Three must-try festive bubbles

Fancy a change from the big brands dominating the Christmas shelves? Then try these traditionally made wines, brought to you by the little guys....

All three of these wines are made by the Champagne method, but have an artisan touch that sets them apart from the crowd.

Champagne J-M Gobillard, Brut Grande Réserve Premier Cru NV

Known as a ‘Grower Champagne’, this is the work of one of the region’s first grape-growing families to blend and sell their own Champagne, rather than selling the grapes to the big boys.  85 years later, the family are still doing what they do best – crafting sparkling wines of character from their top Premier Cru vineyard plots. The wine has a scrumptious nose of baked Bramley apples, spiced with a hint of star anise, and a crisp, refreshing palate full of greengage and honeyed, crumbed biscuits. 

Ridgeview, Grosvenor Cuvée Merret (Blanc de Blancs) 2010

This English sparkling wine is named after the British scientist Christopher Merret who, in 1662, wrote about an ingenious method that could make wine sparkling. His presentation to the Royal Society in London came 30 years before the technique was documented in Champagne region! Nowadays, Ridgeview’s multi award winning Blanc de Blancs is renowned for being the equal of Champagne’s top wines, with its deliciously fine bubbles accenting the flavours of lime, brioche and white peach. Treat yourself with the best of Blighty this Christmas.

Torelló Brut Reserva Cava Special Edition, NV

They say beauty is only skin deep, but this exquisitely dressed Cava has as much style, taste and refinement on the inside, as out. Made like a Champagne, this wine will remind you why good quality Cava once ruled the waves, pre-Prosecco. The soft, apple scented palate is balanced by a mouth-watering bite and subtle hints of almonds and vanilla - perfect for any party, from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day.