This month our focus is all about sparkling wines! When it comes to special occasions such as Christmas and New Year, we get inundated with questions about our favourite sparkling wines for when we want something a little more special.

Our wine experts have chosen their favourites and have shared them below so that you can try them too!

Our favourite sparkling wines

Forget-Brimont Brut 1er Cru Champagne NV

A harmonious Champagne, boasting a fine and creamy mousse and lightly mouthwatering acidity throughout, enlivening the bright hints of green apple and lemon that accent the poached pear, toasted brioche and grated ginger flavours.

This mid-weight, floral Champagne will make an excellent aperitif, but it can also stand up to lighter-bodied foods. It is a beautifully balanced wine with plenty of Chardonnay character.

Balfour Leslie’s Reserve Brut English Sparkling NV

Leslie’s Reserve Brut is a traditional method sparkling wine and one which epitomises what makes sparkling English wine so special: elegant purity, a linear focus and fresh acidity. Predominantly Chardonnay, with citrus, green apple and brioche flavours to the fore. The wine’s distinctive aromatic and spicy character is enhanced with the addition of a small percentage of Pinot Gris to the blend, creating a clean profile featuring citrus and green apple notes with an aromatic and spicy edge, and a subtle chalky, smoky finish.

Pairing with seafood dishes like grilled fish, oysters, and scallops, as well as light salads and fresh goat cheese, or… fish and chips!

Fratelli Gran Cuvée Brut Traditional Method Indian NV

The wine has a lifted floral/mineral nose, with a mouthful of delicious flavour finishing with vibrant, crisp acidity. Perfect paired with sushi, seafood or a panzanella salad.

Vadio Espumante Rosé Brut Traditional Method Portuguese 2019

Vadio’s sparkling rosé is a vibrant expression of Baga grapes. Sourced from a small, 30-year-old vineyard where the focus is on lively acidity rather than high ripeness, the grapes are whole-bunch pressed to extract their delicate character. Fermentation occurs partly in stainless steel tanks and partly in used barrels, adding complexity to the wine.

Following a minimum of 18 months aging on the lees, the disgorged wine boasts a light salmon color with a persistent stream of fine bubbles. The aroma bursts with fresh red fruits, while the palate showcases the wine’s refreshing acidity balanced by a creamy mousse.

Bouvay-Ladubay Crémant de Loire NV

This Crémant de Loire Blanc is made to express harmony and delicacy. Delightful flower, pear & apple aromas. Fresh, well balanced with a pleasing mousse. Expressive and beautifully fruity on the palate. Fresh, elegant & balanced on a crisp finish.

Bouvay-Ladubay Rubis Demi-Sec Sparkling Red NV

This beautiful wine from the Loire Valley, France, is created from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Grolleau, resulting in a wine that is rich in berry flavours.

A stunning shade of pink, the wine’s effervescence and delicate bubbles make it a delightful accompaniment to any special occasion. Bouvet-Ladubay’s graceful notes of strawberry, cherry, and raspberry make this pink sparkling wine incredibly versatile. Its fruit-forward flavour, lively acidity, and effervescence bring a celebratory mood from the very first sip. The perfect balance of sweetness and acidity makes this wine ideal for pairing with savory snacks or sweet desserts.

One of our wines taking your fancy? Pop in to The Cellar to buy a bottle!