Credit crunch eating into your champagne budget? Think the stuff is overpriced anyway? Then why not turn your gaze toward Spain where sparkling wines may not have the snob appeal of Champagne, but in the glass and on the nose can often hold their own against fancier tipples.

Reina Maria Cristina is a Chardonnay blended sparkling wine, full of fine persistent bubbles and fresh, intense aromas. It has the perfect balance between primary aromas of tropical fruit and apple, and the honey, toasty aromas from ageing and lees. This premium, quality sparkling wine is well balanced with good body and notable freshness.

Created to honour the Queen Regent, Maria Cristina, who granted Codorníu the title of ‘Purveyor to the Spanish Royal Household’ in 1897, Reina Maria Cristina has the quality and personality to suit the grandest of occasions, making it the wine of choice to celebrate the New Year in style.

Codorníu Reina Maria Cristina
RRP £18.99 (on promotion for £9.99 in Majestic when you buy a minimum of two bottles)
Available from Majestic and select independent wine merchants