Putting the fizz into the festivities has never been easier

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and it’s got nothing to do with kids jingle belling, despite what Andy Williams says.

No, it’s the most wonderful time of the year as it’s the season of unlimited fizz.

This is a golden age for sparkling wine.

Not so long ago, the world of fizz was divided into fine Champagne and No, I’m fine, thanks’ efforts.

Today, glorious examples are being made worldwide, and great wines no longer have to mean great prices, as the following show.

First up is the Tesco Finest Cava (£8). Tesco’s ordinary Cava is good fun stuff, and at £5, it’s hard to fault. The Finest is a huge step up in terms of quality and complexity - think The Weakest Link vs Mastermind.

With its toasty nose, palate of plump white berry fruits, citrus, and a yeasty dry finish, this is a seriously good glassful.

South African sparkling wine doesn’t get better than Graham Beck NV (Majestic £11.99); in fact, I’d say this is the best sub-£20 fizz you can get it.

It’s a class act that combines the green apple and melon notes of Chardonnay with weightier, more intense red berry tones of Pinot Noir.

Obama served this at his inauguration party, and I’ll be serving it at my equally prestigious Boxing Day bash.

California has a grand tradition of producing great fizz, and some of the leading Champagne houses have established themselves there.

One of my favourites is the Domaine Carneros 2017 (Noble Green £22 on offer down from £30), which is owned by Champagne Taittinger. I first had this back in 2000, and every time I try it, I find its blend of upfront berry fruit, savoury complexity, and elegance hugely impressive.

This is no Champagne wannabe; this is a fine wine in its own right.

English sparkling wine has been a darling of the tasting room for a while now.

Denbies is one of our leading producers and enjoys an excellent reputation for their fizz.

The Denbies Cubitt Blanc de Noirs 2014 (Denbies £34.95) is a wine I encountered for the first time this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of it in 2022.

Made exclusively from black grapes, it’s aged for six years prior to release, which imparts a mellow, Mirabelle plum tone to the pear, green apple, and grapefruit notes.

This would make the perfect partner to heavily smoked salmon.

And finishing with a flourish, we have the Taittinger Prelude (Amazon £46). Taittinger’s wines are the epitome of elegance.

The Prelude is a 50-50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from Grand Cru rated vineyards, it’s aged for five years in their magnificent subterranean chalk cellars before release.

Created as a prelude to celebrations, it’s a sublime mix of power and poise, of refreshing red apples and pears, rich brioche, and peaches. We will be treating ourselves to a bottle (or two!) on the 24th.

Well, it’s Christmas!