RAISE A GLASS
ANOTHER New Year is appearing around the corner as one slides off into the distance. How did that happen? Pop some bubbles as you say hello to one and goodbye to the other.
A BRACE OF CAVAS: VILARNAU BRUT RESERVA CAVA
£11.99, Ocado, Booths and thedrinkshop.com, 11.5% abv WITH its artistdesigned bottle sleeve, this cava from Barcelona looks like it’s put on a party dress to stroll along Las Ramblas.
Traditional cava grapes macabeo, xarel-lo and parellada create a delicious blend with flavours of apple and a lemon sorbet finish. Try with salty nibbles.
CAVA SUMARROCA EL GRAN AMIGO GRAN RESERVA, 2012 £10.95, thewinesociety.com, 12% abv
A VERY good price for a vintage cava, and it’s a delicious one too. A nutty, citrus-led wine which is extremely easy on the palate and very elegant.
There’s a touch of vanilla pastry, which will have developed from the wine’s ageing on the lees for three years.
BUY CHAMPERS ON YOUR BIG SHOP PIERRE DARCYS BRUT CHAMPAGNE £12, Asda, 12% abv
THIS is a fabulous fizz. It is pale gold with a slight blush and plenty of bubbles. It would really look the part for a New Year’s Eve bash. It is crisp with flavours of apples and a hint of lemon. It slips down easily!
BISSINGER CHAMPAGNE 1ER CUVEE BRUT £17.99, Lidl, 12% abv
THE fizz is clad in an extremely elegant-looking bottle and has a lush nose of apples and pears, dotted liberally with caramel and a buttery biscuit base of brioche. The bubbles are elegantly eager and there’s a really nice tingle in the mouth with a beautiful crisp apple bite.
A COUPLE OF PINKS VEUVE MONSIGNY CHAMPAGNE ROSÉ £15.99, Aldi, 12% abv
THIS is the pop princess of New Year champagnes, pictured below left. Perky and pink, it bubbles away nicely and is a good party tipple. It might be a bit lightweight for when the clock strikes midnight but it is a nice treat to welcome visitors.
THE CO-OP’S IRRESISTIBLE SPUMANTE ROSATO BRUT £7.99, 11.5% abv
THIS sparkler is a vibrant pink colour and the fizz is giddy and can be a bit overpowering. On the positive, the longlasting bubbles deliver a good mousse. The wine has a lovely light and gentle taste, with the flavour of the sweet grapes coming through. Definitely one for parties.
A CLASS ACT FOR NEW YEAR CHARLES HEIDSIECK, BRUT RÉSERVE £35, winetrust100.co.uk, 12% abv
THE original Champagne Charlie was the founder of this champagne house; CharlesCamille Heidsieck is the man credited with popularising champagne. Pour this, pictured left, as the clocks strike midnight. It has aromas of brioche and apples, as if baked in a tarte tatin. I hope 2018 brings you everything you wish for. See you next year. x