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.

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.

This luscious Champagne has a crisp structure and is loaded with red grapes. It is well-balanced, smooth, and generously fruity, and it is ready to drink. This blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay is rose petal pink in colour, with persistent mousse and a chain of fine bubbles. On the nose it is fresh and generous with intensely complex aromas of red fruit, wild cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry. On the palate there are delicate red berries and structure from the Pinot Noir while the Chardonnay bring freshness and balance.

A crisp, lively wine with aromas of dried apricots and Bergamot. A fresh salivating finish.

Satin pale yellow with golden nuances and jade highlights. Fine bubbles herald a fresh and fairly rich Champagne. Flowery scents of honeyed, honeysuckle petals, fruit aromas of crushed pear, candied lemon and peach, and soft, creamy notes with biscuit and fresh bread crust unfurl on first pour. After airing, denser, fruity notes of fig and pomegranate with flowery aromas of lily and sunflower and spice notes of star anise and liquorice are revealed. Fleshy, fruit-driven weight develops on the palate complemented by citrus aromas of lemon and orange. The palate is upright, ethereal and generous. A blend of 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier, including 25 to 35% reserve wines. Awards: • GOLD

Showing a very fresh bouquet of high toned fruits with hints of hazelnuts and yeasty aromas, the Grande Réserve cuvée displays highly structured red fruit notes on the palate for which the area is so famous. Long lees aging, low dosage and Grand Cru Pinot Noir fruit combine for an opulent yet balanced Champagne. 'This extremely good value, all-Pinot Noir Champagne comes exclusively from grand cru vineyards. While it is packed with ripe pear and apricot fruit aromas, it is lifted by citrus and white flower notes. Complex and forward in style, with some biscuity characters and a long, persistent finish. No doubt this is one of the best value Champagnes out there.' - Decanter

Bollinger Special Cuvée is unquestionably one of the finest of all French champagnes, the Bollinger style is distinctive for its full-bodied toasty character derived from a high proportion of Pinot Noir and the inclusion of base wine that has been matured in oak.

Forget those mass produced Champagnes that are sourced from far away vineyards, Champagne Duperrey is sourced from 100% Premier Cru vineyards, whose quality belies its fantastic price! Champagne Duperrey is fresh and full flavoured with a crisp dry finish. It shows fine balance between the elegance of the Chardonnay, and the roundness and fruitiness of the Pinot Noir. The palate lingers, with floral, dried fruit and brioche notes. A complex and persistent Champagne full of charm.

Champagne Vielle France is not only a wonderfully presented, classically styled bottle of Champagne, the sparkling wine held within is truly refined. A complex nose with touches of vanilla softened by notes of ripe fruits. A very harmonious palate follows with flavours of freshly baked biscuits and even slight hints of Cognac. Sourced from predominantly Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy, Ambonnay and Louvois, this is a classic Champagne too good to ignore.