The house of Besserat de Bellefon was founded in 1843 near Ay in Champagne, and is now based in Epernay. The hallmark of the house is the lower than normal pressure that the wine is kept at under cork. This lower than normal pressure does not reduce the effervescence, but softens it, allowing the wine to partner better with food. Aspect: Soft rose with fine clear beads Bouquet: Red berries, hawthorn, the verve of springtime Palate: Wild strawberries, refreshing, seductive Assemblage : Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

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.

The house of Besserat de Bellefon was founded in 1843 near Ay in Champagne, and is now based in Epernay. The hallmark of the house is the lower than normal pressure that the wine is kept at under cork. This lower than normal pressure does not reduce the effervescence, but softens it, allowing the wine to partner better with food. Aspect: Deep, intense yellow Bouquet: Citrus, confits, honey, sweet spice, panettone, praline Palate: Generous freshness, opulence, purity, natural, exceptional Assemblage : Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier.

The Vazart-Coquart family has been involved in the wine business for centuries. In 1953, Louis Vazart and his son Jacques launched the family Champagne brand. Jean-Pierre Vazart, Jacques son, is now in charge of the estate. The Vazarts grow 95% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir on their 26.4 acres (10.7ha) in Chouilly. Average vine age is 30 years. They produce what is considered to be one of the best Blanc de Blancs in Champagne.

'Rose were for long regarded as the illegitimate offspring of Champagne, recipients of coarse, heavy pressings wines partially masked by high dosage levels. Today they are routinely priced above 'normal' NV (or vintage) blends and are carefully made. Whether they really merit the premium is irrelevant: the market has spoken. But Laurent-Perrier is a special case: this is 100% pinot noir, rather than a blend coloured by pinot noir red wine. The full salmon colour is an immediate indication of its provenance, the bouquet complex and alluring, leading directly into the cherry and strawberry flavours of the long, sustained palate; excellent finish and aftertaste.' - 95 points, James Halliday Top 100