RAISE A GLASS

I KNOW when Mother’s Day is approaching as my daughter almost always sends me a text checking my postcode for a) flowers b) card or c) a parcel. I’ve not had the text yet – I’d better drop some hints! Meanwhile, I’ve some ideas to add sparkle to any mum’s day.

Moët & Chandon Impérial NV (widely available; the best price at the moment is £32.50 in Asda, Waitrose and Tesco, 12% abv). This is a classic champagne which most people will have heard of and has been Moët’s flagship champagne since 1869. It’s a blend in almost equal measures of the classic champagne grapes pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay and has a tantalising nose of crisp apples and citrus, with vanilla and newly-baked cake; with good bubbles and a crisp acidity. Henri Delattre Rosé Champagne (£14.99, Lidl, 12% abv). This is in Lidl’s current Wine Cellar Collection and is a pretty pink for the pretty mum in your life. It’s the colour of strawberry sorbet and has aromas of strawberries and cream, a flash of citrus and a hint of vanilla and shortbread. The bubbles are giddy and flavours of red fruits, raspberries and strawberries are restrained – it’s a shame the flavours don’t last a bit longer in the mouth. But otherwise an easy-drinking decent value champers. Freixenet Cordon Negro (RRP £10, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Waitrose, Ocado 11.5% abv). This is another classic fizz which I’m sure you’ll have seen in shops many, many times. The iconic black bottle holds a tasty cava which is made in the same way as champagne. Give cava a chance! That’s what I say. In fact I might print some T-shirts. The wine is a blend of Catalan grapes parellada, macabeo and xarel-lo and has a good balance of green fruit aromas, slightly toasty, and on the palate is long and elegant with lemon and pear. Shorn Fizz Pinot Grigio (£8.75, Oddbins, 12.5% abv). This pretty fizz is from the historic New Zealand area of Gisborne where Captain James Cook first landed in the country in 1769. If mum likes prosecco I’m sure she’ll like this. It has gentle bubbles in the glass (they aren’t excitable but they do the job) which deliver popsicles of pear and apple aromas. The flavour is similar to prosecco with a touch of creaminess which softens the palate.

Kopparberg has brought out two new ciders which look all dressed up and glam in their sparkling bottle outfits. They even

have proper corks but I can’t pop one of them so I’m waiting for The Better Half to get home so I can try it. For that reason today I’m

sharing words on Kopparberg Sparkling Rosé Cider Raspberry

(£5, Asda, 7% abv); its sister cider is strawberry. It seems odd to pop a cork and then drink fruit-flavoured cider but for marketing purposes I guess it gives them a point of difference. It’s a refreshing glass, sprightly, summery and the raspberry isn’t too sweet and overpowering.

I’ll wish all mums a wonderful day. If all you have is memories of your mum (like I do) then raise a glass of something special and smile.