best sparkling wines

The Best Sparkling Wines for New Years, Whatever Your Budget

the best sparkling wines for new years, whatever you budget the three drinkers

New Years is the biggest celebration of them all, and sparkling wine is the drink most synonymous with celebrating, so getting the right bottle in is of the utmost importance.

There are hefty price tags floating around in the world of bubbles, so you want to be sure that you’re getting great value and not buying an overpriced bottle. We’ve been investigating Champagne, English Fizz, Prosecco, and Cava to find three different options for each, whatever your budget is. These bottles all give one hell of a bang for their buck and deliver a better drinking experience of bottles twice the price. So, without further ado... let’s pop the cork on the best sparkling wines for New Years!

The Best Champagne to Drink At New Year

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut

the best sparkling wines for new years, whatever you budget the three drinkers

This is a fantastic value Champagne in the dry style that’s available at Aldi, hence the exceptional price. Of course, there isn’t the complexity of the top-end bubbly, but this is really well-made wine all the same, with loveable apple crumble character – think Granny Smiths, slightly spiced biscuits, nuts, and brioche. It’s one of the UK’s best sellers for a reason, and would raise many an eyebrow in blind tastings with far more expensive bottles.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14.99

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Non Vintage Champagne

the best sparkling wines for new years, whatever you budget the three drinkers

Backed up so many awards, this is everything great Champagne should be. It screams (or gently whispers) elegance and carries a fragrant, inviting bouquet. In the mouth, the bubbles are persistent and lively, delivering soft, creamy fruits and a finish that stretches off into 2025, let alone 2024.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £42.99 (usually more!)

Champagne de Saint-Gall Orpale

the best sparkling wines for new years, whatever you budget the three drinkers

This is fine Grand Cru Champagne aged on its lees for 12 years, and that beautiful deep golden hue hides so much depth. Delicate citrus hits the nose, rich, toasted brioche and minerality play off in the mouth, and all that racy power lingers too, with grapefruit appearing towards the end. Magical.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £94.95

The Best English Sparkling Wine to Drink At New Year

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010

the best sparkling wines for new years, whatever you budget the three drinkers

The price of this used to be higher, and it was well worth trying then, so you just have to now. English fizz has come so far in the last two decades, now going toe-to-toe and even surpassing some fine French Champagnes. This is great way to experience all that improvement, without breaking the bank. 8 years of ageing brings beautifully deep biscuity notes, but the crispness of those British orchards holds strong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £18

Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs 2015

the best sparkling wines for new years, whatever you budget the three drinkers

The 2015 harvest started cool but finished with heaps of sun, resulting in the intense flavours and crisp flavours you find here. The creamy feel coats the mouth and the citrus glimmers, throwing up images of lemon mousse, buttery shortbread, and crisp green apples. Vibrance and elegance is what this English bubbly is all about, and it’s no surprise to see it feature in so many top restaurants.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £44

Nyetimber 1086 Prestige Cuvee 2010

the best sparkling wines for new years, whatever you budget the three drinkers

Another restaurateur’s favourite, Nyetimber are one of the leading lights in English sparkling wine. Creamy, nougat deliciousness fills out the palate, blanketing vibrant fruits. Those beautiful mineral tones begin to intertwine as it goes on, joined by crushed, toasted nuts. The structure is so strong, with everything in its place, and the only reaction is to be impressed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £129.95

The Best Prosecco & Cava to Drink At New Year

Pasqua 'Romeo & Juliet' Brut Prosecco DOC

the best sparkling wines for new years, whatever you budget the three drinkers

The nose on this romantic Prosecco is seductively intense, with a touch of citrus and a lot of fruit which, after the first sip, reveals itself to carry a tonne of freshness. It feels aromatic throughout, with a gentle tang and tartness that brings harmony. Light, aromatic, full of fruit and softly moussed – tremendous value Prosecco at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £12.99

La Gioiosa Prosecco Brut

the best sparkling wines for new years, whatever you budget the three drinkers

£7.50 for this is just superb. It’s a dry Prosecco brimming with sunshine lemons, almond undertones and lightness that is to die for. It’s less sweet than most Prosecco, focusing instead on crisp refreshment and would be a lovely wine to sip on when welcoming in the New Year.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.50

Pere Ventura Cavas Cava Vintage Brut Gran Reserva 2015

the best sparkling wines for new years, whatever you budget the three drinkers

This is a benchmark in premium Cava, something some people disregard at these prices for some reason. The nose is full of orchard fruits, and tasteful acidity slices through the creamy palate. The mouse is stand out, delicate freshness is never far away, and it shows excellent finesse from start to finish. A masterful expression of the style.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £36

 

The English Sparkling Wines You Need to Try

the english sparkling wines you need to try the three drinkers

If you haven’t embraced the flourishing world of English Sparkling Wine just yet, then English Wine Week is the perfect time to do so. Over the last decade, it has stormed past still wine in terms of reputation and quality, rivalling Champagnes on the international stage and becoming a mainstay of wine lists.

