From high-end Champagnes to delicious good-value Prosecco, not forgetting some quality English fizz, these are our top ten Champagne and sparkling wines for Christmas 2024.
Ah, the pop of the Champagne cork! The sound that says work is over and it’s time to party. There’s an awful lot of choice out there, so to narrow things down, we’ve rounded up some of our favourites from classic non-vintages to more expensive vintage wines.
But there’s much more to sparkling wine than Champagne. From Italy, there’s fun and frivolous Prosecco, and nowadays England makes some increasingly good wines using the classic Champagne grape varieties.
And if you’re looking for more fizz inspiration, we’ve included links to sparkling wine cocktails below.
Cheers!
Top ten Champagne and sparkling wines for Christmas 2024
Sensi 18K Prosecco Gold
Have a blingy Christmas with this gold bottle of Prosecco. Not only does it look fantastic but it tastes great too. Prosecco is made using a different method to Champagne where the bubble-producing secondary fermentation takes place in a tank rather than a bottle. Not only is this cheaper but it preserves fresh fruit flavours.
How does it taste?
Honeydew melon, crisp pear, delicately floral with a touch of sweetness. This would be just the thing in classic Venetian cocktails like the Bellini, Spritz or Sgroppino.
Folonari Prosecco
If you find most Prosecco a little too sweet, then this is the wine for you. Folonari Prosecco is made with Glera grapes which are softly crushed and pressed right away. Bright and crisp, with ripe fruits and subtly nutty notes. Great for all your Spritz needs.
How does it taste?
Lemon, peach, hazelnut, candied peels, a touch of vanilla blossom.
Paul Déthune Champagne Brut
The big names of Champagne do own some vineyards but also buy in a lot of fruit. In contrast, Paul Dethune is a grower Champagne house meaning that all the grapes used come from the producer’s own vineyards. It’s a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay grapes from Grand Cru vineyards in Ambonnay.
How does it taste?
This has a super fresh lemony nose and on the palate, it’s very dry and tangy with great balance. Try it with seafood, you won’t regret it.
Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old
An impressive Champagne made using an assemblage of well-aged wines, Veuve Clicquot’s Extra Brut Extra Old is double aged (in vats on its lees, and then in the bottle), resulting in a rich though vibrant flavour profile. It ought to pair very handsomely with fish, or mushroom dishes.
What does it taste like?
Juicy peach, soft lemon acidity, earthy vanilla, enjoyably toasty later on.
Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve
There are three houses with Heidsieck in their names, but this one is considered to be the best. It was founded by Charles Heidsieck aka ‘Champagne Charlie’ in the 19th century. Its non-vintage is consistently one of the best Champagnes around, and seems to be in particularly good form at the moment.
What does it taste like?
Orange and lemon peel on the nose. The palate is creamy like custard and then those citrus notes come in again. It has enough body to serve with chicken dishes as well as fish.
Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé
Rosé Champagne is usually made by adding a little red wine made from Pinot Noir grapes to a white wine. In this case, there’s 15% red from the highly-regarded vineyards of Ambonnay and Bouzy, creating a pink with some serious oomph to it. We reckon this is one of the best Rosé Champagnes on the market.
How does it taste?
Pink Champagne can be a bit meh, but not this one. It’s all dark cherries, ripe strawberries and meaty savoury notes.
Ayala Brut Majeur Champagne
Another under-the-radar Champagne house, Ayala is owned by Bollinger so as you can imagine the quality is extremely high. The house style, however, the opposite of big rich Bolly, Ayala is citrussy, refreshing and clean. Very different, but equally delicious.
How does it taste?
Lemon sherbet fruit with white peach, pear, brioche, pastry and biscuit notes. Lighter style but no shortage of depth here. Try it in a French 75.
Pol Roger vintage 2013
We love Pol Roger’s classic NV, but the vintage wines are always a treat. This 2013 is made up of the usual blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. After a full malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged for seven years in the cellars before being released. It was a cooler vintage so expect raciness aplenty.
How does it taste?
Big burst of green apple on the nose, followed by lemon and yeasty notes. Very fresh on the palate, with more green apple followed by yeasty, brioche and lemon peel.
Furleigh Cuvée 2018
The excellent 2018 vintage of Classic Cuvée from the Furleigh Estate is made with a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes – grown on the estate’s 85-acre vineyard in Dorset! Traditional production methods are followed, akin to Champagne, the wine is fermented in the bottle and the result is a fabulous English sparkling wine that would be ideal to enjoy with canapés and fancy nibbles. One of the best English vintages of recent years.
How does it taste?
Delicate brioche and crisp green apple with wafts of peach, nectarine, and honeysuckle balanced by a distinct citrussy zestiness.
Dom Pérignon 2013
Our final selection of Champagne and sparkling wines for Christmas 2024, it’s the 2013 vintage of Dom Pérignon. Made with a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay grapes – ripening exquisitely thanks to the sun-filled summer in the Champagne region. A classic for a reason.
How does it taste?
Delicate brioche and crisp green apple with wafts of peach, nectarine, and honeysuckle balanced by a distinct citrussy zestiness.
