Typical of the Taittinger "house" style, their non vintage Champagne is superbly well-balanced and easy to drink. Smoothly textured with delicate fruit flavours and subtle toasty yeast characters it is an ideal aperitif.

Champagne Charles Orban is a another fantastic grower/producer Champagne to offer simply amazing value-for-money for authentic Champagne. From a hands-on producer who have been tending their vineyards for decades, Charles Orban Blanc de Blanc is made from 100% estate grown Chardonnay that has a discrete nose of butter and nuttiness rounded by a palate with hints of brioche. A complex, mouth-filling boutique Champagne perfect as an aperitif or alongside many heartier meals.

Lively and full on the palate, underlined by balanced, measured oak aromas. A delicious, harmonious, well-balanced finish.

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.

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.