So, if you’ve been put off by the English fizz of old, then we’ve got just the bottles to show you what you’re missing!

Balfour M&S Lark Song English Rose

balfour lark song rose the english sparkling wines you need to try the three drinkers

From renowned winery Balfour comes this English Rosé, a refreshingly dry bottle that’s half Pinot Noir, and half Pinot Meunier, Regent and Chardonnay. Ripe redcurrants and zesty lemon provide a sweetness with some subtle tang and juicy pears flesh out the taste nicely. Elegant beyond its price point.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £16

Folc Rosé

folc rose the english sparkling wines you need to try the three drinkers

Without a doubt, this is an English Rosé that holds more than a candle to the Provence Rosé selection. Bursting with ripe strawberries and raspberries, the sweetness is balanced to perfection. Floral and citrus hints with touches of elderflower and lemon keep things interesting, and the mix of seven varietals is so expertly blended that it feels delicate, vibrant, and fresh. Self-assured and sublime.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £17.95

Fitz Sparkling NV

fitz sparkling the english sparkling wines you need to try the three drinkers

Now for something a bit different. English wines are generally made in the traditional method like Champagne and with great success too, but Fitz doesn’t follow this method. Rather than a deep, biscuity and dry taste, this a super fresh and fruity expression more reminiscent of an approachable everyday sipper. Notes of peach, honeysuckle and apple intertwine in this delicate and light wine that could easily become a favourite go-to for any or no occasion.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £19

Silverhand Estate, Silver Reign Brut NV

silverhand silver reign brut the english sparkling wines you need to try the three drinkers

The first release of Kent’s Silverhand Estate, this is a quintessential English fizzer made from Champagne varietals and by the Charmat method. Prosecco style with bright citrus and fresh orchard fruits, this really is an exceptional Champagne-rivalling liquid without the huge price tag.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £21.50

Lyme Bay Winery Brut Reserve

lyme bay winery the english sparkling wines you need to try the three drinkers

Down to Devon now, where Lyme Bay produced this fruit-forward blend of 6 different varietals including Seyval Blanc and Pinot Noir. Made in the traditional method, the result is a tantalising mix of acidity, full and fresh flavour, and a delicate fruity mousse. Freshly cut grass notes intrigue the nose, before opening up to green apple, toast, and citrus notes as well as just a hint of flinty minerals. Fantastic whatever time of year, this is a benchmark English sparkler.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £21.99

Rathfinny Estate Blanc de Noirs 2018

rathfinny estate blanc de noirs 2018 the english sparkling wines you need to try the three drinkers

Rathfinny is another Sussex winery taking its rightful place on wine lists across the country, making full use of its sunny south-facing slopes. Single-harvest Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier join for this delicious, rich expression offering notes of cherry, vanilla, and baked apple. Minerality and florality intertwine harmoniously and a really loveable character comes across in every sip. This would sing alongside some fruity desserts!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £38.75

Gusbourne Blanc De Blancs 2018

gusbourne blanc de blancs the english sparkling wines you need to try the three drinkers

Gusbourne has been stacking up the awards for a while now and for a good reason. Their original Blanc de Blancs more than got people’s attention in 2010, and every release since has commanded justified excitement. This 2018 Vintage is plush with crisp green apple, citrus and buttery toasts, with an elegant and lingering minerality to fill out the profile. You’re paying a bit more than most, but this is a wine that completely lives up to those expectations. Serve alongside quality seafood for the perfect culinary experience.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £63.95

Hattingley Valley Kings Cuvée 2015

hattingley valley kings cuvee 2015 the english sparkling wines you need to try the three drinkers

This widely loved family-owned winery in Hampshire has been industry acclaimed since its first release. As is Hattingley’s way, this is aged for 7 months in oak and a further 6 years on the lees creating dreamy depths of texture and toastiness. A blend of 50% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir and 16% Pinot Meunier, the balance of refreshing lightness and deep richness is magical. Honied nuts, brioche, creamy oak – it’s super premium English sparkling wine done perfectly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.7%
Find here: £85

If you want to get up close and personal and see the English winemaking process from grape to glass, then check out these incredible Vineyard Tours!

