CAROL BROWN UNCORKED

Get set for summer

Published:

I REALLY hope it’s still sunny as you are reading this because, after a few days of glorious sunshine, I’m in a sparkling wine mood. There are so many styles of fizz out there, there is one for every occasion.

Domaine Huet Vouvray Petillant Brut 2002, Loire Valley, France

This traditional method Chenin Blanc is lightly sparkling and is produced according to biodynamic principles. Ripe apple, fresh citrus and biscuit scents lead on to a light, fruity mousse reminiscent of baked apple and oaty biscuits. The finish is soft and fresh. This is one for sipping in the shade.

(£9.95, The Wine Society at www.thewinesociety.com)

La Marca Prosecco Di Conegliano DOC NV Vino Spumante, Italy

A real intensity of peach and pear leaps out of the glass with this sparkling Prosecco. In the mouth, it’s all about freshness and fruit with the tingle of lemons and limes. Perfect for a simple salad alfresco lunch.

(£10.49, Majestic Wines)

Moselle Cremant De Luxembourg AC Bernard Massard Cuvee De L’Ecusson Brut 2004

I went to a tasting of Luxembourg wines a couple of years ago and there were plenty of Cremant (traditional) method wines on show. This is Riesling with a good bubble factor. Rich, raisin-like aromas precede a creamy, medium-bodied, savoury, food-friendly fizz. Try with prawns in a thermidor sauce.

(£8.95, The Wine Society)

Cordorniu Pinot Noir Brut NV Cava, Spain

I can’t resist pink fizz and this is a rather good example. It has a raspberry fragrance and, in the mouth, is all about bouncing fine bubbles with the tang of wild strawberries, red cherry and a fresh, savoury end. Drink with potted shrimps.

(£8.99, Majestic Wines)

Langmeil Sparkling Shiraz NV, Barossa Valley, Australia

Pouring someone a glass of sparkling red wine doesn’t have the same “oh my gosh, it’s red!” reaction that I used to get. Sparkling Shiraz is now widely available and this is a cracking example with bags of bramble, blackcurrant and cinnamon and clove-laced fruit on the sniff. It’s off-dry to taste with a soft acidity holding up the bramble, dark chocolate and liquorice flavours. Try with a good Cheddar or barbecued venison burgers.

(£19.95, Wine Raks, Aberdeen)

Champagne Jacquesson Cuvee No 31 Brut NV

If you can’t resist champagne, try this release from Jacquesson. I first tasted this about 18 months ago at its estate in Dizy. The grapes are sourced from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. Lots of tiny bubbles lift aromas of baked apple and ripe lemon peel. There’s a toast edge with notes of coffee and apple and a lingering fine bubble finish. This is one to savour in the early evening with canapes.

(£28, The Wine Society)

Majestic Wines’ Summer Fizz Festival runs until June 9 with savings across the sparkling wine range.