Tasting notes:

Proof that best pink drink is Champagne…. our Grand Master of 2026 was a sparkling wine. Not only that, but a relative newcomer to the category, and by a female winemaker from outside France – Yvonne Seier Christensen, who named the brand after her five daughters. Using only organic Pinot Noir from the Aube and made by briefly macerating the must with the skins of the black grapes to give the wine a pale poached salmon hue – as opposed to blending white wine with red – this is a specialist expression. As for the taste, it’s delicious, with layers of complementary flavours, from orange zest and wild strawberry to hazelnuts and cappuccino. Then there’s the texture, which is both creamy, zesty and chalky, with a cleansing bone dry finish. (Patrick Schmitt MW)