense, with a touch of citrus and a lot of fruit which, after the first sip, reveals itself to carry a tonne of freshness. It feels aromatic throughout, with a gentle tang and tartness that brings harmony. Light, aromatic, full of fruit and softly moussed – tremendous value Prosecco at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £12.99

La Gioiosa Prosecco Brut

£7.50 for this is just superb. It’s a dry Prosecco brimming with sunshine lemons, almond undertones and lightness that is to die for. It’s less sweet than most Prosecco, focusing instead on crisp refreshment and would be a lovely wine to sip on when welcoming in the New Year.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.50

Pere Ventura Cavas Cava Vintage Brut Gran Reserva 2015

This is a benchmark in premium Cava, something some people disregard at these prices for some reason. The nose is full of orchard fruits, and tasteful acidity slices through the creamy palate. The mouse is stand out, delicate freshness is never far away, and it shows excellent finesse from start to finish. A masterful expression of the style.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £36

The Best Wine to Gift this Christmas

Bringing the right wine is always difficult to get right. Whether it’s as a present, or to hand over when you’re let in, we’ve hunted down the best wines to gift this Christmas.

Now, we’ve kept it tight on the purse strings to recommend some reds and whites that come in at under £10, but taste far more expensive. Okay, one of the sparkling wines goes over budget, but it’s so worth it. These are wines that seriously impress, and they’re great alongside Christmas foods too!

The Best Red Wines to Gift This Christmas

Castellore Primitivo

This is probably Aldi’s best wine for under £10, brimming with bold, rich, and intense dark berry flavours. Earthy spice keeps everything grounded, and there’s enough pleasant acidity to cut through those Christmas foods before a jammy, silky-smooth finish. It’s a winner with any tomatoey dishes too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £6.29

Greasy Fingers Luscious Red

Smooth and food-friendly too. Grenache delivers the sweetness, and Shiraz brings the rich fruits in this delicious Australian blend. You can find it at most of the UK supermarkets because it’s so popular and moreish. It’s one of those joyful wines that is made for sharing with friends, and perfectly suits red meats or Italian dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.50 (usually more!)

American Gothic Lodi Zinfandel

Named after the instantly recognisable painting adorning the bottle, this is a robust and rich Cali Zinfandel that demands the drinker’s attention. First, the smooth mouthfeel, and second the marriage of juicy plum and smooth blackberries, all underlines by elegant toasted oaky tobacco notes. Dangerously drinkable, and as good as wines twice the price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9.99

B. Ink South Australia Red Blend

Pretty remarkable at this price, this Australian red delivers the signature opulence you want and so much more. Inky by name and inky by nature, velvety tannins mix with up front jamminess, raspberries, and dark chocolate. But that’s not all, because vanilla and cinnamon notes layer up this beauty to make it the gift that keeps on giving.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £8 (usually more!)

The Best White Wines to Gift This Christmas

Te Pā Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc

This mouthwatering Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc leans into the classic tropical notes of this style, delivering an adventure of ripe fruits – think nectarine, gooseberry, passion fruit and guava. Beyond this though, there is a minerality with chalk and a purity and crispness to the finish that is perfect between Christmas bites.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9

Pinot Gris Urmeer Löss

This is another Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc punching above its price point, carrying herbaceous grassy hints, passion fruit, and concentrated gooseberries and peaches. Zesty acidity meets fruity sweetness, with a touch of peppery spice at the end – it’s easy to love.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9.49

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

If you know someone into Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, then we’d stunned if they weren’t on board with this. The grapefruit zips around the palate which is so moreishly bright and light, especially served chilled. Clean, zesty refreshment makes this this a winner that delivers way beyond its price. It’s gorgeous with chicken and lighter fish too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9

Freixenet Pinot Grigio

The bottle screams gift, but to become as well-regarded as Freixenet have, the liquid inside needs to be spot on, and it certainly is. Born in the picturesque vineyards of Garda, it brings a bit of Italian sun to Christmas with delicately poised florality, fruits and crisp citrus. The elegance to value ratio is tremendous.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £8 (usually more!)

