FIVE FABULOUS BOTTLES TO POP

Billecart-salmon Brut Reserve

This family-run producer is a fraction of the size of many other famous houses. What they lack in size, or marketing budgets, they deliver on quality and authenticity. The current owners are sixth generation, and they taste every morning with their grandfather Jean Roland-billecart, now in his mid 90s, still the boss in the blending room. Fizzy luminosity, very moreish and exceptional value.

£45, Harvey Nichols

Berry Bros UKC Brut

The Berry Bros & Rudd own label champagne, known as ‘UKC’ is an authority of quality. Grown and aged carefully in the Grand Cru village of Mailly in the Montagne de Reims. Golden crumb, toffee apple and vivacious minerality. This pinot noir-dominant blend offers terrific value, and enjoyment, whatever the occasion.

£28.50, Berry Bros & Rudd, bbr.com

Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires 2004

If you are going to break the bank on a special bottle, do it properly. This is the newest Blanc des Millenaires release from new Chef du Cave, Cyril Brun. The Charles Heidsieck house style is full of pizzazz, flair and confidence. I can say hand-on-heart, this wine is worth every single penny. The depth of flavour, layers of complexity and drinkability mean this is drinking beautifully now, but will also benefit from additional ageing.

£149, the whisky exchange. com

Aldi Cremant du Jura

Hands down, the best bang for buck, ‘champagne style’ wine there is on the UK market. Toasty, fruity and deliciously fizzy. Hats off Aldi, you’ve played a blinder!

£8.29, Aldi

Masottina Prosecco Treviso Brut

There is a tsunami of industrial prosecco available in the UK, but if you look do a little research you can find some real quality gems. You will taste the difference. This spumante is made by passionate prosecco custodians, the Dal Bianco family in their gravity-fed winery in Treviso. Crisp, minerally and fresh as an alpine stream.

£11.75, winedirect.co.uk

101 Champagnes and Other Sparkling Wines to Try Before You Die by Davy Zyw is published this month by Birlinn (£14.99, hbk) www. birlinn.co.uk