Bubbling bliss

Consider Champagne’s diversity, from light and bright to salivating minerality, mouthfilling creaminess and even pinot-driven structure. Here are my Champagne suggestions, so get out the flutes.

Sara Underdown

Louis Roederer Brut Nature 2012 Blanc, $175

You will do well to let this one warm up a degree or two in your glass, to reveal all that makes it different and special. The nose extracts the freshness of earth – a mineral backbone of salinity – and the perfume of bergamot and summer fruits. The finish is intensely saline, clean and dry.

Bollinger Rosé NV, $150

Aromas of bright red fruit, orange and clove spice as well as toast and smoke, thanks to some impressive red wine added to the blend. The palate’s dazzling energy carries flavours of wild strawberries and cherries, but also the zing of grapefruit pith. Fine and beautifully balanced.

Pol Roger Vintage Rosé 2012, $200

The deep salmon and copper hues of this excellent rosé provides all the visual fodder for an immensely satisfying champagne. The nose, with its display of rich and generous berry fruits, minty freshness and black pepper spice, is a precursor to the palate’s baritone notes.

Krug Grande Cuvée, $300

A prestige non-vintage, this corrals 200 or so wines, from multiple vintages and vineyards and sits at the pinnacle of blending mastery. The recent 168ème Edition (based on the glorious 2012 vintage) waxes as it lingers a moment or two in the glass.