As the excitement over Harry and Meghan’s wedding day reaches fever pitch, we wonder what Champagne the royals will be serving their guests on the big day? Pol Roger Brut Réserve in magnum was the bottle of choice for William and Kate’s wedding, but we suspect Harry won’t want to copy his brother.
Equally, what fizz should we be cracking open as we settle down in front of the box? And the other question: what’s this year’s must-have bottle if you’re looking to give something special as a wedding gift? Read on to find out...
Big Occasion Champagnes
Bollinger: Proud holder of a royal warrant, Bollinger always delivers a powerful message to guests. We imagine Harry might have had a bottle or two in his day, but for this occasion, he may fancy the upgrade to La Grande Année, 2007, a regal choice for a royal wedding. £79, tanners-wines.co.uk
Dom Pérignon: This icon of classical luxury possesses both lightness and density in equal measure. It has minerality and elegance in abundance, and adds weight to any special occasion. £120, Sainsbury’s
Krug: The house’s flagship Grande Cuvée is currently based on the 2008 harvest, which means plenty of age and complexity. Always a treat. £145, ocado.com
Good bets to be served at the royal reception
Laurent-Perrier: If Harry takes after his father, then the LP rosé will be high on his list. If it’s someone you want to impress then the extra finesse and complexity of multi-vintage Grand Siècle pushes the boat out just a little further. £60, Sainsbury’s
Louis Roederer: Brut Premier in magnum gets extra ageing compared to in the bottle, and it’s always a noticeable step up in complexity and intensity. The name ‘Louis’ also has the royal blessing. £88, waitrosecellar.com
Royal classics to pop open in front of the TV
Moët & Chandon: Bright, vivacious and fruity, this royal warrant holder is a quintessential occasion Champagne. Try a bottle of the Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé for something that is equally vibrant and has bundles of personality. Serve on the rocks as a great summertime drink. £43.44, thedrinkshop.com
Veuve Clicquot: Another classic brand that has Her Majesty’s warrant and, with its sponsorship of the annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, fits Prince Harry’s brand, too. Expect plenty of power from the Pinot Noir, but also good fruit and elegance. £40, Waitrose
Champagne gifts for the discerning present-giver
Billecart-Salmon: Billecart’s Cuvée Nicolas François 2002 is a top-class vintage Champagne from a great year. Don’t hurry to drink it, it’s a wine of contemplation that opens up in the glass to reveal layers of complexity and finesse. £149, Hedonism Wines
Henriot: Henriot’s flagship Blanc de Blancs is a Champagne that marks out its giver as someone of immense taste – especially when it comes in a gift box with a stack of six elegant coupes. It is blended from a range of top Chardonnay crus and it gets the extra time in bottle that wines of such pedigree demand to show more complex expression. £99.99, Selfridges
Piper-Heidsieck: A celebratory prestige cuvée with the glitzy gold packaging to mark any special event, Piper-Heidsieck Rare is only made in genuinely top-class vintages in Champagne. This beauty in magnum from 1998 was only the fifth ever created. £399.95, The Finest Bubble