Veuve Clicquot has been producing fine quality Champagne since it was founded in 1772. In 1810, Madame Clicquot broke new ground by creating the first vintage Champagne, made of grapes from one single harvest. Veuve's non vintage is consistently rated in the top handful of NV Champagnes and delivers a powerful bubbly with a rich mouthfeel. The Ponsardin vintage is elegant with generous freshness and the Pinot Noir lends body to a very lively wine. On the palate there's layers of floral and fruity complexity that flows into a remarkably long and powerful finish.

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.

Fermented, aged and released in the same magnum bottle, only fruit from 7 Grand Cru vineyards is used to craft a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which spends over 4 years ageing on lees plus 6 months post disgorgement. Further gentle ageing takes place until deemed ready for release by the Cellar Master. It displays a multitude of citrus, white and red fruits, linked by a common thread of minerality producing a mature complexity, elegance and length.

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: Deep, intense yellow Bouquet: Citrus, confits, honey, sweet spice, panettone, praline Palate: Generous freshness, opulence, purity, natural, exceptional Assemblage : Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier.

A colour of pale yellow gold, intense with reflected tints of rich red-gold. Delicate mousse, lively with small bubbles. On the nose the aromas are fine delicate and complex, with notes of apple and pear suggesting the fruity style to come on the palate which has plenty of fresh attack, lots of life, and is yet supple, round and most refreshing on the finish.

The house was founded as Pommery & Greno in 1858 by Alexandre Louis Pommery and Narcisse Greno. Under the guidance of Alexandre's widow, Louise Pommery, the house grew into one of the largest Champagne houses and to this day produce elegant and complex Champagne's. Very subtle rosé character with supple and finely robust with and appealing freshness and liveliness.