NEW YEAR’S EVE FIZZ & FORTIFIED

I’VE splashed out this year and included some very smart sparklers in my line-up. To balance this, I have also found some competitively priced still wines. My theory is that if you are going to serve fizz, make it one great glass, as opposed to two dreary ones. But whatever you do, don’t forget to hide any special bottles left over from Christmas for a rainy day! NV L’Extra par Langlois Crémant de Loire Brut, France (£13.99, reduced to £10.99 each in a Mix Six deal, Majestic) LOIRE sparklers often have a super-dry palate and this wine is no exception. Really crisp and refreshing, its cleansing palate makes it perfect for mixing in cocktails or drinking straight as a neat, palate-primping aperitif. 2016 Calvet Brut Rosé Crémant de Bordeaux, France (£12.75, ocado.com) THE rosé fizz from Calvet is every bit as delicious as its white sibling. Created using the same method as Champagne, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this is a remarkable wine which has amazing elegance considering it is made from robust red grapes. It’s perfect with party canapés. NV Pol Roger Brut Réserve, Champagne, France (£40, reduced to £33 until January 3, Co-op; £45, Waitrose; £37, Morrisons) THERE are some super deals to be had this Christmas and New Year on Pol Roger, one of the wine trade’s favourite Champagne brands. You ought to consider planning ahead into 2019 and buying as much as you can now. I have never seen this wine at this price before! NV Bollinger Special Cuvée, Champagne, France (£42, reduced to £35 until December 31, Marks & Spencer) WE ALL love Bolly and I cannot overlook the deal at M&S – gosh, how wonderful to mark the start of 2019 with a flagon of Bollinger at your side. The added bonus is that it has such strong character it can go with all manner of food. 2014 Gusbourne Brut Reserve, England (£35, Oddbins) GUSBOURNE is one of the most famous English wineries and this new vintage bubbly is breathtakingly beautiful. Smooth and well into its stride in spite of its youth, this is a grand wine and the perfect way to usher in the New Year.