Start your Christmas celebrations with a pop 

It's nice to have an excuse to celebrate, and Christmastime provides ample opportunity to enjoy a glass of the cold stuff. Canapés and cocktails on Christmas Eve, Buck's Fizz on the day itself and a chilled bottle to bring in the New Year &ndash; there are some occasions when only fizz will do. For some, it has to be Champagne &ndash; but the truth is that tasty Cavas and light, crisp Proseccos are in great supply. If you're thinking of spiking your fizz with cassis or diluting it with juice, it might be a shame to splurge on champers.Before deciding on your bubbly of choice, here's everything you need to know about the three contenders....<h2>CHAMPAGNE</h2>Origin Champagne, FranceGrape Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot MeunierHow it's made A sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it&rsquo;s made from the grapes grown in the Champagne region, using the ‘traditional method&rsquo; or ‘méthode Champenoise&rsquo;. This means the second fermentation takes place in the bottle before the Champagne is aged.<img alt="screen_shot_2018-12-07_at_12.48.38__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/screen_shot_2018-12-07_at_12.48.38__square_GL?scl=1">Our expert, Asda Buying Manager, Ed Betts says "A tip for great tasting Champagne: the finer the bubbles, the better quality the Champagne." Tiny bubbles mean smoother foam, so fizz is best served in a tall, thin flute glass, which keeps the bubbles for longer. As a rough guide when buying Champagne, a 75cl bottle should fill about 6 Champagne flutes so there's plenty to go round. <h2>our pick of the best...</h2>Here are our picks for the top Champagnes to see you through the festive season: 1. Try a bottle of refreshing <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/champagne/asda-extra-special-premier-cru-champagne-brut/910001138756?utm_source=goodliving&utm_campaign=food-features-champagne%20prosecco&utm_medium=website" target="_blank">Extra Special Louis Bernard Premier Cru Brut Champagne</a>, which balances creamy vanilla flavours with a smooth fruitiness.2. After something that little bit special? <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/champagne/louvel-fontaine-champagne-brut/910000853401" target="_blank">Louvel Fontaine Champagne Brut</a> offers a fruity blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with Pinot Meunier, with lots of those lovely bubbles.3. You can't go wrong with a bottle of <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/champagne/taittinger-brut-reserve-champagne/1000040467918" target="_blank">Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne</a>. The hallmark of their fine Champagnes is the high proportion of Chardonnay used, which is unusual in non-vintage bottles. Brioche notes, hints of honey and fresh fruit make this a scrumptious choice for a Christmas toast.<h2>PROSECCO</h2>Origin Veneto, ItalyGrape Glera How it's made Unlike Champagne, Prosecco&rsquo;s second fermentation takes place in a big tank, not a bottle. This more affordable ‘tank method&rsquo; makes a lighter, fluffier bubble.<img alt="screen_shot_2018-12-07_at_13.00.48__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/screen_shot_2018-12-07_at_13.00.48__square_GL?scl=1"><h2>our pick of the best...</h2>1. We think this refreshing citrus and green apple flavoured <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/prosecco/24kt-prosecco-brut/910001521646" target="_blank">24KT Prosecco DOC</a> (above) makes the perfect gift with its gold bottle. And the creamy bubbles make it a great tipple for pairing with canapés too - think fried fish, oysters, mussels and spiced foods.2. For a delicious, easy-drinking sparkler with zesty lemon, pear and apple, look no futher than <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/prosecco/shield-prosecco/910001813103?utm_source=goodliving&utm_campaign=food-features-champagne%20prosecco&utm_medium=website" target="_blank">Shield Prosecco</a>. Perfect when paired with shellfish, seafood, chick, veal or Grana Padano cheese.<h2>CAVA</h2>Origin Spain, especially CataloniaGrape Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel.loHow it&rsquo;s made Made like Champagne using ‘méthode Champenoise&rsquo;, only in Spain, not the Champagne region &ndash; and sometimes Cava is aged for longer.<h2>our pick of the best...</h2>1. <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/sparkling-wine/asda-extra-special-mas-miralda-cava-brut/1000027725511" target="_blank">Asda Extra Special Mas Miralda Cava Rosado</a> (above right) is perfect with Summery dishes and seafood - but that's not to say it won't be well-received at Christmas, too. It is a full-bodied Cava and works well with food, so might be a good accompaniment to those smoked salmon blinis.2. This classic Spanish sparkler, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/sparkling-wine/marques-del-norte-cava-brut/910001352873?utm_source=goodliving&utm_campaign=food-features-champagne%20prosecco&utm_medium=website" target="_blank">Marques Del Norte Cava Brut</a> is fresh with crisp apple flavours. Great with orange juice for a Christmas morning Buck's Fizz or try it with tapas, pasta and cheese. For the full range, prices and offers, head to the wine aisle <a href="http://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank">in store</a> or online at <a href="http://direct.asda.com/Wine/AD12,default,sc.html?cmpid=dmc-_-ad-_-vanityurl-_-generic-_-wine&utm_source=goodliving&utm_campaign=food-features-champagne%20prosecco&utm_medium=website" target="_blank">ASDA.com</a>

How to pick the perfect festive fizz for the Christmas season

By Asda Good Living,22nd December 2017

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