The Taittinger Champagne house in Rheims was founded in 1734, and this recent, fine-bubbled descendant echoes that distinguished history. The brilliant body is golden yellow in colour. The bubbles are fine, while the foam is discreet yet lingering. The nose, very open and expressive, delivers aromas of fruit and brioche. It also gives off the fragrance of peach, white flowers (hawthorn, acacia) and vanilla pod. The entry onto the palate is lively, fresh and in total harmony. This is a delicate wine with flavours of fresh fruit and honey. Taittinger Brut Réserve, which acquires its maturity during three and four years ageing in the cellar, offers excellent aromatic potential.

If you like a Champagne of substance or - dare I say - 'verve', then look no further than Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV. It's a perfect example of harmony between delicacy and style.

The house was founded as Pommery & Greno in 1858 by Alexandre Louis Pommery and Narcisse Greno. Under the guidance of Alexandre's widow, Louise Pommery, the house grew into one of the largest Champagne houses and to this day produce elegant and complex Champagne's.

The guiding principles of blending are the achievement of harmony and consistency. The White Foil blend is traditionally composed from around 80 still base wines, drawn from different vineyard sites (crus), grape varieties and vintage years. The blend contains approximately one third of each three grape varieties of Champagne. Pinot Noir contributes body, depth of character and life extending tannins, Pinot Meunier adds youthful freshness, vigour and plump fruit character while Chardonnay gibes lightness, elegance and firmness.

The Grand Dame of Moet & Chandon the Vintage has spent years in the cellars to emerge as a star of the Champagne line. It's best to just pop the cork and fall in love all over again this Valentines Day.

Bollinger Special Cuvee is the result of the delicate blending between harvest grapes and a majority of reserve wines, including some, ages in magnums for more than 15 years in Bollingers cellars. To the eye: A golden colour, distinctive of black grape varieties. Very fine bubbles. To the nose: A beautiful aromatic complexity. Ripe fruit and spice aromas. Hints of roasted apples, apple compote and peaches. To the palate: A subtle combinations of structure, length and vivacity. Bubbles like velvet. Pear, brioche and spicy aromas, notes of fresh walnut.

Bollinger Special Cuvée is unquestionably one of the finest of all French champagnes, the Bollinger style is distinctive for its full-bodied toasty character derived from a high proportion of Pinot Noir and the inclusion of base wine that has been matured in oak.

Lanson Black Label continues to stand out in the non vintage Champagne crowd with its quality consistency year after year. Lanson, with its pedigree and history that rivals any Champagne house, is easily one of the best value non vintage Champagne's, with its fine and elegant palate that continues right across the tongue. A soft and pure texture follows showcasing the delicate acid structure of one of the true Champagne bargains.

The House of Bollinger has been producing fine wines of Champagne since 1829. In the last 180 or so years they have built a reputation of the highest standard. Rich and subtle with a pleasant nose and flavours that come back begging you for more, this is one of the finest non vintage Rosé Champagnes.

Champagne of this quality is amazing. Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut is vibrant with crisp green apple and citrus flavours on the palate. A perfect balance between the acidity and the delicate bubbles, giving it an amazing length.