The arrival of the late great Daniel Thibault transformed Piper-Heidsieck beyond recognition. The style is now fuller and rounder with elegance and charm. The cepage is an equal blend of all 3 varieties and shows good balance and length. The wine is a fresh aperitif style which is much finer than is often given credit for. Marilyn Monroe famously declared that she went to bed every night with Chanel No5 behind her ears and woke up every morning with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck.

The deep, blushed rouge of this firm, well-structured, mouth-filling vinous Rose is underpinned by a powerful bouquet of plums and blackberries, and the rich flavours of forest fruits, pomegranate and raspberries. Regis Camus, International Wine Challenge Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012.

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.

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.

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.

Incredible value vintage Champagne. Lovely aromas of lime, Apple and brioche. Gentle creamy bead with fine acidity. A long and lingering finish. Since the 17th century, the Baron family owned a vineyard in Charly-sur-Marne, in the west of the Champagne area. In 1961, Gabriel Baron was gifted 1ha of vineyards by his father, on the occasion of his marriage to Dolores Fuente. As a symbol of this union, Gabriel and Dolores founded Baron-Fuente. The first bottles were produced and sold directly from their house. By 1992, they had grown their vineyard holdings to 13 ha, and added a daughter and a son to their family - Sophie and Ignace. Today, Baron-Fuente owns 38 ha of vineyards, and the house is managed by Ignace and Sophie. All of their bottles are stored on slats for a period of between 3 and 7 years before they are disgorged, bringing the deep and varied aromas to each of the cuvees. They disgorge each bottle every three months, which ensures fine mousse and light bubbles. For over 50 years these different phases of production have allowed people in France and in 30 countries around the world, to enjoy Baron-Fuente Champagnes!

Established in 1836, Madame Pommery is credited with creating the first vintage brut style of Champagne in 1874, at a time when most champagnes were excessively sweetened with sugar. This revolutionary dry style set the benchmark for the rest of Champagne and it is in this spirit that the style of Pommery endures; with each cuvée displaying sublime elegance, finesse and freshness. The elaboration of Pommery Brut Royal Kosher entails that every step of the production process is conducted by a rabbinic delegate under the strict guidance of the Pommery oenologists. Please note the wine is not mevushal.

Only made in the very best of vintages by winemaker Guillaume Roffiaen, the primary aromas are dominated by the signature style of the Cuvée Spéciale, with citrus fruit freshness and floral hints as its calling card. In the mouth there is immense freshness from the Chardonnay backbone, bringing apricot and delicate peach notes. The cris, fruity attack delivers a thirst-quenching sensation, with mineral notes stimulating the taste buds. The mid-palate is perfectly balanced, with the silky Meunier paving the way for a surprising aromatic finale of great depth and complexity, from the well-structured Pinot Noir.

A harmonious blend of 10% chardonnay imparting elegance and finesse, 45% pinot noir for roundness and structure and 45% meunier for fruitiness and soft, supple character. Evoking pure fruit and utterly thirst-quenching, this Rosé Champagne can be savoured as an aperitif at the first signs of sunshine, and is equally at home all year round with charcuterie, smoked salmon or the more classic match of red berry fruit desserts.

Grenadine fruits – raspberry, redcurrant, blackcurrant and strawberry. With pomegranate, citrus, pink grapefruit, mandarin marmalade. And the florals: Anis de Flavigny: Violet Pastiles; lily. Palate Inviting, exotic. Balanced, with an overt freshness - crispness up-front, and a delicate dosage imprint on finish. Relaxed acidity, friendly effervescence.