Founded in 1851 in Saumur, the heart of the Loire Valley, by Etienne Bouvet and his wife Célestine Ladubay, Bouvet Ladubay is the first producer of Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines in Saumur, and France's most awarded producer for the quality of its cuvées.

Currently run by the fourth generation of the Monmousseau family, Bouvet Ladubay sources its grapes from around 90 growers in the Saumur and winder Loire Valley area, with all fruit grown organically. 

Now exported to over 45 countries, this producer is the perfect alternative for your Christmas celebrations. Here we've picked our three favourite bottles to pop this festive season. 

Bouvet Trésor Saumur AOP Brut Vintage

Legend has it that Etienne Bouvet found treasure in the St. Florent Abbey. Whether that is true remains to be seen, but this wine is named after the myth – and with wine this good, perhaps these bubbles are the pot of gold after all. Aged in oak barrels and then left on lees for a minimum of 24 months, this is a structured, robust sparkling wine with a creamy texture, hints of oakiness tempered by a balancing fruit finish and lingering acidity. 

£20; majestic.co.uk

Bouvet Saphir Saumur AOP Brut Vintage

The perfect aperitif, this zippy bottle of sparkling wine is made from 85% chenin and 15% chardonnay and is aged on lees for a minimum of 18 months. This produces a well-rounded sip that is sprightly and bright while still benefitting from a complexity and an underpinning flinty note thanks to the area's limestone soils. 

£17; majestic.co.uk

Bouvet Saumur AOP Brut

A perfect entry level sparkling that has an approachable price tag but still comes with a heart dose of flavour, Bouvet Ladubay's Saumur Brut is bright with the freshness of chenin, with a hint of citrus. This is one to sip all day long on Christmas. 

£14; majestic.co.uk

For more information visit bouvetladubay.com