Who is Louis Auger? The mystery and wonder is as enticing as the Champagne itself. A fantastic lesser known Champagne, offering remarkable value-for-money and quality. Complex notes of bread, biscuits, citrus and apples complement the lighty toasty mouthfeel and soft rounded finish. Perfect as an aperitif or a companion to lighter style meals.

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne is the finest expression of the world famous wine from one of the greatest Champagne Houses. First produced in 1952, Comtes is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes from 6 Grand Cru sites in the Cité de Blancs. Showing a pristine pale yellow colour with very light, abundant bubbles which rise uniformly to form a fine mousse. The evocative bouquet opens with notes of pears and fresh cute white flowers. Left in the glass for a time, the nose develops a richness and density of pure character. Once on the palate, Comtes is lively, direct and precise with flavours of candied lemon zest and fresh pineapple. The balance is something to behold. This Champagne's marriage of finesse and aromatic intensity is a promise of further potential, but already offers very pleasurable drinking.

At this price, you won't need to wait for a special occasion. Bichat Brut NV is French champagne at a not-so-French price. It's crisp, clean with a creamy mouth feel that punches well above its weight for French champagne in this price range.

Golden in colour, the Charles Orban Brut Blanc De Noirs NV Champagne has a very fresh nose with strong plum and blackberry aromas. It's powerful on the palate, with wild berry aromas enhanced by hints of cinnamon.

The Vazart-Coquart family has been involved in the wine business for centuries. In 1953, Louis Vazart and his son Jacques launched the family Champagne brand. Jean-Pierre Vazart, Jacques son, is now in charge of the estate. The Vazarts grow 95% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir on their 26.4 acres (10.7ha) in Chouilly. Average vine age is 30 years. They produce what is considered to be one of the best Blanc de Blancs in Champagne.

Billecart-Salmon Sous Bois Brut One-third of each of the champagne varieties; one-third reserve wines from the previous two harvests; fully oak-fermented below 16 degrees; aged on lees in barrel with bâtonnage (lees stirring) for 6 months; 7g/L dosage. "The mark of Billecart is made not by the heavy foot?all of concentration, power and presence, but rather by the fairy touch of delicacy and crystal/clear fidelity."- Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide. The name Billecart-Salmon comes from the joining of two families by the marriage of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon.

EGLY-OURIET Les Vignes de Vrigny Premier Cru, Champagne