Challenging the three Cs of Christmas, part 1: Champagne

Let’s be clear, we love the ravishing sensuality of Champagne; and the rapier-like clarity of Chablis is indeed a thing of beauty. We wouldn’t be upset either to see a bottle or two of Côte de Beaune white Burgundy gracing our Christmas table. Together, they constitute the “three Cs of Christmas” – tried and tested, arriving down your chimney with impeccable credentials. But there are important reasons to look further afield, particularly this year. Beyond a simple desire for novelty, budgets are tight. With a bit of lateral thinking and an eye to value for money, you can still sup like Merovingian royalty whilst exploring exciting new wine experiences into the bargain.