At Loki, the #1 wine merchant in the UK for 2024, we know a thing or two about how to celebrate! Sparkling wines are a must for Christmas— they really bring the festive vibe to any gathering. Check out our picks of the best bubbly from around the world to make your holiday celebrations extra special!
Best Champagne for Christmas
When it comes to festive celebrations, nothing says “Cheers!” quite like a glass of Champagne. Known for its elegance and complexity, Champagne is perfect for making any meal feel special—lunch, dinner, or even breakfast (it is Christmas, after all!). With its fine bubbles and rich flavours, it pairs perfectly with all sorts of dishes and occasions.
Its bright acidity complements festive fare like canapés, roasted meats, and creamy cheeses. Plus, it works wonderfully with desserts like chocolate mousse, balancing the richness with its effervescence.
Who will enjoy Champagne?
Anyone, really! Go for Champagne if you want to celebrate in style! It’s ideal for anyone who appreciates the refined character and depth that only this iconic sparkling wine can offer. Plus, serving Champagne is a guaranteed way to impress your guests! If you’re looking for a single wine to pair with a number of courses and dishes, Champagne is your perfect versatile choice!
Here are some fantastic options to consider this Christmas:
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve
£42.50
This gem from one of the lesser-known Grand 12 Champagne houses is our all-time favourite!
It’s a beautifully balanced Champagne with notes of citrus, brioche, and a touch of almond.
Perfect for any festive occasion, and we honestly think it tastes way better than many pricier brands!
Taittinger Nocturne
£38.95
This sweeter, playful Champagne is perfect for sipping on its own. With its fruity notes and soft finish, it’s ideal for festive toasts.
Taittinger Nocturne is often served at high-profile events like film festivals and prestigious galas. Designed for leisurely enjoyment, it’s great for celebrations or relaxed hangouts with friends and family. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with desserts, making the sweet experience even better!
Louis Roederer Cristal 2015
£244.99
Celebrate like a Tsar with this iconic Champagne!
Known for its elegance and richness, it combines sumptuous fruit and minerality, making any occasion unforgettable. Plus, you can keep that golden, recognisable bottle as a chic candle holder that will have your guests saying, “Woahhh, Cristal??” (If you enjoy it often, just indulge in the Champagne and recycle the bottle—you probably have enough pretty candle holders already!)
Charles Heidsieck ‘Cuvée Champagne Charlie’
£550, £375
Treat yourself to this luxurious cuvée!
Have you heard the term “Champagne Charlie”? Well, that’s this wine! Named after Charles Heidsieck himself, who was known for popularising Champagne in America in the 19th century, this cuvée showcases layers of complexity and a rich, creamy texture, thanks to the extended ageing on the lees. It’s perfect for those extra special moments when only the best will do!
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Rosé Brut
£62.45
Your best sparkling rosé option! This iconic Champagne is packed with fresh red fruit flavours and a refreshing finish, making it perfect for festive celebrations. It’s incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with everything from seafood to chocolate desserts, so it’s always a crowd-pleaser at any party!
Best English sparkling wine for Christmas
If you’re up for supporting local production, English sparkling wines are a great choice! They’re crisp and refreshing, and they’re getting a lot of love worldwide for their quality and unique character.
English sparkling wine is perfect for lighter dishes! Its bright acidity goes great with canapés, seafood, and festive starters like smoked salmon or prawn cocktails.Look out for ones that have hints of green apple and brioche—they go perfectly with festive starters and lighter dishes. It also pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses, especially triple cream cheeses like Brillat Savarin, Délice de Bourgogne, or a British option like Lord London, making it a fab pick for a cheese board. With their refreshing acidity and fine bubbles, they’re a great alternative to the usual sparkling wines!
Who will enjoy English sparkling?
English sparkling wine is perfect for those who love dry, super-refreshing styles or just want to try something a bit more zesty than traditional Champagne.Plus, it’s a great conversation starter, showcasing the burgeoning English wine industry and clearly shows that you know a thing or two about your wines!
