16. The ultimate celebration essential will always be French Champagne

VISI / REASONS

Champagne is still the ultimate celebration accessory – and a limited-edition bottle that looks good and offers drinking enjoyment does double duty as both a decor element and a thoughtful gift.

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1. HOOKED ON CLASSICS: TrioofMoët&Chandon Impérial,ImpérialNectarandImpérialRosé.The annual limited-edition gi bottles and boxes by Moët & Chandon are always as fun, festive and iconic as Impérial itself. The house’s signature Champagne was created in 1869, and embodies a seductive palate and elegant maturity. Moët & Chandon Impérial from R600; Nectar Impérial from R750; Rosé Impérial from R800

2. A SUSTAINABLE CENTREPIECE: RuinartBlancdeBlancs. Ruinart’s move to replace gi boxes with a recyclable “second skin” made from pulped paper has resulted in a case that mimics the curves of the bottle, protecting its contents from light and moisture. The sculptural yet minimal surface evokes the walls of the crayères in Reims, the ancient chalk quarries where Ruinart Champagnes age – and the packaging is so ecofriendly, it’s reduced the Maison’s carbon footprint by 60%. From R1 195 3. THE MEMORY MAKER: VeuveClicquotYellowLabel RadiatingRetroChicTape.Like many excellent designs of the present, the Veuve Clicquot Radiating Retro special edition pays homage to the past with a sophisticated geometric design. Inspired by 1960s wallpaper, the pack offers a dose of vintage chic – and the irreverent Champagne inside pairs well with a playlist from just about any decade. From R650 4. PIÈCE DE RÉSISTANCE: DomPérignonXLadyGaga Vintage2010LimitedEditionBlanc.Dom Pérignon’s mission to create harmony that inspires emotion is the perfect complement to Lady Gaga’s musical style. The unique conditions offered by 2010’s harvest culminated in a wine with a full presence, whose character unfolds, generous and firm, before tautening around vibrant, spicy notes and a salty finish. Choose this statement bottle to pop at midnight, and see in the new year. From R3 500

OUR GIFT TO YOU

ONE LUCKY VISI READER WILL BE GIFTED ONE OF EACH OF THE BOTTLES OF CHAMPAGNE FEATURED ON THIS PAGE, WORTH A TOTAL OF R7 495. GO TO VISI.CO.ZA TO ENTER.

COMPETITION ONLY OPEN TO OVER-18s. LUCIENNE VAN PUL WORDS PHOTOS SUPPLIED