The Best Sparkling Wines to Gift This Christmas

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010

The price of this has been much higher previously, but at £18 you have to give it a go. Being an English fizz, it makes for an interesting gift because not everyone knows about the staggering improvement English sparkling wines have enjoyed. This will show them. 8 years of age bring deep biscuity notes and crisp orchard hints and the fine bubbles rival Champagne.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £18

Martini Asti Sparkling Italian Wine D.O.C.G

It is Martini, but this is a very different drink all together. Unique Italian single-fermentation of the Moscato Bianco grape deliver natural flavours of melon, peach, and green apple, each lighter and lovelier than the last. Intertwining is a hint of brioche, and combined with those gorgeous bubbles and cutting acidity makes this one of the best palate cleansers available. Hearty meats, soups, potatoes… and even white chocolate – try it and surprise yourself (once your giftee has first of course).

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £6.99 (usually more!)

We’ve searched high and low for the best drinks gifts this year, so whatever you’re looking for on the website, we’ve got it. We didn’t include Champagne for the cost, but these Our Best Champagnes. We also have Vodka, Tequila, Sherry and well, there are just too many to link, so if you’re struggling with a bottle that will impress someone, take a look.

The Best Champagne to Drink this Christmas

If Christmas is about indulgence (which we think it is, amongst other things of course), then it’s the perfect time of year to open some beautiful bottles, and it doesn’t get more luxurious than Champagne. Sparkling wine is a mainstay of Christmas drinking, and for that special touch of elegance, Champagne is festive fizz royalty.

However, as everyone knows, it doesn’t come cheap, so you want to be sure that you’re spending your money on quality liquid. We’ve scouted out the best Champagne to drink this Christmas, starting with tremendous value and finishing with unforgettable masterpieces. Let’s the pop the cork and get started.

Telmont Reserve Brut

A three-way blend of the classic Champagne grapes, this elegant Telmont was awarded the Gold Medal at the Champagne Masters in 2022, praised for its weighty palate flickering with desserts like créme brulee, baked apple and almond tart. It’s big and round with lively bubbles, but balanced by a cool, saline core.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £46.99

Veuve Clicquot Brut (Carte Jaune) Champagne

A respected and reliable name in Champagne, this NV Veuve Clicquot brings heaps of rich biscuity flavour, but also a lot of white fruits and a finish that lingers for an age. It’s a famously delicious Champagne, and it completely delivers with well put together balance and smooth cleanliness. Cracking price too, and you can pick it up in most supermarkets.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £48.50

Laurent-Perrier Brut Cuvee Champagne Rose

This is distinctly bottled fruit-dominated Champagne Rose uses only Pinot Noir from grand cru vineyards, delivering a lively but precise expression. Cherries, strawberries, raspberries, and currants are unavoidable, filling the body out nicely, but the bubbles are busy throughout and there’s the perfect touch of racy acidity too. Pink heaven.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £58

Billecart Salmon Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne Grand Cru

100% Chardonnay here, and it’s all from five different grand cru villages, intertwining seductively for a complex, flavourful but elegant expression. The inviting nose carries a bouquet of white flowers and stone fruits, and the first sip reveals a palate that’s intense and creamy, with buttery brioche, lively acidity and citrus hints, before chalky minerality on the finish. Staggering depth and perfect poise.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £72

Duval-Leroy Femme de Champagne Grand Cru Brut

Duval-Leroy was one of the first Champagne houses to be HVE3 certified (great sustainability basically), and the attention to that goes into every stage of the production process is astonishing. This cuvée was bottle aged for 17 years, and possibly more if you decide to leave it that way. Opening it up though, expect a sumptuous complexity – biscuity bread, florality and apricot, fading into hazelnut and orange peel before a long-tailed finish. The finesse throughout is otherworldly.  

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £96

Bollinger B13 Champagne 2013

Without question, one of the great Champagne houses, this is Bollinger’s Blanc de Noirs from 2013. The nose reveals quince and stone fruits, and even a subtle waft of smoke as the toast comes through. It’s big, bold flavourful Champagne with pear, almonds, candied lemon but an earthy almost truffle hint too. Rich, razor sharp, in your face and a mineral finish – delightful.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £99.95

Lanson Noble Champagne Brut Vintage 2004

This is an expressive vintage showcasing the alluring delicacy of the Chardonnay grape merging with the cushiony, deep Pinot Noir, the scents of lemon, pear, and plum pull you in, before the biscuity, hazelnut, apricot palate blows you away. The stunning freshness is why so many wax lyrical about this Champagne, and why it holds such a prestigious position.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £142

Lanson Noble Champagne Blancs de Blancs 2004

Light, seductive, and utterly memorable, Lanson Blanc de Blancs 2004 would make for a very special Christmas celebration indeed. It’s everything the Côte des Blancs terroir does best – charm, finesse, purity, and freshness. Vanilla toffee carries on the nose. The palate is light and creamy, delicately hinting at almond biscuits and candied lemon, before a zesty, saline finish stretching off into the distance. A Chardonnay masterclass.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £155

If you’re looking for something closer to home this Christmas, then there has never been a better time to dip your toe into the flourishing English Fizz market, so try these incredible English Sparkling Wines leading the way.

