Festive Fizz
With the festive season fast approaching, I can’t wait to plan Christmas day drinks! In my opinion, any good Christmas day starts with a glass of fizz and a toast with friends and family.
I’ll always have a few firm favourites to pop on Christmas morning but this year I’ve tasted a huge variety of wonderful sparkling wines from all over the world so my choice for Christmas 2023 is vast.
Here are my ‘6 of the best’ bottles of fizz that may well find their way into my fridge on Christmas eve ready for the next morning…
Bollinger Rosé Brut NV
It’s hard to resist this one. Made mostly from Pinot Noir with some Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, it has a stunningly complex and rich flavour. Perfect to drink on its own or enjoy with seafood - perhaps a smoked salmon blini? Plus the label looks fabulous! £57.99 at Waitrose.
Dopff au Moulin Cremant D’Alsace
A wondefully fresh Cremant from the sunny regon of Alsace and made with a blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinit Auxerrois. The wine is complex and buttery with a hint of smoke and gives a satisfyingly dry and clean finish. One bottle is never enough! £19.99 at Hay Wines.
Jung & Sexy Pet-Nat
Not my usual cup of tea this one, but it’s so vibrant and memorable that there is always a bottle of this in my wine rack. The wine is a beautiful dark cherry colour, with delicious aromas of strawberry, cranberry and vanilla; you can’t help but get a whiff of cherry cola sweets! £19.99 at Pure Wines.
Denbies Greenfields NV
With a strong of gold medals to its name, this sparkling wine from Surrey is a real treasure. It’s a Champagne blend dominated by Pinot Noir so there is a lovely balance between fruit and yeasty flavours (strawberry tart anyone?!) no doubt due to the 3 years spent on the lees. £26.99 at Denbies.
Chilworth Manor Brut Rosé
The highlight of this year was running tasting sessions at Chilworth Manor in Surrey so no surprises that this delicous English fizz is a contender for my Christmas wine list. It’s beautifully made using a Champagen blend dominated by Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. 2 years on the lees bring a fine, creamy mousee and buttersctoch and brioche aromas. £35 at Chilworth Manor plus other local stockists.
Colet Navazos Brut Nature
This wine is a real treasure that I discovered entirely by accident. I was after a decent Cava whilst visiting friends in Bath and popped into Beckford Bottle Shop and found this. It wasn’t until the manager told me about the wine that I instantly knew I’d love it; the wine is made using the traditional method BUT on disgorgement, Palo Cortado and Amontillado are added to the liqueur d'expédition. Wow! £26.81 at Decántalo.
What fizz will you be drinking this Christmas? Let me know!