8 Great Value Champagne Alternatives Under £15

8 Great Value Champagne Alternatives Under £15

Champagne is famously pricey and more so now than ever. Times are tough at the minute, but in good news, there are a lot of bubbly beauties coming in at under £15 that give champers a run for its money. We’ve highlighted the best bubbly bargains for you under £15 so what are you waiting for, let’s get the party started!

Cava Brut NV

Cava Brut NV

One of the better-known Champagne alternatives, Cava is a must when you’re out hunting for value. This Sainsbury’s bottle in particular makes for fantastic foodie fizz. The signature grape trio of Paradella, Macabeo and Xarel-lo go through the same production methods as they would if this was Champagne, except they’re Spanish and more readily available… and therefore way more affordable. It’s wonderfully fresh and dry, with the subtle savoury profile you expect from Cava, filled with pineapple tang and citrus zest aromas. A glass of this would sit great alongside some smoked salmon or fish and chips.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £5.85 Sainsbury’s

Albastrele Blanc De Cabernet Sparkling Brut Nv

Albastrele Blanc De Cabernet Sparkling Brut Nv

It’s our pleasure to introduce you to this white, sparkling Cabernet Sauvignon from a country steeped in ancient winemaking heritage: Moldova. A white sparkling Cabernet is not something you see every day that’s for sure. The biting chill of the Cimislia vineyards ensures an aromatic freshness to the fruits and the profile is lovely and rich with a friendly, frothy feel. Absolutely delicious and something a bit different.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%    
Find here: £9.99 Laithwaites

Prestige Cava Brut

Prestige Cava Brut

This is a wonderfully rustic representation of a traditional Cava using local Macabeo and Parallada grapes from northeast Spain. It’s creamy, vibrant and so flavoursome with hints of apple, lime, peaches and a very gentle nuttiness. You can’t go wrong with this as a Cava starting point, and the value with the case is fantastic.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £48 Case of 6 so £8 per bottle (usually £60!) M&S

Crémant de Loire NV

Crémant de Loire NV

This is another fantastic value option from Lidl’s sparkling range. Crémant is another wine made with the same method as champagne. It has a history of being looked down upon, but these days, the producers are far better respected, and drinkers are catching onto its serious value for money. This version is a nicely balanced bubbly with class that tastes wonderfully crisp and clean. A bold dollop of fruit drives it home.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.49 Lidl

Crémant du Jura NV

Crémant du Jura NV

Shh, don’t tell Aldi but £8.99 for this is a steal. It’s another traditionally made sparkling Chardonnay from Jura in France that’s ridiculously reliable. Terrifically light on its feet, the apples feel crisp, the citrus feels ripe, it really is pretty faultless for under £10. Who needs champagne ‘eh?

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.99 Aldi

Definition Cava NV

Definition Cava NV

This Catalan Cava is perfect for easy drinking party fizz with a classy feel beyond the price. Baked yellow apples come through and subtle savoury hazelnut characteristics are very enjoyable too. This may not absolutely blow you away, but it’s consistently excellent and you’ll want to return for each sip.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £8.99 Mix Six Price (£9.99 usually!) Majestic

Cremant d’Alsace

Cremant d’Alsace

This an extremely well-rounded Cremant for the price, aged for over 12 months by the respected Alsace producer, Cave du Roi Dagobert. On the one hand, there’s bold light on its feet freshness with juicy melon and sweet lemon, and on the other, a creamy buttery brioche flavour. The balance is just right, and it’s fantastically food friendly too!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £12 Sainsbury’s

Crémant de Bordeaux, Louis Vallon, Banc de Noirs

Crémant de Bordeaux, Louis Vallon, Banc de Noirs

One of the more complex offerings to be sniffed out under £15 (okay technically it’s £15, but you’ll be glad we included it once you try it). It’s easy to get a well-crafted feel from this one, with white peach and almonds on the nose, followed up by vivid red apple skin and brioche notes in the mouth. Combine with the delicate bubbles throughout and it feels very complete indeed. Sparkling wine from Bordeaux? Give it a go!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £15 Sainsbury’s

These are eight value monsters, but there are even more beautiful bubbles whatever you’re looking to spend in our Best Sparkling Wines article here! And we know some of you will be gutted to see no Prosecco here, but fear not because we have a whole guide on The Best Proseccos Under £15 too!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

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