We’re just bubbling over with excitement … about fabulous drinks to sip at year end celebrations!
What’s the festive season without bubbles? Not very festive at all! Whether you’re opening a bottle to celebrate the first day of the summer hols, taking a bottle as a gift for your dinner party host, or throwing a New Year’s Eve shindig, you’ll need to stock up soon. Here’s our choice of some of the most marvellous bubbles around.
The Kleine Zalze Méthode Cap Classique Vintage Brut 2011 is a classically-styled sparkling wine made from the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Intense and rich, this full-bodied, old world-style sparkling wine is brilliant with oysters and fresh fish. Around R194.
We never say no to a Gold medal winner …which is exactly what Plaisir de Merle Grand Brut 2016 was awarded at the recent prestigious Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. We drink this whenever we can, to be honest, but it pairs particularly well with seafood such as oysters, scallops and seafood platters – so it’s a perfect match with any summer holiday menu, really. Around R230.
Another firm favourite is the Haute Cabrière Pierre Jourdan Brut and the Belle Rosé, increasingly enjoyed as everyday aperitifs and sundowners. The Pierre Jourdan Brut is a classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir , the Pierre Jourdan Belle Rosé is produced mostly from Pinot Noir grapes which gives it a delicate salmon-pink colour. Packed with strawberry flavours, it’s a wonderful wine to enjoy with a simple grilled trout supper or sumptuous scallops on a special occasion. Between around R120 and R135.
Allée Bleue MCC Brut 2014 is a classic blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, making it a true MCC. It pairs well with poached chicken in a saffron sauce or served with a seafood platter at your favourite restaurant – preferably within walking distance of the ocean! Around R160.
Prosecco and prosecco-style wines are growing in popularity, for good reason. We’re huge fans of the Bottega ranges, and think the Bottega Metallic Collection trio, with their festive, metallic bottles, make perfect Christmas gifts (hint, hint!). The Bottega Gold is an elegant wine, lovely as an aperitif as well as in cocktails, and it goes particularly well with fish and poultry starters and first courses. The Bottega Il Vino Dell’amore Petalo Pink Manzoni Moscato Rosé is a delightful light sparkling wine, notable for its lower alcohol levels, and is an excellent companion to desserts. The Bottega White Gold Venezia DOC is fresh and elegant, perfect as an aperitif and goes particularly well with a seafood risotto. Each costs about R495, and you’ll find them at Makro and Norman Goodfellows stores.
