RAISE A GLASS

ONE of the best moments at any time of year, is the first – the moment we open a bottle of sparkling and, to the chimes of Big Ben, welcome in the New Year.

So here are some champagne thoughts for that midnight moment.

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut (£12.49, Aldi) has a refreshing crispness, with hints of apples and citrus fruit. It is dry and smooth, with plenty of bubbles which last well. It is very easy to drink and I’d certainly be happy with this on New Year’s Eve.

Pommery Brut Royal NV (£39.99, or £25.99 in a buy-six deal at Majestic) is a deliciously fresh champagne. Pommery made its first commercial champagne around 150 years ago, and has been celebrating with us ever since. It reminds me of early summer, with citrus notes and gentle floral touches. Another from Majestic is Olivier Baudin Brut Champagne (£14.97 in a buy-six deal, or £29.99 a bottle). In the price deal it’s great value and the bubbles pop with apples, white peach and a bite of toast.

Here’s a wine which looks and tastes classy. What I love about Bruno Paillard Vintage Assemblage 2009 Champagne (£64.95, thewhiskyexchange.com) is that the taste isn’t just a reflection of a vintage, but the label is too. Artist Anna-Lisa Unkuri designed the label, Invitation au Voyage, to reflect the champagne’s “fragrances reminiscent of exotic foreign lands”.

So, when you’re raising a glass in 2020, you’re also sipping memories of 2009. New to the shelves in Sainsbury’s is a smashing vintage champagne, Champagne Claude Carré Blanc de Blancs 2006 (£25). As it’s a blanc de blancs, it’s made entirely with chardonnay. The wine was aged in the bottle for 12 years, and now its notes of citrus, ripe apples and peaches, are ready and waiting to share your celebrations. A good price for a special wine.

The flavours of Les Pionniers Champagne Vintage 2012 (£27, the Co-op) will linger in your mouth and be there to savour as you contemplate a New Year ahead. The Les Pionniers champagnes (non-vintage or vintage) are always great value in the taste, quality and price ratio and this vintage is no different. It has a balance of citrus, toast, apple and a hint of honey that makes it a pleasure to sip and share.

And, finally… Here’s a very eye-catching bottle of prosecco (at a champagne price!). But if it’s a statement you want to make at New Year, then perhaps Bottega Gold Prosecco

DOC (£24.99, Ocado or £19.45 at 31dover.com) could tick the box. The bottle is completely clad in gold with an embossed “B” and is the most glamorous, celebratory-looking prosecco I’ve ever seen. It sips nicely too. Let the racy bubbles, pears, apples and spring flowers bring in your New Year.

I hope you have an amazing New Year and may all your hopes and dreams for 2020 come true.

■ Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.