BEST FIZZ FOR CHRISTMAS

I love a bit of Fizz at Christmas, whether it is Cava, Prosecco or Champagne. But what are the best buys this festive time? A national newspaper offers the following suggestions:-

San Leo Prosecco NV, Italy

(12%, Waitrose, £7.79 down from £10.49 to 3 Jan)

Consistently one of the best cheaper proseccos, San Leo tastes crunchy and green.

La Marca Prosecco Treviso Extra Dry NV, Italy

(11%, Majestic, £8.99/£11.99 mixed six/single bottle price)

Very finely spun, light, light, light prosecco that tastes of sweetly juicy pears and honeydew melons. Sweeter than some; but don’t pay the single bottle price.

Villion Blanc de Blanc Méthode Cap Classique Viljoensdrift NV, South Africa

(12%, Tanners, £13.70)

Impressive, all-chardonnay sparkling wine from the Cape. Fermented in bottle, it’s deeply toasty with warm citrus flavours reminiscent of lemon curd.

Oudinot Champagne Brut NV, France

(12.5%, Marks & Spencer, £15 down from £25 from 1 December to 1 January)

Brisk, bright, nippy and refreshing style of champagne, that’s great value on offer. Also available in magnum but stick to the bottles.

Winemakers’ Selection by Sainsbury’s Blanc de Blancs Champagne Brut NV, France

(12.5%, Sainsburys, £15 down from £20 until 1 January) 

This own-label champagne really excels: a creamy, easy-going but also very graceful all-chardonnay champagne.