If you’re keen to support local producers while enjoying excellent quality, English sparkling wines are a fantastic choice this Christmas!
Loki recommendations:
Hundred Hills Preamble N2
£37.99
This lively sparkling wine bursts with fresh apple and zesty citrus flavours, all wrapped in a lovely creaminess.
It’s the perfect companion for festive canapés!
Hattingley Valley Rosé
£35.99
This stunning pink bubbly is packed with lively red berry flavours that bring a festive cheer to your table.
It’s refreshing and an incredible value for money, perfect with seafood or cheese!
Nyetimber 1086 Prestige Cuvée 2013
£149.99
If you’re looking to treat yourself, this stunning cuvée is a winner!
It has rich layers of toasted brioche, peach, and citrus—ideal for celebrating those special moments.
Best Christmas Sparkling wines from around the world
This is our absolute favourite section! We’ve tasted hundreds of sparkling wines from around the world (and many not-so-great ones) to put together this list of our personal favourites. If you’re wine-curious and looking to try something new, adventurous, and incredible value for money, then the list below is for you.
Prosecco – V Prosecco (£13.99)
This Prosecco shines with bright, fruity notes and a lively effervescence. It’s a classic choice for those who enjoy a refreshing glass of bubbly and our most popular Prosecco at Loki!
Best Pairings: Serve it alongside festive hors d’oeuvres like shrimp cocktails or smoked salmon.
Who Will Enjoy It? Perfect for those who want a classic Prosecco without breaking the bank.
Italian Frizzante – Colli d’Imola Pignoletto (£11.99)
If you’re looking for a drier alternative to Prosecco, this is the wine for you! With its crisp and refreshing profile, this slightly sparkling Italian gem has a classy touch without the aggressive bubbles.
Best Pairings: It pairs beautifully with light salads, seafood dishes, or even creamy cheeses.
Who Will Enjoy It? Ideal for anyone bored with traditional Prosecco and seeking something unique yet affordable.
Sweeter Sparkling – Contero Moscato d’Asti di Strevi (£19.99)
This delightful sparkling wine is on the sweeter side, bursting with juicy peach and floral notes. Its lower alcohol content makes it a delightful sip for all occasions. Best Pairings: It’s perfect with fruit-based desserts, cheese plates, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Who Will Enjoy It? Great for those who love sweet wines or anyone who wants to try something different—something that’s super enjoyable on its own and has lower alcohol. It’s perfect as an aperitif for a Christmas lunch!
Corpinnat – Can Feixes Brut Nature (£23.99)
As a standout from the Corpinnat region, this Brut Nature sparkling wine is dry and elegant, showcasing the finesse of the traditional Champagne-making method without any added dosage. It adheres to the strict quality standards of Corpinnat, including hand-harvesting and ageing for at least 18 months.
Best Pairings: Enjoy it with tapas, charcuterie boards, or turkey with all the trimmings.
Who Will Enjoy It? Perfect for those who appreciate high-quality sparkling wines with a serious edge.
Jansz Tasmania NV
(£17.99)
This charming sparkling wine comes from Tasmania and offers a crisp, fresh profile with notes of apple and citrus.
Best Pairings: It’s fantastic with a range of dishes, from fried foods to fresh seafood.
Who Will Enjoy It? A great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality sparkling option that won’t break the bank!
Sparkling Red- Peter Lehmann Black Queen Sparkling Shiraz (£26.99)
We couldn’t resist throwing in a fun option, which is why we added this sparkling red to the list! This unique sparkling Shiraz offers richness and depth with its dark berry flavours and a hint of spice.
Best Pairings: It pairs wonderfully with festive dishes like glazed ham, roast turkey, or a rich chocolate log.
Who Will Enjoy It? Perfect for red wine lovers who want to try something different and bold this Christmas!
