Stock up your larder for the festive season with our recommendations of sparkling wines from around the world, along with a couple of leading non-alcoholic options.
Perfect as an aperitif, or to match with appetisers, crispy nibbles, seafood and sweet puddings, bubbles (in our humble opinion) are the only way to start, and continue celebratory drinks and dinners with friends and family.
Alcohol free bubbles
Noughty Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Chardonnay £9.50
Organic, vegan, alcohol free and it great taste. A lovely pop leads to a nose of green apples, pears and burnt toast. The dry palate folds into herbaceous notes balanced with a generous texture and a delicate brioche finish. A delicious alternative to wine and one to keep in the fridge for non-drinking friends at the party.
Stylish Cava
Waitrose No.1 Castillo Perelada Cava Brut £11.99
A highly rated Cava created in partnership with one of the leading family-owned producers in Spain. This zesty sparkling is made from primarily Parellada grapes grown high in the Alt Penedès. Floral, apple and citrus aromas lead to a crisp palate with a long, slightly nutty finish. A beautifully finessed, dry Cava which also offers great value.
Hangover free sparkling
ZENO Alcohol Liberated Sparkling Rosé £12.49
From one of our favourite alcohol-free wine producers, the pink bubbles of this elegant sparkling possesses all the flavour of its Macabeo and Garnacha grapes, Discover the wonderful hints of white peach, nectarine and redcurrant notes, without any of the side effects.
Celebratory Prosecco
NV Della Vite Prosecco Superiore DOCG £21.99
Founded by the Delevingne sisters, Della Vite’s vision is to reinvent the world of Prosecco and its heritage. Crafted with handpicked grapes from sustainably managed 40-year-old vines, this wine is a song of fresh peaches, pears, chamomile and crostini with a lingering finish. A dry, textured sparkling bursting with class and complexity.
Cheers to Crémant
Katz Brut, Domaine René Meyer 2021 £22
From the cool north of France, this traditional method sparkling comes with a pink hue, and features Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Auxerrois. Rich and textured, this sparkling is a perfect match with smoked salmon or apple crumble.
A South African classic
Cederberg Blanc de Blanc Brut 2019 £25
From the Western Cape, this stylish traditional method sparkling bubbles with vibrant blossom and red apple notes balanced with a rich biscuity complexity. Chardonnay fresh, this wine is created from a wild and remote vineyard at altitude, showcasing the passion of its wine producers and testimony to sparkling wines from South Africa.
English Sparkling on point
Westwell Pelegrim NV £34.99
Made by one of our favourite wine producers in Kent, and a winner when blind tasted against some of the big Champagne houses, this sparkling is created in the same way from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Fresh and rich with aromas of apples, lemon and strawberries, finishing with toasty notes from three years ageing on the lees.
A royal choice
Ridgeview Fitzrovia Brut Rosé NV £42.09
Enjoyed by the royal family, Ridgeview is one of the original and still holds the crown as one of the world’s leading English sparkling wine producers. This pink sparkling, made from Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay is beautifully finessed, bursting with fresh raspberry and redcurrants on the nose and palate – and in our books, classic pink bubbles are the best way to get the party started.
A Champagne delicacy
Champagne Extra Dry ‘Macaron’, Virginie T 2009 £58
Launched as a joint venture with Ladurée, to match their macarons, this Pinot Noir-dominant blend has a subtle hint of sweetness. The fresh, leafy stone fruit flavours complement notes of brioche. Produced by Virginie Taittinger, (from that famous family), who created her own Champagne House. Enjoyed with something sweet or salty, this is a great value champagne.
Le Grand Marque
Lanson Noble Blanc de Blancs 2004 £155
Created from 100% Chardonnay grown in Grand Cru villages by one of the oldest Champagne Houses, NOBLE is only made in the very best vintages. Aged for an incredible 16 years on the lees, this is a special cuvée offering a nose of vanilla, toffee and nuts leading to a light, fresh, creamy palate.
A sparkling partnership
Thiénot x Penfolds 2012 £178
This Franco-Australian collaboration between Penfolds and the Champagne House Thiénot, was created to celebrate the famous Australian winery’s 175th anniversary. This extra brut (meaning very dry) cuvée is made from equal parts of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A fresh, buttery nose folds into white stone and green fruit palate, a delicate, zesty, well-balanced champagne.
The Krug Factor
Krug Vintage 2008 £355
Bubbling with stylish luxury, this champagne house is renowned for its rich, complex and oh-so moreish cuvees. This special vintage is a blend of primarily Pinot Noir, with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay as supporting stars. With an incredible 12 years ageing in the cellars, this wine is all honey, orange peel and liquorice on the nose, folding into a palate of quince, citrus, floral and buttery cookies. One to savour!
Prices (as of November 2023) were correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Please check retailer websites for further details and prices.
