This Christmas many of us will be toasting good riddance to the year that was 2020 with lots of hope for the future ahead. So, if you’re going to raise your glass, it’s best to do it with a decent tipple.
Henners Rose
This English sparkling wine is grown close to the sea in an East Sussex vineyard ran by former PR turned winemaker, Collette O’Leary. The medium, pink has a gorgeous copper tint that offers up a really fresh, fruity aroma with a burst of berries and lemon zest. It’s a fairly dry offering with the perfect balance of fruit and fresh acidity for a silky texture with subtle hints of spice. Priced £38 from www.hennersvineyard.co.uk
Hattingley Valley Kings Cuvee
With all the elements lining up to produce a perfect harvest, this 2014 brings together a premium chardonnay and pinot combination to offer up a smooth, slightly sweet fizz with a sharp aftertaste. This beautiful taste gives credence to the title of ‘Best Sparkling Wine 2020’, a great fizz to toast a special occasion. Priced £80 from www.hattingleyvalley.com
Baron De Marck’s Champagne and Chocolates
Is there any better pairing than champagne and chocolates?! This delicious Brut Champagne is a great value option that is simple and soft on the palette with fresh apple and floral notes. A great all round pleaser option, and not forgetting the delectable chocolate truffles, they together come in a gift set making it a fab gift package for a lucky recipient. Priced £39 from www.redletterdays.co.uk
Louis Pommery England Sparkling Wine
Another fine English sparkling wine that is the first from a major Champagne House. Drawing on the traditional methods seen in France, it has a crisp, light finesse with a depth that isn’t always as prominent in English wines. Dominated by citrus aromas followed by a balance of white fruits – pear, peach and apple – it’s a tempting champagne alternative that is hard to differentiate. Priced £39.99 from Majestic.
Taittinger Brut NV half bottle
Favoured by James Bond, this tipple is the signature from independent Champagne House, Tattinger. With consistent quality, it is renowned for it’s golden yellow colour that maintains an elegance and lightness that results in a strong all-round Champagne. This half bottle is an ideal stocking filler this Christmas. Priced £24.90 from Waitrose.
Prosecco Valdobbiadene ‘Gemin’ DOCG
This organic Prosecco is a very dry offering that hails from home of the original Prosecco production area, Conegliano Valdobbiadene. What’s special about this area between the Dolomites and Adriatic Sea, is the area’s unique microclimate that results in high sun exposure but with cool breezes to retain a freshness for an intense flavour that balances with a gentle fresh, floral taste. Priced £15.30 from www.northernwineandbeer.co.uk
El Tesoro Argentinian Chardonnay
Not quite a fizz, but this dry, soft chardonnay is a great alternative for those that prefer to save their bubbles for the bath. Aromas of tropical fruits and lightly toasted notes, this fresh and easy drinking wine is grown in the cooler Argentinean climate for more of a mineral style. Priced £7.99 from Ocado.
