Tsarine is made by Chanoine Frères, which was founded in 1730; only the house of Ruinart is older. The Tsarine Cuvee Champagne was originally created in honour of the Russian tsars, since Russia was a major export market for champagne in the nineteenth century. The cepage is approximately 33% pinot noir, 33% pinot meuniere and 34% chardonnay. Golden hues highlight the aspect of this cuvée, imparting brightness and elegance. Delicate effervescence is enhanced by a chorus of fine bubbles. Aromas are expressed gradually on notes of mirabelle plum and freshly picked grape blossoms. Yellow fruit flavours peach, apricot and nectarine gradually blend with those of bitter orange, producing a well-balanced wine with remarkable breadth that finishes on lemony notes.

The house of Besserat de Bellefon was founded in 1843 near Ay in Champagne, and is now based in Epernay. The hallmark of the house is the lower than normal pressure that the wine is kept at under cork. This lower than normal pressure does not reduce the effervescence, but softens it, allowing the wine to partner better with food. Aspect: Coppery and bright, nuances of yellow straw Bouquet: Open and indulgent, wisps of linden blossom, honeysuckle, hazelnuts, mirabelle plum Palate: Harmonious, balanced, vinous Assemblage : Chardonnay I Pinot Noir I Pinot Meunier

Mumm 4 is a striking, modern reinterpretation of the champagne maturation process breaking all the traditional codes associated with champagne. This mature wine is clearly labelled to show the number of years spent on the lees rather than any specific vintage year. The look: Exuberant bubbles with reflections of gold, showing discrete maturity. The aromas: Complex ripe aromas of yellow and white fruit, peach marmalade and buttercream alight entice. The taste: Fresh, lively and rounded, yet with a tension that plays right through to the finish. Mumm 4 can be savoured slowly to enjoy the deep complexity or enjoyed matched with poultry with chanterelles and apricot compote, or truffled Brie.

AR Lenoble Champagne AR Lenoble is one of the rare producers in Champagne that has been consistently family-owned and entirely independent since the very beginning. In just over twenty years, the sister and brother owners have quietly yet confidently transformed AR Lenoble into one of the jewels of the Champagne region. The wine is of course made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from the grand cru village of Chouilly and originating from one exceptional vintage. 25% of the blend is vinified in oak while the ageing takes place in magnums and the final wine receives a minimal dosage only (2g/l). The resulting wine is dry, exceptionally balanced and complex with great intensity and persistence. A phenomenally fresh palate despite its vintage.

Its Grand Cru terroirs speaks for itself: this is the Champagne of exception. Only remarkable years can produce a Comte de Marne cuvee. Listed terroirs combine with gastronomy. Rich and complex, its aromatic power requires refined dishes (Saint Jacques, Poularde chicken from Bresse, pan-fried Foie gras deglazed in champagne). It’s audience: With your epicurean friends; in a nice restaurant or comfortably sitting in your sofa. The Mignon Family is a 6-generation dynasty of Champagne enthusiasts. The world-renowned Charles Mignon style, focused on structure, finesse and purity, has been awarded with more than 150 medals and distinctions.

Paul Louis Martin Grand Cru Cuvée vintage Champagne comes from the heart of Montagne de Reims and is blessed with an outstanding Grand Cru vineyard site that faces due South on chalky soil and is protected by North winds from the mountains adjoining the region. The vintage Grand Cru Champagne is 100% Chardonnay and delivers a creamy, rich and rounded boutique Champagne with delicate notes of exotic fruit and toasted brioche. Only made in the best years, the sparkling wine is perfectly balanced.

If you like a Champagne of substance or - dare I say - 'verve', then look no further than Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV. It's a perfect example of harmony between delicacy and style.

Piper-Heidsieck champagne is a sharp sparkling wine, aged over four years to create a long lasting crisp palate that is as refreshing as it is flavourful. Experience beautiful notes of grape, fresh apple, citrus, white fruit, and fresh almond.

At first Choice, we love to discover new drops, like the Charles de Cazanove champagne. Crafted under the guidance of Mr Christophe Rapeneau - 2017's sparkling winemaker of the year at the International Wine Challenge - this 2007 Vintage Brut is deliciously flavoursome and our top pick for the New Year.