ON THE GRAPEVINE

BY SAM WYLIE HARRIS

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a glass of bubbly. And, when it comes to the perfect ‘pop’, these sensational sparklers will put the fizz into festive...

Waitrose Prosecco NV, Italy

(£6.99, Waitrose)

This brilliant all-rounder can blossom into a bellini to string the bubbles along that much further. Pour one part peach purée to two parts prosecco and start celebrating.

Sainsbury’s Christmas Prosecco Rosé, Extra Dry Millesimato, Italy

(£12,

Sainsbury’s)

A new release and sparkling sleigh ride of pink bubbles. Everything we love about prosecco with the bonus of ripe berry notes for extra zing.

La Maison du Cremant Prestige Brut, Burgundy, France (£14, Sainsbury’s) A Burgundy blonde to delight guests. This is one of the best cremants with its almond and white flower aromas, ripe citrusy fruits and gentle lemony acidity.

Van Hunks MCC Brut Sparkling Wine, Stellenbosch, South Africa

(£20, Van Hunks)

A little cracker from the Cape: fresh, fruity bubbles beautifully balanced with a toasty complexity and fresh, crisp finish. Will have everyone jostling for a top up.

J Vineyard California Cuvee Wine, Russian River Valley, USA

(£23, Tesco)

‘J’ for a jewel of a sparkler.

Delicate floral notes, a hint of almond and good measure of stone fruit freshness with notes of honeysuckle and pear, these crisp bubbles are blessed with Californian sunshine.

Boco House Coren, West Sussex

(£26, House Coren) An exciting English sparkling wine, made in the charmat (prosecco) method with home-grown grapes. Expressive with a citrusy edge to complement the ripe fruits and peachy characters.

Bolney Wine Estate Blanc de Blancs 2018, Sussex

(£36, Bolney Wine Estate)

This classy chardonnay (blanc de blancs) is a triumph. It’s beautifully fresh with aromas of hazelnut and pastry notes, plus elegant fruit supported by an appealing creamy texture and graceful finish. Gorgeous!