Best Festive Sparkling Wines To Buy

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Both can be given extra pizzazz by adding other things – make a classic bellini with peach purée (make your own with fresh fruit or whizz up canned peaches with a little lemon juice) or a spritz with a twist by using sweet vermouth, port or cherry brandy in place of Aperol; play around with the proportions to find the right balance.

At the other end of the price spectrum comes champagne and, increasingly so, English sparkling wine. The best of these are peerless in terms of elegance, balance and complexity but often their hefty price tags aren’t necessarily reflected in their quality. Supermarkets and large retailers will offer substantial discounts in the run-up to Christmas, especially on famous brand names, but often better value is found with own-label bottles. Tesco’s Finest Premier Cru at £23 is one of the best. Crémant (made in the same way as champagne) is aways substantially cheaper and can be just as good – try Majestic’s Langlois-Chateau ‘Classique’ Crémant de Loire (£17.99) or Aldi’s excellent Crémant du Jura.

Red wine lovers needn’t miss out on the fun of fizz. Traditional lambrusco rosso, made in a robust, dry style unlike the cheap, sweet versions found in most supermarkets, is a left-field choice but it’s an ace match served slightly chilled with roast turkey as well as charcuterie and other party nibbles. It’s hard to find in big retailers so look out for it in independent wine shops or online. Do consider indies for your Christmas wine shopping as they, like most of us, need all the support they can get in these tricky times, and they’ll be very happy to guide you in your choices.