Sparkle and fizz

Prepare your festive wine lists

MARGRAIN LA MICHELLE MARTINBOROUGH METHODE TRADITIONELLE 2014 $45 Made by Strat Canning and named after Daryl and Graham Margrain’s daughter, this classic blend is dominated by pinot noir, while chardonnay adds citrus and stonefruit nuances. The mouthfeel is creamy, with a very fine mousse, delicate beading and soft acidity, giving way to a fine and dry textural line that carries through to a rounded, sustained bready-yeasty finish.

Sip with: salt and pepper squid. margrainvineyard.co.nz

CHAMPAGNE ANDRE CLOUET GRANDE RESERVE BRUT NV $60

Oui, oui y’all! Coming at you live and direct from the French village of Bouzy (the best name for a village ever), is a fizz made from 100 per cent pinot noir aged for six years on its yeast lees. It’s finely structured, creamy, complex and nutty. Plus the bubbles are the smallest I think I’ve ever seen weave their way to the top of any flute I’ve clutched (and I’ve clutched a few in my time). More please! Sip with: butternut and ricotta ravioli. cultwine.co.nz

NO.1 FAMILY ESTATE CUVEE ADELE METHODE TRADITIONELLE 2013 $240

Yes, $240. But if the Swarovski-encrusted bottle and plush, black, velvet-lined gift box doesn’t have you quivering, the aromas of freshly-split croissant, cashew butter and Girl Guide biscuits will have you jelly-like in no time. So fresh, elegant, statuesque and willowy on the palate, it’s the Claudia Schiffer of Kiwi bubbles, if you will. Crafted by Daniel Le Brun as a liquid love letter to his wife, an Adele is only ever made when the fruit is absolutely perfect and the stars have aligned.

Sip with: someone you’re lusting after. no1familyestate.co.nz