The coming of Spring is heralded with the popping of corks at my place, and the corks keep popping for ooh.. at least the next 11 months! But seriously, as the weather warms up, so does the social scene & bubbles should never be limited to just the celebratory occasions. There is the ‘moments shared with friends’ occasions, there are ‘picnics & outdoor concerts with our loved ones’ occasions & do not forget the odd ‘indulging me’ occasion just for starters.
However, it is not our fault that we are programmed to immediately reach for the cork to celebrate, thanks to some very clever marketing over the past century or so – Champagne is now de rigueur at any celebration. One brand used to put images of romance, marriage and even baptisms on their labels. And there are plenty of special events coming up over the next 6 months from Spring Carnivals to New Year’s celebrations.
Of course, we are talking about the beloved sparkling wine from the French region of Champagne – the only sparkling wine sold in Australia that can legally be called ‘champagne’. Luckily for us, there is one bonus for the current power of the Australian dollar. With reported growth of sales by 25% over the past year, there is more Champagne being brought into Australia, making it more affordable than ever.
This means that there are more Champagne brands available in Australia. So, Stylish Sipper’s – get exploring!
Here are 5 Champagnes to start off your exploration:
1. Ayala NV Brut Majeur – One of the most stylish Champagnes on the market. It has pretty ripe apple & floral characters with a hint of smoky almond brioche. Generously lush with powerful elegance & length - RRP$85. Also look for the Ayala Zero Dosage which is only just perceptively drier but has the exact same blend used for the Brut Majeur.
2. Champagne Devaux NV Blanc de Noirs – Rich creamy berry fruit with loads of personality along its long length. At around $75, there is plenty of fun to be had.
3. Gosset NV Grande Reserve – This is a Champagne that resonates with that ‘silk over muscle’ type elegance. It is generously proportioned with rich plush berry fruit overlying some nutty almond biscuit. Refreshing, creamy & mouthfilling – RRP $90. Also look for lingering Gosset Grand Rosé.
4. Henriot Brut Millesime 2000 – This ‘Recently Disgorged’ bubbles is brimming over with fresh apple, citrus & firm stonefruit. It is luxuriously creamy with a linear length of refreshing acid.
5. Paul Bara ‘Special Club’ Rosé 2004 - A lovely pink colour with luscious fresh raspberry perfume. Full bodied & complex. These are bubbles to ponder some of life’s most important decisions or at least, for tonight – RRP $185.
This article was first published on www.sipyourstyle.com.au
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