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Champagne, cava, crémant: the 10 best bottles of bubbly for UK election night parties
If the polls are right, we’re (probably) about to see the end of 14 years of Tory rule – so it’s time to get the bubbly in for election night.
From cava to champagne, prosecco to English sparkling wine, here is a selection of the best fizz for every palate and budget. And if things don’t go your way on Thursday night, there’s always the England team to cheer on on Saturday. Bottoms up!
The Wine Society’s own-brand champagne is a wine trade favourite. Produced by Champagne Alfred Gratien, it’s a classic chardonnay-focused blend with rich notes of toasted brioche, balanced with a fresh, lemony zestiness. This champers is exceptional value for money, especially when you go for a case of six. Party time.
Buy The Society’s Champagne Brut NV, £33.81 or £169 for a case of six
Is it worth spending an extra £1.50 for the “G” on the DOC? Simply put: yes. Prosecco from Valdobbiadene is a different beast – the bubbles are finer, the fruit is brighter and the texture is softer. A special wine at a bargain price.
Buy Finest Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG, £9.50
Champagne made in Alsace, with different grapes – pinot blanc and pinot gris – give it notes of blossom, green apple and honey. Cave de Turckheim has a solid reputation, so you’re in safe hands with this one.
Buy Cave de Turckheim Crémant d’Alsace, £13.99
Cava is often overlooked in favour of a similar-priced prosecco, but it actually has more in common with champagne. It undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle (rather than a tank, like prosecco). Beautifully bubbly Brut Nature Cava is good quality stuff, made from organic grapes and aged in bottle for 24 months.
Buy Vinicola Nulles, Adernats Cava de Guarda Brut Nature NV, £14
or £14.05
An English wine for fans of champagne. It’s made in the same way, with the same grape varieties, and grown on the chalky North Downs of Kent. Crisp and fresh, with flavours of crunchy red apples and strawberries, Chapel Down brings you British bubbles for a perfectly patriotic celebration.
Buy Chapel Down Brut NV, £28.50
This wine has been “sleeping” for five years; it’s dry, with notes of toasted nuts, shortbread and zippy citrus fruits.
Buy The Liberator Episode 30 ‘Come Quickly, I Am Drinking The Stars’ Methode Cap Classique, £23.50
or £22
Made in the méthode Tasmanoise (which is the same as méthode Champenoise, but Tasmanian) in the cool bit of Australia, this lively sparkling has delicious notes of citrus and nougat. Fun and approachable but made from serious stuff, it would make an excellent politician.
Buy Jansz Premium Cuvée NV, £18.49
or £17.99
Celebrating with a “pet nat” will bag you some cool points, even if it’s one of the oldest styles of sparkling wine out there. Made in the ancestral method, pet nats are often cloudy in appearance and a little funky in taste, but this one is clean and crisp, with notes of granny smith apples and flaky pastry.
Buy Chapuis et Chapuis Pétillant Naturel, £32
A Spanish sparkling moscatel for those with a sweet tooth. Not only is it easy on the wallet but, at just 5% ABV, it will be easy on the head the next day too.
Buy La Chica Bonita, £6.99
If anyone knows how to party, it’s Kylie. This pink-hued fizz, with popping flavours of fresh raspberries and strawberry laces, hits all the right notes for a celebration without the alcohol.
Buy Kylie Minogue Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé, £6
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