5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE
Miguel Torres Estelado Extra Brut Organic Sparkling, Chile (currently reduced to £10.49 from £11.99, Robertsandspeight.co. uk)
IT’S always fun to kick your heels up and discover new grapes, especially when it’s from the much-acclaimed Miguel Torres estate with new ‘green’ bubbles in the offering.
Pronounced ‘pie-eece’, and meaning country in Spanish, pais was one of the first grapes to arrive in Chile in the 16th century. This firstclass fizz has a caramelised nutty note with beaming citrusy fruit and an exhilarating finish.
Vuestro Spanish Sparkling Wine, Spain (£6, or two for £11 throughout December, Co-op stores)
A just-released sparkler, this Spanish gem is to the drinks aisles what Zara is to fast-fashion. Instantly appealing - we love the stylish label it’s a crisp, lively blend of airen, viura and verdejo grapes, which lend the wine its fruity freshness. With lovely soft beads of bubbles, citrus-edged rounded fruit and a refreshing finish, it’s a brilliant buy and bang on the money.
Co-op Les Pionniers NV Champagne, France (£18.99, The Cooperative stores)
SOMETIMES, the best way to win in the fizzy stakes is to go with the critics’ choice. Awarded a Which? Best Buy, this great value own-label champagne was described as “elegant and wellbalanced” by the panel of experts.
“We’re delighted to be raising a glass this Christmas to an excellent Best Buy champagne for less than £20, proving you don’t have to pay through the nose for delicious fizz,” says Which? magazine editor, Harry rose. We’ll drink to that!
Bouvet Ladubay Bouvet Saumur Brut NV, France (£12.99 each, or £9.99 Mix Six, Majestic)
IF you’re looking for the next best thing to champagne, lovers of beautiful fizz frequently suggest a Cremant de Loire.
Bouvet Ladubay are the most awarded sparkling wine house in France (outside of Champagne), and this classic brut style has plenty of orchard fruit charm. Made predominantly from chenin blanc, it’s super fresh with floral, fruity aromas and hints of honeysuckle, peaches and apple blossom, that glide along to a long, harmonious finish.