Festive fizz is always traditional

Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool party goer or have more of a ‘Bah humbug!’ attitude to the festivities, a glass of fizz is a great spirit lifter, if only to celebrate surviving another year!

With an ever-increasing selection of sparkling wines on the market, for me, the one over-riding criterion for choice is that it is made by the Traditional Method. This method of making sparkling wine is in essence the same method as used to make champagne – global king of the sparkling wine market. As with the vast majority of quality sparkling wines, the bubbles are produced by a second fermentation, and for ‘traditional method’, this happens in the bottle. A small amount of yeast and sugar ferment to create carbon dioxide which is dissolved in the wine until the bottle is opened. The yeasty deposits or lees – which are eventually eliminated – give greater flavours, depth and complexity to the wine, which is why, in my opinion, these are the best wines to buy.

So here are five suggestions from around the world, all made by Traditional Method and fit for toasting the end of one year and the start of the next. Cava from Spain is all Traditional Method and Cune Cava NV Brut is a deliciously fruity and floral sparkler, with hints of toast and gala apple. Great value at £14.99 from Majestic.

Newly on the UK market is Journey’s End Cap Classique Brut Reserve from one of South Africa’s top wineries in Stellenbosch. Made from the same grape varieties as champagne, a wonderful combination of tropical fruit flavours and crisp acidity, with fresh brioche complexity from ageing on the lees for 18 months. £20.50 mix six price from Noble Green Wines of London and online.

Most of our ‘home grown’ sparkling wines are made by the traditional method and one that ‘stands out from the crowd’ is Black Chalk Classic 2018 from Hampshire. Great depth of fruit, length on the palate and complexity, increased by use of oak barrels and long lees ageing. Perfectly balanced acidity, with crispness and freshness. First class English sparkler with well-deserved multiple gold awards. £35 from specialists or direct from the producer.

And then of course, there’s champagne itself, with unbeatable elegance and pedigree. One of my favourite’s is Taittinger Brut Reserve from one of the last grand independent champagne houses, based in Reims. A high proportion of Chardonnay guarantees elegance and finesse. Delicate, refined, balanced and subtle. Topflight champagne from a topflight producer. Currently on offer at Waitrose - £33.99 instead of £41.99! Perfect with the smoked salmon. Stock up now!

The last of my five recommendations is a specialist champagne from the smaller champagne house of Bruno Paillard. Working with great precision, this relatively young champagne house produces a range of exquisite champagnes which are a real treat for the connoisseur. Poised, elegant and refined, Bruno Paillard Dosage Brut Zero is an exceptional wine, which is bone dry, yet with a rich, full flavour profile that exudes elegance and complexity. Great purity and harmony achieved by blending 30 different crus with 50% older reserve wines and using only the best juice. £49.80 from the specialist London retailer Hedonism in Mayfair. Well worth a visit on your next trip to London.