Champagne has a special place in our hearts as a luxurious present that transcends holidays and special occasions. With the Christmas season quickly approaching, the custom of giving a bottle of champagne is about to shine once more. Let us take you on a pleasant tour through the world of Champagne gifts in the UK, illustrating how a bottle of Champagne can make any event special. And don’t worry, you won’t have to break the bank for this one!
The art of Champagne gifting
As Dom Perignon rightly said, “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” This bubbly elixir is a great symbol of pleasure and luxury, whether to celebrate Christmas, New Year, a wedding, or a birthday. In the UK, the tradition of gifting champagne has a special place in the hearts of individuals. While the quality of Champagne on offer by supermarkets and specialist retailers may vary, you wouldn’t be wrong to expect some variation of bubbly at every joyous occasion.
In fact, you would be surprised to know that according to research in 2022, the UK was the second biggest consumer of Champagne in the world, accounting for around 28 million litres consumed. That’s a whole lot of bubbles!
But with great joy comes great expense. The cost of a good champagne bottle in the UK can set you back anywhere from £80-150 which makes it an expensive gifting option. So, is there a way to enjoy a good Champagne, without breaking the bank? Most definitely!
Choosing the perfect Champagne gift
Did you know that, for a sparkling wine to be legally labelled as “Champagne”, it must come from the Champagne region of France? The term “Champagne” is protected by French law and is reserved exclusively for wines produced in this specific region, located about 90 miles northeast of Paris. The unique terroir (the environment in which a wine is produced) of the Champagne region, along with traditional winemaking methods, contributes to the distinctive characteristics of Champagne.
The market is filled with a variety of options when it comes to Champagne. There are numerous options to pick from, each with its own distinct features. Let’s begin with brut, which is recognised for its dry, crisp flavour. It’s a versatile option that works nicely for a variety of occasions. Then there’s rosé, which not only tastes great but adds a romantic touch with its flush of colour. Vintage Champagne is a time capsule as it is crafted from grapes grown in a single outstanding year, capturing the essence of that period.
If you are someone who is new to the world of Champagne and are confused about which to buy, don’t worry. We have curated some great options for you to save time, money and effort.
1. Perrier-Jouët: Grand brut Champagne
A brut Champagne from the house of Perrier-Jouët, established in 1811, a bottle of this golden-hued Champagne is a great choice for any special event. It features a palate of light, fruity and floral aromas, including honeysuckle, peach and apricot, and develops into a deliciously smooth combination of buttery brioche and vanilla.
When pairing with food, this Champagne goes well with chicken or turkey, as well as vanilla-based desserts. Crème brûlée, anyone?
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2. Fortnum & Mason: The Champagne pairing box
This wooden Champagne box, from UK’s prestigious food and drink retailer Fortnum & Mason, contains two of their finest Champagnes – Blanc de Noirs Champagne and Brut Réserve Champagne N.V. An excellent choice for those who wish to gift quality wine at a decent budget.
Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from Les Ricey in the Côte des Bar region, the Blanc de Noirs is beautifully golden in colour, with cheery notes of gooseberry, cherry, red apple and quince – the French countryside encapsulated! Meanwhile, the Brut Réserve Champagne N.V features a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay – the perfect combination of complexity and freshness, pairing with a wide array of dishes.
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3. Fortnum & Mason: The celebration Champagne chocolate gift box
Another Fortnum & Mason offering, this one is a great choice for family celebrations such as birthdays of close friends and anniversary parties. You can definitely count on these praline and truffle chocolates being a great complement to your bottle of brut reserve.
This brut reserve is the same bottle as seen in the brand’s aforementioned Champagne pairing box. It features a delicious blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.
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4. Laurent Perrier: Brut Champagne and Montezuma's truffle set
From the world renowned champagne house Laurent Perrier, this brut Champagne and montezuma truffle set can add stars to any occasion. This Champagne is made from the purest grape juice and stems from a blend of 55% Chardonnay (double than the typical amount in Champagnes), giving it a unique character.
With an aroma of citrus and hints of white flowers, this delicate bubbly pairs excellently with the rich taste and texture of chocolate truffles.
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5. Personalised Champagne and chocolates gift box
If you wish to gift something a little more bespoke, consider this personalised Champagne and chocolates gift box. This combo of high quality Belgian chocolates, along with a Paul Langier brut Champagne, is the perfect option for those wanting to wow their loved ones on a budget.
Add your own message to the label of the Champagne bottle for a bespoke twist, creating a present that can be held onto as a keepsake.
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6. Bollinger rose and glasses set
Is there a fancier gift than a bottle of Bolly? A beautiful bottle of Bollinger rosé Champagne coupled with a set of two glasses makes this stunning gift a must-have for celebrating a Christmas for two.
With its rich bronze tones, this 75cl bottle of Bollinger features redcurrant, cherry and wild strawberry to the nose, and length and vivacity on the palate, not forgetting its tannic finish!
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7. Ruinart Rosé Second Skin
We recommend a bottle of Ruinart Rosé Second Skin as an eco-conscious gift for your loved ones. This rich blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir produces a pink fizz, which has been perfect over four centuries to produce a fruity blend of guava, lychee and pomegranate. Those with an even more refined palate will note berries, pink grapefruit and mint.
What’s more is that this Champagne comes in eco-friendly packaging, reducing the carbon footprint by a whopping 60% when compared to other Champagne gifts.
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8. Rene Jolly Blanc De Blanc
For those who wish to have a great gift without breaking the bank, a bottle of René Jolly Blanc De Blancs will not let you down. This bottle of Champagne has been produced by Pierre-Eric Jolly at his family owned vineyards since 1737. A roasted nut and lively citrus aroma give this moorish dry Champagne a smooth finish, making it a no-brainer choice for celebration!
For those with special dietary requirements, you may wish to know that this Champagne is vegan!
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Champagne for every occasion
There’s no doubt that Champagne is a timeless gift for any celebration. Its sparkling taste and rich heritage coupled with a smooth finish makes it a go-to choice for many. Plus, nothing quite says “let’s celebrate” like the pop of a Champagne cork!
While choosing between a brut, rosé or a vintage is a personal choice, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or Christmas you’re celebrating, a bottle of bubbly is a must!
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