The blend is dominated by black grapes, mainly pinot meunier, and you can really taste that richness coming through in the finished glass. uk accepts no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products by manufacturers or other third parties. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice.

It’s the drink of parties and celebrations, of weddings and christenings, the drink that conjures up memories of special occasions and a touch of luxury.

We’d recommend pairing with a rich oily fish like smoked salmon or alongside a charcuterie board for your next dinner à deux. In a bid to demystify this versatile fizz and ensure you get the maximum value for money, the Good Housekeeping Institute tried a selection from all the big brands and supermarkets, to bring you this ultimate guide to the best bottles.

When opening a bottle of fizz, remember it will behave far better and more predictably if it has been left to sit and chill for a few hours. Please always read the labels, warnings, and directions provided with the product before using or consuming a product.If the champagne is very lively and the mousse is rising to the top of the glass despite a slow pour, just move onto the next one and come back to it. High-quality glasses in an elegant shape, these champagne flutes are machine-made but excellent value for money.

Ease it up, always with your hand over the cork in a firm grip and, as you hear a pop, you know you've opened it. The region Champagne has a climate very similar to southern England so these precious grapes don’t get terribly ripe. During tasting, I was slightly disappointed by the non-vintage version of Les Pionniers, however its big brother, from the stellar 2008 vintage, knocked my socks off! The resulting blend is then bottled with a mixture of wine, yeast and sugar, sealed, and left to ferment a second time. For regular wine deliveries direct to your door, sign up to the BBC Good Food Wine Club for discounts on exclusively curated wine cases chosen by experts and the BBC Good Food team.

Once the cork is out, it will be followed by froth, which should go straight into that readied glass. All the fruit is sourced from the Grand Cru village of Mailly so the grapes are absolutely top-notch – meaning very expensive.