Our Fabulous Summer Fizz Guide 2018

Summer gas landed, so it’s the perfect time to put your feet up and quaff some of the finest fizz out there on the market. Whether you are celebrating or just relaxing, this guide features some superb champagnes, prosecco and sparkling wines money can buy!

NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois Billecart-Salmon (£65)

A charming, distinctive and memorable Champagne. The distinctive Sous Bois style is inspired by oak fermented parcels destined for Billercart’s top cuvees. There is a gorgeously endearing elegance and excitement that comes from every bubble and drop. Fresh and rich in flavour, there is a truly enticing flavour from the barrel fermentation here. A super elegant and fine mousse is a real treat here. Plus, orchard fruit and the maturity of oak give this a lot of class.

Available from  ChampagneDirect.co.uk, James Nicholson, Lea & Sandeman

Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée MV XB (£45)

A true classic. Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée MV XB is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier. Only the best grapes from the best crus are selected, and from these grapes, only the première cuvée is used. The ageing process is particularly important at Champagne Bruno Paillard; it is three to four times longer than the legal requirement. Stylistically, Bruno Paillard is renowned for Champagnes which are pure, mineral and elegant.

Maison Bruno Paillard has a huge vineyard and an eclectic covering of idyllic terroir. According to the brand “for Bruno Paillard, the secret to preserving this style is in the Reserve Wines which make up 25%-50% of the blend. These Reserve Wines are the blended wines from the previous year which also include a proportion of Reserve Wines, going all the way back to 1985. It is this method, similar to the Solera system, which achieves both quality and consistency, and is extremely rare in Champagne for a non-vintage style.” One of the most vivacious and wonderful offerings of the Summer!

Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée MV XB is available in Spirited Wines, Selfridges and leading London restaurants. RRSP: £45.00

Chapel Down Non-Vintage Brut (RRP £23.99)

We can really see why Chapel Down has become one of the go to English Sparkling Wines and how it challenges preconceptions of fizz within the market! What a treat! The NV Brut is a very accomplished and elegant example of how sparkling wines from our shores can challenge Champagnes/proseccos. For us, there is an incredible drinkability here and a great balance. We particularly enjoyed the aroma of apples and the zestiness on the nose.

Plus, there is a lightness and crisp nature on the palate, which we also enjoyed. Give this a go – highly recommended. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury’s Waitrose, Majestic, Ocado

Sparkling Gold Cuvee “The Original Gold Bubbly”

Although not the most refined and expensive offerings on this list, the Sparkling Gold Cuvee is a memorable and fun offering. Produced via the finest pinot blanc grapes and a smidgeon of liqueur 22 carat gold flakes, this is a real show stopper.

“ A combination of top quality sparkling wine and real gold – this bottle takes celebratory fizz to a whole new level.A stunning and unique centre piece, the Gold Cuvee holds its own as a sensational sparkling wine – delicate yellow gold in colour with fine crystal bubbles, its dry, fresh and crisp with a round texture and long, satisfying finish. Serving suggestion: The Gold Cuvee Original Non-Vintage is ideal as an appetizer or perfect to accompany sea-food dishes or roast chicken.”

2017 Bortolin Angelo Extra Dry Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore – £19.95

An award winning prosecco from a small family producer in the heart of the best subzone. Rich and refreshing, Prosecco doesn’t get better than this. A bubbly, truly Italian and fun Prosecco. We love this little taste of extra dry fizz.