Armand de Brignac Assemblage No.4: Champagne Artistry

Champagne is already the most exclusive club in the drinks industry, so to produce a bottle that stands out for its prestige and elegance in an area built on just that is quite the achievement. A bravo then, to Cattier’s spectacular Armand de Brignac Assemblage No.4.

With 250 years and 13 generations of experience and expertise, the Armand de Brignac label needs no introduction, releasing a select number of exquisite cuvées at the pinnacle of quality and taste. Only the finest vineyards, the freshest press and unparalleled craftsmanship will do, and that’s no different with their latest release – 7,328 bottles of Blanc de Noirs.

A rich and intense expression of Pinot Noir bringing together a trio of vintages from 2013 to 2015, the signature metal bottle housing it is finished with the iconic French pewter Ace of Spades label and unique disgorgement date, setting up grand expectations for the liquid within. These build when you learn what goes into this meticulous release, from the sourcing of the best Premier and Grand Cru Pinot Noir, to the balancing of the vintages, to the 7 years of resting in some of Champagne’s deepest cellars.

We’ve been lucky enough to taste it, and it exceeds those lofty expectations. Intense minerality hits the nose alongside wafts of blackberry and plum before dark fruits flood the mouth on the palate. This lively exploration unfolds with a somewhat tropical stone-fruit note and vibrant citrus, before a gorgeous, honeyed finish that winds long into the distance. Unparalleled complexity, depth, and freshness.

As with every Armand de Brignac release, collectors and connoisseurs will have their interest peaked by this bottle. First, it will be available as an exclusive with Harrods as part of a special edition set featuring all six cuvées in a lacquered gift box for a total of £6,400. Then, you can find it paired with the Brut Gold for a luxury twin pack for £1,385, before a final solo release in 2024 at retailers worldwide for £1,055, where the world gets to taste the artistry. Well, 7,328 people anyway.

So much goes into a Champagne like this, so if you’re interested in the process or fancy purchasing, find out more at www.armanddebrignac.com.

For more wine content, make sure you click here!

8 Sparkling Wine Cocktails To Serve This Festive Season

You can’t beat adding some fizz and sparkle to festive proceedings with sparkling wine cocktails. They’re super simple to make, refreshing, delicious and they’re amazingly versatile when it comes with food pairings. From classics to more unusual concoctions, these are 8 of the best cocktails using various sparkling wines!

Negroni Sbagliato

Don’t be surprised if younger family members bring this cocktail up, because it went viral on TikTok recently after House of the Dragon star Emma D’Arcy announced her love for it. In short, it’s a Prosecco Negroni. This makes for a lighter Negroni, perfect if you’re not a big fan of the usual bitterness Negronis can have. An extra dry Prosecco like Giusti Rosalia works perfectly because the slight sweetness counteracts the spirits’ bitterness.

Ingredients
25ml Prosecco
25ml Campari
25ml sweet vermouth
orange slice (to garnish)

 Method
Pour the Campari and vermouth into a rocks glass and fill it with ice. Top up with Prosecco. Stir gently to chill and garnish with the orange slice. Voilà!

Mimosa

Any sparkling wine of your choice will do for a Mimosa, but we’ve gone for Cava. It’s the light and fresh option that’s perfect for pretty much any special occasion, and Christmas is no different! Just sparkling wine and orange juice here, so it’s perfect to ratio to your liking. If you’ve got a sparkling wine that you particularly love, go heavy on that! But if Nan’s on her 3rd Baileys before the turkey’s even out of the oven? Maybe it’s a good idea to up that OJ before handing her one.

Ingredients
100ml Cava
100ml orange juice 

Method
It’s just a case of combining the two in flutes here, so make sure you’ve got a sparkling wine that you love, and a good quality orange juice! It couldn’t be simpler.

