Two impressive sparkling wines from Laithwaites, both of which offer great value for money.

South Ridge English Quality Sparkling Wine 2008 England
12% alcohol. This is made by Ridgeview, one of the UK’s top 3 sparkling wine producers. It’s toasty and quite complex with intense citrus fruit characters as well as some spice and apple notes. There’s some sweetness, as well as really high acidity. Sophisticated stuff with lovely precision. 91/100 (£16.99 Laithwaites)

Laithwaites Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2004
12% alcohol. This spends 4.5 years on lees. Rich, toasty and intense with fine citrus notes and a bit of structure. Fresh and precise but also full flavoured and broad, with notes of toast, brioche and citrus fruit. Nice intensity. 91/100 (£29.99 Laithwaites)