ON THE GRAPEVINE

In this recent Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a new, simplified UK alcohol duty system, based predominantly on the strength of what’s in your glass. It should mean that fizz fanatics will benefit from a fall in tax duty bringing the likes of prosecco, English sparkling and champagnes, in line with still wine rates.

Here are six of my best-loved bubbles to celebrate with.

1.M&S Found Blanquette de Limoux NV, France, £10, Marks & Spencer stores

Launched earlier this year, this French fancy is one of 12 wines in M&S’ nifty Found range (all £10 or under). I love it for its fresh, summer meadow notes, uplifting flavours of ripe apples and pears alongside a subtle biscuity note.

2.Freixenet Prosecco, £12, Sainsbury’s

Spanish cava giant Freixenet knows a thing or two about sparkling wine and this perfectly pitched prosecco always turns heads with its Insta-friendly cut glass bottle. It promises white flower aromas, zesty lemon fruit, hints of peach, citrusy acidity and it’s very fresh.

3.Jansz Premium Cuvée, Tasmania, Australia, £17.99, Waitrose

If you tasted this blindfold, you’d be hard pushed not to know it’s a champagne, thanks to its lovely toasty nose, hints of nougat and flourish of citrusy fruits on the long finish. Fabulous.

4.Les Pionniers Non Vintage Champagne, £19, Co-op

I think this is the best supermarket own-label champers on the shelves.

These bubbles more than deliver with enticing brioche aromas, a fruity, full-bodied structure and yeasty complexity. It really is worthy of all those drinks awards.

5.Van Hunks MCC Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine, Stellenbosch, S Africa, £20, Van Hunks Drinks

A little stunner from Stellenbosch, it has a flavoursome range of red berry fruits with a beguiling, savoury, earthy note from a portion of pinotage and a long, fresh finish.