Top Tip: Remember, chill everything to avoid using ice as this will kill off the bubbles!

Bellini

Famously easy to make, this a reliably refreshing Italian cocktail with only two ingredients – Prosecco and peach. It was supposedly named after Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini because the drink’s gorgeous colour reminded the Venetian bartender of Bellini’s warm colour palette!

Ingredients
60ml peach purée
160ml Prosecco
Peach slice (garnish)

Method
You can buy peach purée but unless you’re a Bellini lover, you probably won’t have it in the cupboard. All you have to do is blend some peeled peaches until smooth and refrigerate. When it’s time to serve, strain into a flute, top up with Prosecco and gently stir. If you’ve got a peach left, of course a slice as garnish tops it all off!

Kir Real

Crème de Cassis is a gorgeous blackcurrant liqueur from Dijon in France and topping it up with a sparkling white gives you the Kir cocktail, created in 19th century France. Using Champagne instead creates the Kir Royale, but we’ve gone for Spanish Cava to create a much better value Kir Real. It requires the same time-consuming method as Champagne, there’s just more of it about! But it’s far closer a Champagne than something like a Prosecco so works great for this. Bubbly bite with juicy fruity sweetness! Fit for a royal indeed.

Ingredients
1 tbsp crème de cassis
Cava
Blackberry (optional garnish) 

Method
Nice and simple. Pour your crème de cassis into a Champagne flute and top up with Cava! A fresh or frozen blackberry or lemon twist makes a great garnish.

Rosé Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz was created in Italy and is now officially Germany’s favourite cocktail. If you want to inject some summery feeling into your festive season, or maybe you’re somewhere sunny for Christmas, then this Rosé version is there for you. The passion fruit juice is ideal for bridging the gap between the subtle bitterness of the Aperol and the fruity wine. The result is a fruitier, more refined Spritz that’s a very drinkable switch up. Who says it's just for summer?

Ingredients
50ml Aperol
75ml rosé
30ml soda
30ml passion fruit juice
Lime wedge (garnish)

 Method
Pop one ice cube in your glass and combine the Aperol with rosé. Top up with soda and juice, stirring gently to avoid breaking up the fizz, and then garnish with a lime wedge! Enjoy!  

The Golden Dram

Scotch cocktails can often be thought to be dark and moody affairs, but this unusual pairing with sparkling wine changes that. Combined with an Angostura-soaked sugar cube, you create a unique and refreshing cocktail that’s probably not quite like anything you’ve tasted before.

Ingredients
Angostura bitters-soaked sugar cube
25ml Scotch
100ml Prosecco

 Method

Drop a single sugar cube into your Champagne flute and soak with a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then add Scotch before topping up to the top with Prosecco! Stir lightly to slowly dissolve the sugar and you’re all set.

Top Tip: If you like your cocktails sweeter, soak the sugar cube in a teaspoon of honey too!

Black Velvet

Legend goes that the Black Velvet was thought up by a London steward as Britain mourned the death of Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert in 1861. Whether that’s true or not, it certainly looks the part. Traditionally, it uses Champagne, but we’re using this opportunity to shout out Crémant. It’s a sparkling wine made using the same method as Champagne, and although it was once looked down upon, the current crop of Crémant producers have upped their game and it massively punches above its price point! You can find decent bottles for under £10, and still pull together a delightful Black Velvet that blends the bitter richness of Guinness, with the fizzing lightness of the wine.

Ingredients
100ml Guinness
100ml Crémant

 Method
Super simple apart from a drop of bartending technique. Fill half a Champagne flute with your crémant, and top up the rest with Guinness, pouring over the back of a spoon to achieve beautiful layering.

Rosé Bowler

This is an adaption of the Champagne bowler that dates back to the 1930s, but we’re going all out on the strawberries using rosé instead. The trio of grapes with brandy, dry white, and rosé provide a really interesting foundation for the muddled strawberries, and the good thing about this is, if you’ve picked up some berries that aren’t as sweet as you’d like, the rosé picks up the slack.

Ingredients
3 chopped strawberries
20ml brandy (preferably Cognac)
30ml dry white wine (like Chardonnay)
60ml rosé
Dash of syrup (optional)

 Method
Chop 3 strawberries and muddle them well in a shaker. Add your brandy, white wine and ice and shake well. Pour into your glass (without straining) and top up with Rosé.

