As temperatures continue to soar in what’s been called the ‘swelteringly sunny UK heatwave’, climate research projections have stated that the UK could unseat top wine-producing regions Champagne and Burgundy in France.
The Climate Resilience in the UK Wine Sector study found that rising temperatures over the coming years could make Britain a significant player in quality wine production, and whilst we’re coming up to autumn, we’re still very much in late summer sipping mode.
August 13th was chosen as the official date to celebrate the popular bottle of bubbly (prosecco) with National Prosecco Day – it’s a known fact it is best enjoyed in the sun too. Off the back of this, we’ve put together the ultimate champagne and sparkling list that should be bookmarked as your go-to for any celebration. From £9.25 to £590 and a non-alcoholic option too, there’s truly something for everybody.
Champagne Lallier
Founded in 1906 by environmentalist René Lallier in Aÿ, one of the few villages classified as ‘Grand Cru’, Champagne Lallier carries a prestigious name – communicating the magnificent heritage of the region. Champagne Lallier is truly unique in being guided by the harvest, meaning each bottle reflects nature. The Série R is the result of a deep Reflection on one year’s harvest. A blend of Pinot Noir (56%) and Chardonnay (44%).
RRP £35, available to buy from The Wine Box
Ferrari Trento 1902 Brut
Founded in 1902 in Trento by Giulio Ferrari and since 1952 run by the Lunelli family, Ferrari Trento is Italy’s leading traditional method winery. All Ferrari labels are Trentodoc; bottle fermented sparkling wines produced with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes cultivated with passion and respect following the principles of sustainable mountain viticulture in northern Italy’s Trentino. This NV Brut is crafted from 100% Chardonnay that is sustainably grown at high altitude and is clean and focused, with brisk bubbles and lively citrus undertones.
RRP £18.64, available to buy from Vivano
Champagne Charlie, Charles Heidsieck
Champagne Charlie, is a historic cuvée released to celebrate the bicentennial of the phenomenal founder, Charles-Camille Heidsieck. In celebration of the spirit of the founder, the house has reconnected with the tradition, passion and spirit of the iconic cuvée. The new edition is the first release in 37 years and only the sixth release in the history of Champagne Charlie, following 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1985.
RRP £590, available to buy from Hedonism Wines
Gosset Celebris Extra Brut 2007 Champagne
The 2007 edition of this restrained, mineral and vibrant extra brut Champagne from Gosset, with a dosage of just 3g/l. Made from 57% Chardonnay and 43% Pinot Noir, and aged for 10 years in the bottle, this has notes of green apple, brioche, pink grapefruit and bright lemon zest. The finish presents notes of smoky brioche and butter biscuits. Gosset is one of Champagne’s oldest houses, founded in 1584, and all its wines are presented in bottles shaped like those used in the 18th century.
RRP: £125, available to buy from The Whisky Exchange
Bolney Bubbly Rosé
A lively yet soft, fresh traditional method of sparkling wine with notes of red berries including redcurrant, red cherry and strawberry, brought together with a hint of almonds. It’s a great match for summery salads of English tomatoes, feta + cucumber, or a classic cream tea.
RRP £28, available to buy: Bolney Wine Estate
Pommery Brut Rosé Champagne
This fine and fruity champagne is distinguished by its fleshy note while remaining lively, fresh and highly subtle. A blend of rosé and Pinot Noir of Bouzy Grand Cru. Its colour comes from Pinot Noir grapes. The champagne is stored in a cellar for three years to develop the distinctive properties of Pommery Rosé. Delicate pale pink with slightly salmon tones.
RRP: £49.00, available to buy from Majestic Wines
Anna de Codorniu Blanc de Blanc Cava Sparkling Wine
Anna de Codorniu Brut Cava Blanc de Blanc 75cl is a brilliant yellow in colour with sparkling flashes of green and has fine, persistent bubbles. The vivacity, freshness and fruitiness of Anna are enriched by ageing for over 15 months making it the perfect companion for Spanish cuisine especially.
RRP £13.50, available to buy from The Champagne Company
Martel Prestige Brut Champagne
Christophe Rapeneau, the Oenologist and Cellar Master at Champagne Martel has balanced acidity and fruit extremely well in this Brut Champagne which includes hints of banana and vanilla as well as the more typical aromas of citrus and white blossom. Using all three grapes varieties with a majority Pinot Noir it matches well with lamb shank or camembert cheese. This champagne has an intense, bright robe and its fizz is as fine and dense as its is persistent.
RRP £31, available to buy from Bottle and Boxed
Wythall Hall, Sparkling Rosé
This 2018 Sparkling Rosé is perfect for late summer drinking and celebrations with its colour of crushed strawberries and constantly rising small bubbles. The taste is gentle, soft mousse; light, fresh and fruity – red fruits, strawberries and red-currants; sufficient but not aggressive acidity. A dry finish with good length. A blend of Orion and Rondo, our sparkling rosé is successfully grown in the Herefordshire climate.
RRP £36, available to buy from Wythall Hall
Frome Valley, Paunton Sparkling 2013
This beautiful sparkling, made in the traditional sparkling method, combines our Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc is a sumptuous blend, making a biscuity, dry, mouthful of foamy revelry. The vineyard was established 15 years ago and is tucked into a curve of the River Frome at the head of the valley, which creates a benevolent microclimate for the vines. The sumptuous clay loam of our “terroir”, deposited over the millennia, is the basis of their award-winning wines.
RRP £28, available to buy from Frome Valley
Thomson & Scott Noughty Organic Sparking Chardonnay Wine (Alcohol Free)
Noughty alcohol-free organic vegan sparkling Chardonnay has been dealcoholised to retain the rich flavour of this beautifully crafted bottle.
With 2.9g of sugar per 100ml, it has almost half the sugar content of other non-alcoholic sparkling wine. And with just 14 calories per glass, it’s the perfect answer to a hangover free celebration. An elegant pale colour with a crisp and ripe apple scent accompanied by a touch of sweetness.
RRP: £9.25, available to Buy from Thompson & Scott
Written by Kaya Cheshire for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International
