Wines of the week: The best festive bottles

 

Terry Kirby
Sunday 29 December 2013 01:00 GMT
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Herbert Beaufort Grand Cru NV; Chapel Down Brut NV; Philippe Michel Cremant du Jura
Herbert Beaufort Grand Cru NV; Chapel Down Brut NV; Philippe Michel Cremant du Jura

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As New Year's Eve approaches, there are vast swathes of sparkling on offer in the high street, so here are three celebration bottles where quality and price match up…

A budget party sparkler

Philippe Michel Cremant du Jura

Simply one of the very best bargains anywhere: 100 per cent Chardonnay from the Jura region of eastern France, this is crisp, balanced, with lovely green apple and citric notes. Great for parties, but sophisticated enough for any occasion. £6.99, Aldi

An elegant English

Chapel Down Brut NV

From Tenterden in Kent, Chapel Down is one of the pioneers of English wine. Its signature Brut is carefully made, delightfully refreshing, wonderfully effervescent and has that taste of fresh bread and spring meadows that is uniquely English. £14.99 (until 5 January; normally £19.99), Morrisons, morrisonscellar.com

A proper champagne

Herbert Beaufort Grand Cru NV

Individual-grower wine – ie, not the famous names of Krug, Moët etc – has been the emerging trend in champagne, and in this multi-award winning bottle, it's easy to see why. Made from mostly Pinot Noir grapes, it's distinctive, rich, creamy and powerful. £32, Marks and Spencer

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