Top Tip: We know winter strawberries can be a bit hit and miss, so if it’s still not sweet enough just re-introduce the syrup from the original Champagne recipe!

If you’re in the process of planning your Christmas offerings, then make sure to complete your set up with some Boozy Crackers that look stunning and taste delicious inside (the drinks inside that is, not the cracker itself).

And if you’re looking for the perfect Prosecco to make the above, take a look at our Best Proseccos for Under £15 here!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

The Best Bubbles to Pop this Festive Season

With the near constant flow of food from nibbles to feasts to desserts, a delicious sparkling wine is perfect for cutting through Christmastime and providing the crisp refreshment required. Without further ado, here’s a selection of our most eye-catching fizzes, from supermarket marvels to sublime top tier magic! Let’s pop those corks!

The Best Budget Sparkling Wine (£10 and Under)

Sainsbury's Cava Brut

Cava is made using the same method as Champagne, but with Spanish grapes like Paradella, Macabeo and Xarel-lo which creates a more tropical and savoury profile than Champagne. Some see it as less refined but when it comes down to value, Cava is king. Those three grapes all go into this Cava Brut, which is aged for at least nine months creating bold zesty citrus aromas. It feels super fresh and vibrant, with a particularly lovely green apple flavour running through it. Try it with any fish from smoke salmon to good old fish and chips.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 1.5%
Find here: £5.85

ALDI’s Specially Selected Cremant Du Jura

You may not be familiar Crémant but it’s a sparkling wine made in the exact same way as Champagne outside the Champagne region, and the production quality of it has improved dramatically over recent decades. This bottle is fabulously light and refreshing, exactly what you need when feasting over the festive period. It lacks the creamy feel of a typical Crémant, but has a bolder combination of fruits, with citrussy lemon and grapefruit, and green apples and pears. If you’re fed up with Prosecco then this is a must try!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%    
Find here: £8.99

Sainsbury's Pignoletto Brut

Pignoletto derives from ‘pigna’ meaning pinecone because of the tight grape clusters on the vine and has similarities with Prosecco. Made using the Grechetto grapes of Umbria, this is drier than a usual Prosecco and similar to the Crémant above, has the pear and apple combination alongside citrusy notes. The real reward here is the refreshment of the fizz and the bright and crisp flavours that make it extremely quaffable indeed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7 (usually £9!)

Tesco Finest 1531 Blanquette De Limoux

If you were on the hunt for sparkling wine in 1531, this would be your only option because Blanquette de Limoux is the oldest sparkling wine in the world! Mauzac and Chenin grapes blend and age in the bottle for a year to create this light sparkling wine full of complex flavours of peach flesh and green apple. There’s a really pleasant soft acidity and interesting toasted brioche finish too. It really gives the more expensive wines and Champagnes a run for their money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.50

Sainsbury's Crémant De Loire

This is another fantastic value option from Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range, and one that’s picked up some serious gongs. Mostly Chenin Blanc with a touch of Chardonnay, it’s a dry fizz with heaps of richness and refreshment from cleansing chalky apple flavours down to the Loire Valley soils. This zesty rich combination is a winning one, and so easy to drink as a result. Bravo to the producer Bouvet Ladubay!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10 (usually £12!)

Sainsbury's Cremant d’Alsace

From the same collection is Cremant d’Alsace. Cave du Roi Dagobert are renowned in the Alsace region and produce this in the traditional method where it spends over a year bottle aging. It’s rich and creamy as a result, with buttery brioche flavours. Running alongside that too is a vibrant freshness from orchard fruits and luxurious lemon curd notes, completing an extremely well-rounded fizz for the price point. It’s perfect for any celebration and would pair really nicely with smoked salmon.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £12

The Best Mid-Tier Sparkling Wine (£10-£29.99)

Graham Norton’s Own Prosecco DOC NV

Chat show king Graham Norton has brought to us a stunning Prosecco, opting for a classic ‘Extra Dry’ style which means it’s lovely and sweet as well as being sublimely light. Citrus and white flower aromas fill your nose, and the finish is refreshingly crisp to boot. It’s a fantastic conversation starting party fizz!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.2%
Find here: £12

Invivo X Unity Prosecco Rosé

This is another bottle that has a link to Graham Norton, albeit indirectly. It’s the official wine of the Eurovision Song Contest and will be served at Liverpool next year! This Venetian wine feels suitably glam and celebratory too, with fresh strawberries on the nose and a lovely blend of green apple, orange and lemon filling the palate. A really feel good fizz for Christmas.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £12

