“This is so deliciously drinkable it should come with a warning.” - JancisRobinson.com

“For under £25 this offers good value.” - Decanter

There seems to be a misplaced sense that Crémant is just a stand-in for when the celebration doesn’t quite merit opening a bottle of Champagne, maybe for a middle management promotion or an income tax rebate, but when it is made as well as this (and is as smartly packaged as this), it deserves to be served at the ambassador’s reception along with the Fererro Rocher.

It is made from a blend of organically-farmed Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay grapes, which are undoubtedly more conscientiously farmed than the grapes that go into most Champagnes, and then harvested by hand. Made using the traditional champagne method and finished in the style of a Brut, this Loire Crémant is dry and elegant with fine bubbles and succulent nectarine, white flowers and a distinctive note of tarte tatin. 12.5% alc. 12 months on its lees. Only 8,000 bottles are made. Drink now-2027.

JancisRobinson.com: “This is so deliciously drinkable it should come with a warning. It's pears and pear-skin spice, and bubbles that feel like kisses with a lip-nip of white pepper, and a light minerality that reminds me of cuttlebone. It's not pretending to be grand, but it's all the better for that, and it's scrumptious on its own terms. (TC)” 16.5 points