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.

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.

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.

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: 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

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.

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.