Bubbles bargains

If you don’t have the urge to splurge, here are a couple of smartlypriced Champagnes that each received four stars at the tasting, along with a pair of proseccos that have impressed me this year: Jean-Marc Vigreux Frere NV Brut $43.95 Ever-reliable, this is a minerally, nougat-laced style. Go to champagnedirect.co.nz. H Lanvin & Fils NV $36 Attractive umami and saline notes come through in this persistent wine. Widely available. Brown Brothers Prosecco NV $19 This Aussie prosecco is bright, medium-dry, light in alcohol (11.5 per cent) and well-stocked with apple strudel and citrus zest flavours. Widely available. Lamarca Prosecco $24.95 This is lovely – weighty, textural, with creaming soda, marzipan and stonefruit notes. Buy from fine wine stores.