After a hot, dry summer when Champagne was named a United Nations World Heritage Site, the Champenois continue to celebrate following the 2015 harvest.

"The grapes on the presses were of outstanding quality and there was optimal balance between sugar and acidity levels," says Francoise Peretti, director of the Champagne Bureau UK.

"We won't know until early 2016 whether the producers will declare a vintage. However, I have a feeling that 2015 will make lots of champagne drinkers happy around the world when it is released!" says Peretti.

As if champagne needed a supporting role, the fact that the vineyards and cellars where the world's most famous sparkling wine is produced are also considered 'culturally significant', brings added sparkle to its status.

Harvesting at the exact moment of ripeness is crucial to creating these exquisitely balanced bubbles and vintage champagne (wine from a single year) must be aged for a minimum of three years, while non-vintage (a blend from multiple years) for at least 15 months.

But in reality, the best producers age both for longer to impress and delight us with these wines of exceptional quality...

NEW RELEASES

:: The experts cite vintage as the best value of all the champagnes and if you're fond of a rich, biscuity style with great complexity and finesse, then Bollinger La Grande Annee 2005 (£67.50 when you buy 2, www.champagnedirect.co.uk) is outstanding. With aromas of brioche, dried fruits and nuts, a rich palate of toasty fruit and lovely freshness on the long finish, it has all the aromatics and fullness you would expect from this illustrious house.

:: Famous for their light and elegant style, Taittinger's latest expression is a classy choice if you love a champagne made entirely from chardonnay. T aittinger Comte de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006 (£147 RRP, selected retailers, available December) has a fresh, floral character which develops into more mature notes of ripe, exotic fruits and pastry with a hint of spice on the long, luxurious finish.

:: Produced by Champagne Cattier, the Armand De Brignac brand (also known as Ace of Spades) launched in 2006 and in less than 10 years has established itself as the A-listers' champers for those with cash to spare. Less than 3,000 of the iconic bottles dressed in a pewter-coloured coating have been released and despite its lofty price tag, Armand De Brignac Blanc de Noirs (£695, www.harrods.com) is remarkably easy to drink. Made from 100% pinot noir, it marries freshness with elegance and a light toastiness on the graceful finish.

GROWER CHAMPAGNES

:: There's more to champagne than the big names, and family-owned Gremillet produce consistently well made wines at fair prices. Growers since the 18th century, try Champagne Gremillet Brut Selection NV (£21.99, www.virginwines.co.uk) which is an easy drinking, fruity style with fresh, floral aromas that lead to peach and pear flavours enhanced by a yeasty note and a fresh, citrusy finish.

:: The popularity of rose champagne continues to rise and deftly balancing aroma with fruit, Lucie & Sebastien Cheurlin Rose Pluie D'Ete Champagne (currently £16.99 from £30, www. 31dover.com) shows attractive strawberry, raspberry and red berry fruits on a fresh palate with a nice hint of spiciness, a soft, fragrant nose and balanced acidity on the finish.

PERSONAL FAVOURITES

:: Sainsbury's were the first supermarket to launch an own-brand champagne and have worked with champagne house Duval Leroy for more than 30 years to supply customers with a range of champagnes that offer outstanding quality and value. "Our most popular champagne, Sa insbury's award-winning Winemakers' Selection Blanc de Noirs Brut NV (£20, Sainsbury's) is an elegant blend of pinot noir and pinot meunier and is characterised by its fine bubble mousse and subtle biscuity flavour," says Emma Monaghan, buyer for champagne and sparkling wine, Sainsbury's.

:: Another impressive own brand, the International Wine Challenge (IWC) awarded Tesco Finest Vintage Grand Cru Champagne 2007 (24.99, Tesco) a Great Value Champion award at this year's competition. Produced by Union Champagne, the judges loved its "ripe apple nose and brioche undertones, with a decadent creaminess". I loved its rich texture, toasty almond nose and generous style and length. A prize pick.

:: BEST BUY

Brancott Estate celebrates 40th anniversary... One of New Zealand's original wineries, Brancott Estate has released its latest vintage and Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough, New Zealand (£10.99, supermarkets nationwide) is a delicious sauvignon blanc with zesty notes of gooseberry and citrus. With bags of flavour and hints of ripe tropical fruits, it pairs well with Asian food or spicy fish dishes.

:: LIQUID NEWS

Poster girl for Campari... Hollywood golden girl Kate Hudson has been announced as the face of the Campari Calendar 2016 and joins the ranks of other leading ladies such as Penelope Cruz, Jessica Alba, Salma Hayek and Eva Mendes.

The 17th edition of the calendar is based around an election campaign with Hudson playing both hopeful candidates - showc asing her powerful and independent personality.

"I was honoured to be invited to shoot the 2016 Campari Calendar," says Hudson. "This year's theme plays off the upcoming election, which is the perfect metaphor for the many Campari flavour choices. I loved working with Michelangelo Di Battista to create two distinctive characters embodying bitter and sweet."

Distributed as an international limited edition, only 9,999 copies of The Campari Calendar are printed for the lucky few on the mailing list. A tribute to the world-class talent and photographers that make this red Italian bittersweet aperitif come to life on its glossy pages.

For more info, visit www.campari.com