Drink: Forever blowing bubbles

Dec 9 2009 By Huddersfield Examiner

Speaking of which, Champagne Canard-Duchene Brut NV (£26.99 reduced to £16.99 on offer, Majestic) is a fabulous buy. It has everything you look for in a champagne with a clean, easy style made from pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay grapes to give it great balance, a creamy texture and lovely nose.

For a classy pink that shines, try Taittinger Rose NV Champagne (£42.50, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose). With the scent of wild strawberries and cherry fruits, it has all the finesse you would expect from one of the bigger champagne houses that’s still privately owned and produces prestige cuvee.

Fashionistas with a penchant for the high life will adore Christian Audigier Premier Cru Rose (£70) and Champagne Brut NV (£60, both available from Harvey Nichols nationwide). The Hollywood celeb designer has linked up with Champagne J Dumangin Fils to bring party princesses the ultimate fine wine collection, dubbed "le vin cool".

With its striking bottle design, I think it’s an absolute winner. To quote the winemaker’s recommendation: "For any party in need of celebrating."

The rose is a light salmon colour with raspberry sensations, and the brut is a blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and a high proportion of pinot meunier - exactly how I like it.

The countdown’s on - chin chin!

BEST BUYS

Winter wonderland! Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte has produced the perfect party present for the host: Siberian Dreams Blanc de Blancs 2000 vintage (£28, John Lewis nationwide). Made of 100% chardonnay, it’s fresh and ripe with citrus fruits and is a perfect match with smoked salmon sandwiches.

:: Sainsbury’s is shining bright this festive season, having scooped a number of awards for its own brands. The Extra Dry Champagne won Gold best in class, but I’m particularly fond of the Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne (£15 reduced from £15.98 until January 1) which won Which? Best Buy and was named ’exceptional value’. With creamy, biscuity notes and a lingering finish, it’s a classic Christmas cracker.

LIQUID NEWS

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and with its artistic licence to thrill, the newly-released Perrier-Jouet Cuvee Belle Epoque 2002 (£102.99, Oddbins, Majestic) is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. The first great vintage of the new millennium, with plenty of floral and fruity notes, it’s beautifully balanced with a hint of vanilla and a long, sumptuous finish. A perfect aperitif with oysters and scallops.