12 Favourite Champagnes for Christmas

Billecart-Salmon might be one of the most recognisable names in Champagne, but it remains a family-run business to this day, with its cellars in the heart of the Montagne de Reims. Their Brut Réserve is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and is made in a wonderfully harmonious style. It is chalky and zesty, with bright, crunchy apple fruit on the palate and a zippy freshness. Its 50%+ reserve wine in the blend gives it complexity and character.

The heart of this multi-vintage blend from Aÿ is the 2016 vintage, which is combined with one third perpetual reserve, dating back to 1990. The wine is a gorgeous golden colour, with a luxuriously deep, rich aroma. A textured and sumptuous palate of hazelnuts, sea salt and explosive bergamot feed through to a persistent and satisfying finish. It is a riveting wine, enthralling in its depth and precision, with just a hint of Aÿ’s menthol signature. Gourmand and delectable, this is a superb Champagne from a small CHampagne house that is a favourite with the critics.

The heart of this multi-vintage blend from Aÿ is the 2016 vintage, which is combined with one third perpetual reserve, dating back to 1990. The wine is a gorgeous golden colour, with a luxuriously deep, rich aroma. A textured and sumptuous palate of hazelnuts, sea salt and explosive bergamot feed through to a persistent and satisfying finish. It is a riveting wine, enthralling in its depth and precision, with just a hint of Aÿ’s menthol signature. Gourmand and delectable, this is a superb Champagne from a small Champagne house that is a favourite with the critics.

The PN VZ 16 is the second iteration of this 100% Pinot Noir cuvée from Bollinger. Like its predecessor, it is a paradigm in balance. It has both richness and freshness in its red berry and blossom scent. The fruit comes mostly from the Montagne de Reims grand cru village of Verzenay, and it shows its calibre in the wine's intensity and length. It is immediately open and inviting, with soft brioche notes and a satisfying savoury length, making it a delicious champagne to match with food.