So this is Christmas – and while it’s certainly not annulled, things will feel a little different this year. But after lockdowns, tier systems and generally a very tumultuous year, it’s finally high time to pop the cork on some cracking bottles of fizz.
Stuck for present ideas? Wine is often a fail-safe option and I’ve found five sensational sub-£20 sparkling wines and also a few gift ideas that any wine lover would be more than happy to unwrap on Christmas morning. Cheers!
1) A SUPERMARKET EXCLUSIVE FROM LIMOUX IN FRANCE’S SOUTHERN LANGUEDOC
Cuvée Royale Brut Crémant de Limoux NV
France (12.5%, Waitrose, £8.99, down from £11.99 until Jan 3 2021)
Though no one will need party wines this year, this is a good pick for a cheaper fizz. France’s crémants are all created using the traditional method whereby the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, as with both (often over-priced) Champagne and (deprecated) Cava. Under a tenner here for a bargain bubbly with style and verve. They began sparkling wine production in Limoux, a small town and now wine appellation in the eastern Pyrenean foothills in southern France, around 1531, centuries before the Champenois, so they are really adept at it. Made from 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc and 10% Pinot Noir, this is a sprightly iteration of Crémant de Limoux – refreshing, with an uplifting lemony lightness and a delicate biscuity note. Top value. Stunning fizz to rival big name bubbly – without the great heavy price – and hoard this season. The festive season’s best fizzy offer.
2) TIME TO TRY CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX!
Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux Brut 2018
France (12%, Tesco, £10)
Although this CreÃŒÂmant appellation is one of the newest in Bordeaux (1990), the production of sparkling wines in the region is a century-old tradition and the quality is better and better latterly. There’s lots going on in this lively blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Cabernet Franc, which has generous green apple, citrus and white peach fruit, plus a surge of flavour on the finish. One for smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. A lovely aperitif, it also makes a really decent sparkling cocktail, think Kir Royale or Airmail – rum and sparkling wine really make great partners!
3) FULL-FLAVOURED ÉLITE SUPERMARKET OWN-LABEL CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA FROM THE CO-OP
Co-op Les Pionniers Brut NV Champagne, Piper-Heidsieck
France (12%, Co-op, £19, down to £18 from 9 Dec- 1 Jan for non-members & £15 for members)
I am usually demure when spending less than £20 on champagne (they’re usually a false economy) but this multi-award-winning Champagne has incredible finesse and charm and has always knocked the socks off all other low-priced supermarket own-label champagnes. It’s a real find, still on great from, and down to just £15 a bottle exclusively for Co-op members (or £18 if not a member) from December 9-January 1. Sumptuous Champagne with a tight, percussive bubble, filigree texture, impressive richness and depth. Really appetising but firm enough to be drunk with food, this is a very sophisticated, savoury, silky and engaging wine. Pour with oysters, fishy canapés and cheese straws. Great to see it on a really special offer soon (still brilliant at £19). Skilled winemaking with 5-star achievement. Mark your diary!
4) BUY & CLICK LOCAL! STIMULATING SPLENDOUR FROM SUSSEX
Stopham Estate Sparkling Brut 2016
Sussex (11.8%, StophamEstate, £25)
Stopham planted their vineyard 13 years ago in the sandy south-facing six-hectare (15 acre) slope at Stopham, a picturesque village on the river Arun in the heart of the South Downs National Park, W. Sussex. Specialising in fantastic award-winning still wines, Stopham has also been polishing and improving the quality of their sparkling wines. This is a classic chardonnay-led (80%, along with 20% Pinot Noir) sparkler that offers a lot of elegance, a delicate texture, a scintillating energy and quality for the money, all apple crumble, crisp citrus, orchard fruits and gentle biscuit crumb, with that typically English quality of nervy, tongue-prickling brightness. It has a floral tone and a lovely, creamy, Chardonnay character that gives the impression it’s helping digestion. Controlled acidity, quality fruit and the long finish are also definite pluses. A super-delicious, superb apéritif. Hello smoked salmon, eggs Benedict and fish and chips. Mighty fine drinking in its youth this Christmas. Selling fast due to limited supply. You have the local scoop.
5) SHARE THE GIFT OF GOOD WINE FROM THE WINE SOCIETY, THE EXPERTS’ GO-TO WINE MERCHANT
The Bellini Case with 2 different 250ml bottles of mouth-watering fruit nectars
Italy (11%, The Wine Society, £22.50)
If refined, delectable gifts brought to the door of the foodie and drink lover in your life is what you want, then look no further than the planet’s oldest wine club – Stevenage’s The Wine Society. The arrival of a smart-looking box from The Wine Society’s is certain to bring festal solace to any fortunate giftee.
Their Bellini gift set is just plain brilliant value. It comes in a gift box with two 25cl bottles of Van Nahmen’s fruity nectars and a bottle of The Society’s Prosecco. The light, delicious Prosecco is a bubble bath of baked apples, orange blossom and spiced pears frothing across the palate. To enjoy a joyous, light-bodied Bellini, the ultimate Italian mouth-watering sparkling brunch standard, add a dash of Van Nahmen’s juicy and viscous white peach or rhubarb nectar to a chilled flute, topping up with the fizz. The price includes UK delivery. What’s not to like?
Join The Wine Society and you’ll experience a whole new way of appreciating wine. The one-off joining charge of £40 (which comes with a £20 credit towards your first purchase) will very soon be re-paid as the prices are very keen. Also there are unequivocally no requirements to buy, or any hard sell – one merely stocks up as and when.