Cave de Turkheim Crémant d'Alsace

Another delicious Crémant for the money here, standing out for its perfumed pink grapefruit and lychee, as well as a characterful tartness not always found in similar bottles. Delicate bubbles, super dry and silky smooth, this is a lovely introduction to Champagne alternatives.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £13.49

Castel Fagila Franciacorta Extra Brut

In the heart of the Franciacorta area of Calino, Castel Faglia opt for small garden-like pots rather than sprawling vineyards, bringing out different aromas to usual. Fresh fruit invites you in on the nose, and the following palate is super dry, with surprising structure and lively acidity. Think fresh toasted almonds and aromatic spice underlined with subtle citrus. Satisfying and well worth a try!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £15.50

Tissot-Maire Blanc de Noirs Cremant du Jura Brut

Sheltered in the mountains of the vineyard corridor between Burgundy and Switzerland is the Jura wine region. Maison Tissot-Maire in Arbois is the merger of two expert winemaking families making elegant wines like this. Using mainly Pinot Noir, wildflowers and ripe berries come through on the nose, before a fresh and powerful mouthfeel that has a strong mineral core. Redcurrant and spice fig show themselves amongst the fine bubbles for a stunning food-friendly wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £15.95

Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2017/18

Graham Beck and South African fizz have been going hand in hand since the 1990s, picking up award after award along the way using the traditional ‘Methode Cap Classique’ sparkling winemaking method. The Blanc de Blancs uses night picked Chardonnay for extra freshness, with in-your-face green aromas of lime, apple, and pear. It’s biscuity-rich, with notes of brioche and a special feel of indulgence. Put simply, it’s one of the best. Suitably magical for this special time of year.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £19.99

Tesco Finest Rose Champagne

Tesco brings us this wine in partnership with Union Champagne, a cooperative of 2000 winegrowers, 60% of whose land is Grand Cru rated, so you can be assured that the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in this are top notch. It’s super dry with invigorating citrus and red fruits before a very delicate mousse finish. Definitely pop this bubbly when you’re bringing out any fruity desserts!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £24

The Best Top End Sparkling Wine (£30+)

Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve

Well, the top end was always going to include Champagne wasn’t it? In particular, this is a rich and weighty expression picking up a number of major awards. It’s ripe, it’s biscuity, it’s dense with mature fruit and a lively acidity cuts through with surgical precision. The average age of the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier is a decade, with the younger additions bringing freshness, and the elders that complexity and spice. Full-bodied bubbly that oozes class and is a joy to explore.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £46

Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2018

You don’t need fluent French to identify ‘blanc de blancs’ as ‘white from white’ meaning white wine from white grapes. In the world of Champagne, this equates to the exclusive inclusion of Chardonnay grapes, and the same applies to English Sparkling wines. This bottle happens to be both. Gusbourne is a massive name in luxury English wine as it continues to win gong after gong. 2018 conditions left the Kentish fruits in fabulous condition, creating a wonderfully layered flavour. Riper notes of nectarines and clementines float above characterful green apples, whilst alluring lemon sherbet and pink grapefruit slice through. The creamy texture bows out for a toasted nut and brioche finish that really drives home. A benchmark British sparkling wine for sure. We love it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £46

Rare Champagne Millésime 2008

We’ve touched on Charles Heidsieck, and now it’s Piper Heidsieck which originated in 1777. The first ambassador of their Champagne? Marie Antoinette no less. Since then, Piper Heidsieck drew connections with Old Hollywood and is one of the most prestigious, technologically advanced and well-funded houses around. In short, the Millésime Rare is absolutely delicious and very special indeed. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, all grapes were sourced from Grand Cru villages. Delicate apricot pastry and orange zest tease the nose before the magic reveals itself. Pronounced vanilla tangles with fizzing fruitiness – pineapple, blood orange and a comforting continuation of patisserie flavours. Majesty and elegance to match the price tag and for any sparkling wine lover, this guarantees a magical Christmas treat.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £194

Refreshing, and light, we love Christmas fizz but variety is the spice of life, so if you want some reds, whites or even gins to complete your festive cupboards, we’ve scrutinised and deliberated to come up with our end of year best recommendations! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Words by Calum Ecroyd