MÉTHODE IN THE MADNESS

Leave behind the worries of the world, as Kiwi sparklers lead the way this holiday season, says MARYTHERESE BLAIR.

IN CASE YOU HAVEN’T NOTICED, everything, and I mean everything, costs more these days. World-altering events including COVID and the Russo-ukrainian War have had a huge impact on global supply lines and increased the difficulty and cost of global logistics. It’s almost Christmas so I won’t even start with the looming recession. Ultimately this means that our favourite overseas sparklers will continue to be in short supply. Even if you can get your hands on them, they’re going to cost more. Ever the optimist, I would like to highlight the opportunity that the world going to hell in a handbasket provides: to look within our own borders for the sparkly, delicious delights that abound right here in Aotearoa. From our top nine méthode traditionnelles, seven are native Kiwis, and of those three are vintage, two are rosés and one is a best buy. You barely have to go past these pages, let alone look overseas for the very best bubbles this Christmas.