Read more

Move away from the expensive, chalky slopes of Champagne and head to France's lush Loire Valley if you want thrillingly fresh fizz that won't break the bank. Here the wines offer consumers a few things neither the regal houses of Champagne nor the well-established New World sparklers (California in particular) can match. They are delightfully soft, with nice minerality, fresh fruit - and value for money! Descended from families of vignerons, Didier and Catherine Champalou may have only started their excellent domaine in the early 1980s but they are already producing some of Vouvray's most stunning wines. And this mouthwatering fizz is a delight. Classic Chenin Blanc. Very pale brass in the glass with fresh, light honeydew melon aromas and a crisp flavor with just a hint of fresh-fruit sweetness well balanced by lemony acidity.