A stunning display of refined winemaking from the house that strives for finesse, balance and elegance above all else. No overt stamps of winemaking interference here, only effortless harmony. The incredibly fine bead draws your attention. Tight and persistent classically formed bubbles. The overall rating of the wine is greater than the sum of the parts with each element aware of and working in tune with each other. Well worth including in your basket.

The Taittinger Champagne house in Rheims was founded in 1734, and this recent, fine-bubbled descendant echoes that distinguished history. The brilliant body is golden yellow in colour. The bubbles are fine, while the foam is discreet yet lingering. The nose, very open and expressive, delivers aromas of fruit and brioche. It also gives off the fragrance of peach, white flowers (hawthorn, acacia) and vanilla pod. The entry onto the palate is lively, fresh and in total harmony. This is a delicate wine with flavours of fresh fruit and honey. Taittinger Brut Réserve, which acquires its maturity during three and four years ageing in the cellar, offers excellent aromatic potential.

With over 200 years of history in every bottle, its no wonder Charles de Cazanoves Head Winemaker, Christophe Rapeneau, was named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge 2017. We think its great value from one of the largest family owned champagne producers in the world. A nose containing confectionery notes (brioche, cocoa beans, vanilla) with strong hints of pink grapefruit. Superb freshness on the palate, delicious and structured with notes of toasted oak.

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.

Refined and elegant, the cuvée Brut Rosé is perfect addition to your evening aperitif or soirée. .Nose: Intense aromas of fresh fruits, predominantly strawberry and raspberry. Eye: Slightly rosy hue, beautiful pearl finish, with fine bubbles. Palate: Notes of red fruit and subtle spicy aromas.

Taittinger Brut Reserve contains a blend of 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Meunier. A golden-yellow beauty with an expressive aroma of fruits, flowers and vanilla pod. The palate is delicate and equally fruity with hints of honey for a touch of sweetness.

An extremely well-balanced, wonderfully refined and light Champagne which cannot fail to seduce Champagne lovers. Sélection Brut releases unwavering aromas of white fruit, apple and raspberry to glorious effect. Generally appreciated for its spontaneity, this is the perfect Champagne for sharing, for any occasion or situation. Two to three years cellar-ageing brings lovely balance, while maintaining appealing freshness.

Located in the heart of Reims, Champagne, Castelnau represents the very essence of the region, with access to 900 hectares of vineyards across 155 crus, creating a unique grape growers collective that guarantees exceptional supply possibilities for the production of outstanding Champagne. Known for its extensive lees ageing, Champagne Castelnau has a long established reputation for its top quality range. This is the " signature dish" of the House of Castelnau with its stand-out characteristic of long maturation. The strength of the toasty notes from the Chardonnay recedes gradually to allow the sensation of spicy overtones of thyme and bay leaf to emerge. There are hints of white tobacco and dried flowers as well. Thanks to the presence of the reserve wines in the blend you begin to find warm praline flavours and toasted, grilled notes, gingerbread, almond, hazelnut balanced by fruit notes of peach and ripe apricots. The freshness on the palate comes from the Chardonnay in the blend and this also brings elegance to the finished wine.

Located in the heart of Reims, Champagne, Castelnau represents the very essence of the region, with access to 900 hectares of vineyards across 155 crus, creating a unique grape growers collective that guarantees exceptional supply possibilities for the production of outstanding Champagne. Known for its extensive lees ageing, Champagne Castelnau has a long established reputation for its top quality range. Exceptionally, this Champagne has had more than 10 years of ageing on its lees, giving it remarkable complexity and depth. This vintage offers an aromatic harmony of grilled, toasty notes and the well-rounded body is thanks to the Chardonnay in the blend that has been grown in the Grande Montagne de Reims. Citrus fruit, such as grapefruit, caress the taste buds and impart a distinguished freshness. The spicy notes on the finish are a signature style of Champagne Castelnau.

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: Soft rose with fine clear beads Bouquet: Red berries, hawthorn, the verve of springtime Palate: Wild strawberries, refreshing, seductive Assemblage : Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier