English Wine Guide

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13 BEST ENGLISH SPARKLING WINES FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION.

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It’s that time of year. Christmas is coming. Or, as like to call it – sparkling wine season! Whether you have a calendar chockful with parties, or you’re in full “winter arc” mode – everyone deserves a little English fizz at Christmas time.

In this blog post you’ll find my 13 top picks for the best English sparkling wines to toast with at any Christmas celebration this year. For parties, dinner events or intimate gatherings. And crucially, for every budget.

If you’re thinking about Christmas day plans already (how organised of you), you can find my guide to the best English wine paired with your Christmas day menu.

13 best English Sparkling wines for your Christmas celebration

Without further ado, here are my 13 top picks for English sparkling wines to quaff at your Christmas celebrations this year.

1/ Tillingham Col ’23

I wanted to include the Col ’23 because it is such a unusual English fizz. A natural wine made by maverick wine makers in Tillingham, East Sussex. You’ll notice it has a cloudier appearance. I like to think that natural wines are healthier -I’m not sure that’s true. But this is certainly an interesting wine that will get guests talking.

2/ Oxney Organic Estate Blanc de Blanc

Made at the wonderful Oxney Organic Estate, this is an elegant and sophisticated wine made from 100% Chardonnay. I think Blanc de Blanc sometimes have a bad rep, but this is a wine that will really wow wine connoisseurs. Delicate, but with a lovely mouth feel and crisp acidity.

3/ Denbies Estate Bacchus Fizz

Made by Denbies in Surrey, this fizz is unique in that it is made from 100% Bacchus. It delivers a fruit forward floral fizz. I tested this in the summer at a BBQ, but it could equally liven up a Christmas celebration. Especially if you want to keep your sparkling wine light and joyful!

Read my full review of this Denbies Fizz here.

4/ Balfour ‘1503’ Rosé

Balfour Winery is found at Hush Heath Estate in Kent, the wine garden of England. A pink fizz made using the traditional sparkling wine production method, as is usual with Champagne. Expect grapefruit citrus hit, balanced with strawberry notes. Made from the classic combo of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

5/ Nyetimber Brut Rosé

An absolute classic from Nyetimber – this Brut Rose is made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The trifecta of traditional Champagne grapes. A classy ensemble of fruity notes (berry heavy) and brioche.

6/ Selborne Classic Cuvée Brut

Made exclusively with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (eschewing the normal addition of Pinot Meunier), this is a light and bright English fizz. Expect apple notes and subtle pastry hints. A crowd pleaser, without breaking the bank.

7/ Chapel Down ‘A Touch of Sparkle’

Crisp with hints of apple and fruity with zesty notes. This is a lovely delicate fizz, ideal for those who don’t like the heaviness that can sometimes be found with champagne. Made with Bacchus and Chardonnay.

8/ Nyetimber ‘Classic Cuvée’ Brut

Nyetimber has such great brand recognition that popping a few bottles of this at a Christmas party is bound to impress your guests. A classic English sparkling wine that has beaten Champagne in blind tasting tests -you know it’s guaranteed to be delicious. Peachy and balanced with a biscuit base.

9/ Roebuck Estates Reserve 2020

Chardonnay heavy but with Pinot Noir and Pinto Meunier giving it the classic quality English Sparkling taste. Roebuck may not be the most well known, but it’s guaranteed to leave a lasting memory.

Think quality over quantity. 100% of people who bought this at Majestic Wine would buy it again – that’s something to sit up and take notice of. Plus, the label is quite festive too!

10/ Ridgeview ‘Fitzrovia’ Rosé

We all know those people, the guests that we dread hosting because they are super picky. Well, if you have some of those coming over this Christmas – grab a bottle of this Ridgeview pink English sparkling. The ideal bottle to win them over.

Made the classic Champagne way with the usual Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. This wine has been served at royal events – even the pickiest of punters will love it.

11/ Definition English Sparkling Brut

Definition is Majestic Wine’s own label. This English sparkling wine is made with the three classic champagne grapes – but without the price tag that normally comes with that pleasure.

This is ideal for a party with lots of guests, or if you want to keep to a budget. But don’t let the price fool you into thinking it isn’t a quality wine. Many say that this is their favourite English sparkling.

12/ Selborne Rosé Brut, Hampshire

This it the bottle I’m going to select for my annual girls Christmas get together in a few weeks time. A pale pink fizz made in Hampshire with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Expect elegant strawberries and cream vibes.

13/ Chapel Down Brut

Made from four classic grapes Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, expect a crisp and fruity wine. For me, it’s quite apple heavy, but delicious with it. Chapel Down is an all rounder – guaranteed that most guests will love this. A reliable old faithful.

Where to next?

A few of my favourite things

Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.

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