Armand de Brignac, Champagne, France - 1.5l

This champagne will always capture the imagination thanks to the unique gold pewter bottle, emblazed with the iconic Ace of Spades branding. Thankfully, the contents provide a striking treat for the palate as well as saucering the eyes. Perfect for drinking now, though equally comfortable with storage in a cellar for a few more years, a nose of brioche, vanilla, pepper and fruit will immediately pique the senses. This gives way to silky and warming body flavour, defined by the aforementioned toasted brioche and juicy apricot, while the finish lingers with hints of peach tempered by sweet vanilla. Fine Champagne Magazine once declared Armand de Brignac the world's finest champagne in a blind taste test, and one sip of this exquisite blend shows why.

This champagne makes the perfect aperitif, especially if you'll looking to turn heads at a dinner party, but it also pairs perfectly with gamey meat such as quail, light fish, or seared scallops.

Armand de Brignac is the brainchild of the Cattier family of Chigny-les-Roses, with this thirteenth-generation champagne house cultivating vines since 1625. While this illustrious manufacturer was dormant for many years, it returned to the market with much fanfare at the turn of the 20th century, with the prestigious Armand de Brignac first shipping in 2006. The Cattier family still produces this champagne despite selling to Jay-Z in 2014, who regularly mentions the brand in his lyrics. The American rapper clearly does not consider substandard champagne to be among his 99 problems, as he retains a stake in the business - though he sold 50% to Moët Hennessy in 2021.