SIX BUBBLY BRILLIANT BOTTLES

1

Covides Gran Gesta Brut Cava (£10, 11.5%) Retailing for around a tenner, this Catalonian cava is a surefire winner. Made by the traditional method from xarello, macabeu and parellada grapes and aged 18 months before sale, it’s balanced, creamy with a fruity nose. Available from Brighton Wine Co, Quaff Fine Wine, Dulwich Vintners and D’Arcy Wine Merchants.

2 Cremant de Limoux Brut La Baume Tholomies (£12.49, 12%)

Chenin blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir grapes – all of which lend themselves to fabulous sparkling wines – combine in this non-vintage French fizz (ie made with grapes from different years’ harvests) for a truly delicious wine. Available from The Oxford Wine Co.

3

The Joshua (£12, 12%) Named after wine maker and philanthropist Graham “Joshua” Beck, this sparkling wine from South Africa’s Western Cape is creamy and delicious, boasting fine bubbles and citrusy aromas. Available from Sainsbury’s.

4 Crémant de Loire Rosé (£14.49, 13%)

This delicious rosé take on Crémant de Loire (a go-to French Champagne alternative) retains all the classic zest of traditional champers with pink x-factor! Available from Laithwaites.

5 Louis Bouillot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut (£11, 12%)

Burgundy is known for still wines but Louis Bouillot has been making fizz for 140 years. This elegant example from pinot noir, chardonnay and gamay grapes blends a red berry fruitiness with traditional citrus notes and fine bubbles. Available from Sainsbury’s.

6 The Society’s Saumur Brut NV (£10.50, 12%)

A go-to sparkling wine, with excellent fizz and neither too dry or sweet. Chenin blanc grapes and a pinch of cabernet franc boost its fruitiness. Available from The Wine Society.