5 BOTTLES YOU SHOULD BUY TO IMPRESS YOUR IN-LAWS
The festive season is here, and that means two things: mountains of mince pies and gearing up to impress the in-laws. Showing up with a excellent bottle of fizz is without a doubt the easiest way to win hearts...and some serious brownie-points.
I’ve handpicked five stunning sparkling wines that hit all the right notes - luxurious, thoughtful, and full of flavour - so you can let the wine do the talking.
Nyetimber 1086 Rosé (2013), England
Image Credit: Nyetimber
Price: £175-£200
Let’s kick things off close to home with Nyetimber 1086 Rosé, the crown jewel of English sparkling wine. Grown in the chalky soils of Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent, Nyetimber’s vineyards share a geological connection with the Champagne region, giving their wines a signature minerality and finesse. The 1086 Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, crafted with meticulous precision and aged to perfection. Expect vibrant summer berries, soft spice, and that signature creamy texture.
Talking Point: Nyetimber has been proving English sparkling wine can rival Champagne for decades. In fact, the 1086 reference pays homage to Nyetimber’s deep-rooted connection to the doomsday charter, where the vineyard was specifically named.
Pairing: Pair it with smoked salmon blinis or duck pâté for a very luxurious Christmas Day starter. A top tip - although it should be served somewhat chilled, allow the wine some time to breathe and open up – this way you’ll get the most expressive tasting experience and enjoy every aroma it has to throw at you.
Moët & Chandon Collection Impériale, France
Image Credit: Fizz in the City
Price: £200
For a showstopper with serious sparkle, Moët & Chandon Collection Impériale is the way to go. This isn’t the Moët you spot in every supermarket aisle; it’s a rare blend of reserve wines from the Maison’s best vintages, aged to perfection. Grown on the rolling limestone slopes of the Marne Valley and Côte des Blancs, the grapes thrive in Champagne’s cool climate, which allows them to ripen slowly and retain their vibrant acidity. In the glass, expect golden apple, lemon zest, and buttery brioche - all the hallmarks of an expertly crafted Champagne.
Talking Point: Not all Moët is created equal. Collection Impériale is a collector’s dream, combining the elegance of fine Champagne with a little festive exclusivity.
Pairing: Serve with lobster, a seafood platter, or baked Camembert - because Christmas isn’t a time to hold back. Again, be patient with this one, allowing it time and a little more warmth to reveal its rich tertiary aromas of ginger and baked fruit. Simply delicious.
Can Sala Brut Nature 2008, Spain
Image Credit: Fizz in the City
Price: £70-£90
Think Cava can’t match Champagne? Think again. Can Sala Brut Nature 2008 is a stunning example of what Spanish sparkling wine can achieve with care and craftsmanship. From the heart of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia in Penedès, Can Sala is made from meticulously farmed Macabeo and Xarel·lo grapes, grown in nutrient-poor limestone soils that push the vines to produce concentrated, complex fruit. Aged for over 10 years and made in the Brut Nature style (zero added sugar), it’s bone-dry yet rich, with flavours of baked apple, toasted nuts, and fresh pastry. With the inclusion of Xarel·lo grapes, it is notably ‘earthier’ than its French counterpart, while still holding refined elegance and structure in the glass.
Talking Point: Can Sala is a true labour of love, embodying the new wave of premium Cava. Talk about its extended ageing and single-vineyard pedigree, and you’ll have everyone’s attention at the dinner table.
Pairing: Perfect with Iberico ham, manchego cheese, or a handful of roasted almonds.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, France
Image Credit: Ruinart
Price: £75-£90
Elegant, refined, and utterly timeless, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is a benchmark for Chardonnay lovers. Sourced primarily from the Premier Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs, this Champagne is a masterclass in purity and precision. The chalky soils of this region lend a distinctive minerality and finesse, while the cool climate preserves the bright citrus and floral notes that make Blanc de Blancs so special. This is a solid choice for a ‘bring a bottle’ that’s not going to break the bank - it’s one I’ve gifted to my own MIL, so I speak from experience!
Talking Point: Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house, founded in 1729, and its Blanc de Blancs is iconic among sparkling wine fans.
Pairing: Seared scallops or Parmesan crisps work beautifully, but honestly, it’s just as good with a simple slice of sourdough and butter.
Villa Sandi Cartizze DOCG, Italy
Image Credit: Fizz in the City
Price: £30-£40
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, Villa Sandi Cartizze DOCG is your secret weapon. Sourced from the tiny and prestigious Cartizze hill in Valdobbiadene, this is Prosecco at its finest. The Cartizze terroir - steep slopes, marl soils, and optimal sun exposure - creates intensely aromatic grapes that give this wine its hallmark ripe pear, golden apple, and white flower notes. Slightly off-dry with a creamy mousse, it’s approachable, versatile, and undeniably classy.
Talking Point: Prosecco, but make it fancy. Cartizze is the ‘Grand Cru’ of Prosecco, and Villa Sandi’s offering shows why it’s worth every penny. Pair it with dessert or start the evening with a toast - it’s that versatile.
Pairing: Serve alongside panettone, or match it with festive nibbles like spiced nuts and candied fruits.
SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER…
When presenting any of these wines, a little extra wine knowledge goes a long way:
Traditional Method: Unlike other styles, the secondary fermentation commences in the bottle. The process takes longer and requires skill to develop the perfect flavour.
Ageing: Highlight how long the wine has aged on lees - a key factor in developing complexity, texture, and subtle flavours.
Dosage: Explain the sweetness level - whether it’s Brut, Brut Nature, or Extra Brut. It’s a fun way to showcase your understanding of how sugar levels affect the final taste.