6 stunning champagnes to ring in the New Year

Charmed by champagne? Nothing signals a celebration like the sound of corks popping, and New Year’s Eve is the night for a glass of liquid gold or ravishing rosé.

One of life’s glistening pleasures, a thirst for champagne chimes with the chorus of happy wishes, smiles and kisses, and leading the charge in the countdown to 2026.

Here’s how to kick-start the festivities…

1. Comte de Senneval Champagne AOP Brut, France, £13.99, (£9.99 with Lidl Plus, now until December 31), Lidl in-store

Unbeatable value and a party pleaser for sure, we’re raising a glass to Lidl for this fab fizz. Bright, fruity and fresh with a whisper of buttery toast and nutty aromas; there’s good weight to the creamy, citrusy fruit with a floral edge, and enough freshness to keep it flowing long into the night.

2. Tesco Finest Premier Cru NV Brut Champagne, France, £26, Tesco

This stunning sparkler hit all the right notes with the judges, and is an International Wine Challenge 2025 Silver medal winner. Very elegant, a bouquet of brioche and florals opens up this delicious expression with ripe citrus, apple and toasty notes coming into play on the fresh finish.

3. Cattier Premier Cru Brut Champagne NV, France, £35, (£28 Mix Six), Majestic

A total treat, 13 generations of expertise lie behind this fabulous fizz. Stylish and refreshing, on the nose there’s white flowers, brioche and spiced biscuity hints, leading to citrus fruits mingling with peach, blossom, acacia honey and pastry notes – harmonious and balanced, with a lovely lingering finish.

4. Taittinger Brut Reserve NV Champagne, France, £44, Ocado

For champagne connoisseurs, this famous brand needs little introduction. But if you ever needed an excuse to re-familiarise yourself with their standard-bearer for the house style, this International Wine Challenge 2025 Silver Medal Winner – with 92 points – is class in a glass. Beautifully structured, look forward to softly-scented florals, ripe citrus fruits, brioche, a honeyed, vanilla note and lasting finish.

5. Champagne Ayala A18 Le Blanc de Blancs 2018, France, £66.95, The Whisky Exchange

Highly recommended for champagne lovers fond of a blanc de blancs (100% chardonnay), Ayala have a real corker with their 2018 vintage. Fresh and elegant with a chalky minerality, the bouquet offers floral characters, ripe fruits, a hint of almond and a biscuity note; expressive with a wonderful sense of purity, some citrus, and a long-lasting finish.

6. Laurent-Perrier Rosé Champagne Bubble Robe Edition, £90, The Champagne Company

A rosé to make it a night to remember – especially in the current rosé boom – L-P’s limited edition metal jacket is adorned with playful pink bubbles. A collector’s item since its first incarnation in 2017, the case can be reused every time you splash out on this iconic rosé. Famed for its floral presence and resplendent red fruits, delectable raspberry and black cherry flavours, subtle spicy notes and flourish of a finish, she’s a beauty.