How underrated is Crémant de Loire?! This is sensational, with bags of sweet patisserie notes, a touch of green strawberry from a dollop of Cabernet Franc in the blend, and oodles of rich, round weight on the palate. This is a delight to drink and a fab alternative to Champagne.

The name Alfred Gratien may well be a familiar one to many a Champagne aficionado. However, it was the Loire Valley where his story begins. In the mid-1800s Gratien purchased in the Saumur hillsides of the Loire Valley in western France where he took on 20 hectares of vineyards and an extensive network of underground cellars, perfect for producing and ageing quality sparkling wines that the region has become known for: Crémant de Loire. Later in the 19th century, Alfred met Alsace-born Jean-Albert Meyer. This marked the start of a great partnership and a boost in the quality and production of sparkling wine until Gratien's death in 1885 at which point Alfred's widow, appointed Meyer as the general manager of the estate. Fast-forward to today and the estate has recently been sold to German wine behemoth Henkell & Co. This acquisition has seen increased modernisation and investment into the brand and combined with the 150+ years of history that Gratien & Meyer boasts, this is a fine combination and a winning recipe for very high-quality wine.