Despite the rain, summer is in full swing and there couldn’t be a better time to embrace the garden party atmosphere and break open a bottle of bubbly. Whether it’s at a high-profile event, or just a fun family gathering, there’s a champagne or sparkling wine to mark the occasion and make it a day to remember.
BUDGET BUBBLES
Depending on which side of the fence you sit, Lidl has a cracking good cava which will make a ham sandwich and a pot of olives taste that bit more special with its lemony freshness – Allini Cava Brut NV, Spain (£4.99, Lidl).
Alternatively, Allini Prosecco Spumante 2014, Italy (£5.29, Lidl) is a sweetish fizz with pretty peach notes that will perk up a prawn mayonnaise sandwich. Both own label medal winners, they’re a steal at the price.
FESTIVAL FIZZ
The ultimate arm candy for pleasure seekers, admittedly you’ll have to invest in a few of these Nicolas Feuillatte 1/4 bottles in Brut and Rose (Brut Reserve £10, Rose £12, John Lewis), but think how stylish you’ll look. Each comes with a silky black wrist strap and depending on your mood (and outfit), the Brut is vibrant and fresh, while the Rose is more fun and fruity.
GARDEN PARTY
A Spanish gem that offers everything in the style stakes, Elyssia Cava Pinot Noir Brut (currently £45, reduced from £89.94, case of 6, equivalent to £7.50 per bottle, www.tesco.com) is a rapturous raspberry pink with fresh summer fruit aromas.
The tiny beads of bubbles caress the palate with raspberry, cherry, and redcurrant flavours that merge seamlessly with bright acidity on the graceful finish. From the cava heartland of Catalonia, serve this attractive-looking rose with smoked salmon blinis and light summer salads.
SUMMER SOCIAL
Possibly the best address in Venice, the owners of the Hotel Cipriani (and founders of Harry’s Bar) cite Collalbrigo Brut, Prosecco, Italy (£11.95, www.vineyardsdirect.com) as one of the finest examples.
A brut style (drier than extra dry prosecco which has a touch of sweetness), your friends will never tire of its floral aromas and classic pear and peach fruitiness with fresh minerality.
Just make sure there’s plenty to go round so you don’t run dry. Or supplement it by topping the flutes up with white peach juice for the perfect Bellini.
POSH PICNIC
A seriously good sparkler from Down Under, Jansz Brut NV, Tasmania, Australia (£16, Oddbins) is a rich, biscuity, food-friendly style that has similar flavours to an aged Champagne.
The island of Tasmania is renowned for its quality sparkling wine and this A-list producer delivers every time.
Soft and buttery with enough weight to match a variety of foods, it’s so approachable, chances are the bottle will be finished before you’ve had time to tuck into the poached salmon sarnies and crab rolls.
ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUS
Sometimes the best things in life come in small packages and if you want to impress your date, the king of Champagne speaks the language of love. Easy to tuck into a picnic hamper for two, a half bottle of Krug Grande Cuvee (£75, 37.5cl, www.fortnumandmason.com) is the ultimate expression.
With its reputation as the most prestigious house in Champagne, these golden bubbles boast a full-bodied richness with scents of brioche and a beautiful roundness and maturity; partly due to being a blend of more than 20 vintages and spending at least six years in the bottle before release.
POOL PARTY
If you want to make a splash, create a beach club atmosphere and break all the rules, try Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial Champagne, France (£44.95, www.moethennessy-selection.co.uk) which has been specially created to serve over ice.
A contemporary, chic Champagne dressed in a white bottle, Ice Imperial (an off dry style) should be chilled to perfection and brought to the table in an ice bucket. Serve it over three ice cubes in a large, red wine glass to soak up the voluptuous fruity flavours and crisp freshness. Don’t forget the DJ.
HAUTE HAMPER
A Champagne for food and wine lovers, Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois Champagne, France (£56.99, www.uncorked.co.uk) is a new release from this highly regarded Champagne house which is best known for its rose.
A perfect partner with gourmet bites, Sous Bois is elegant and refined with a hint of oak influence that’s reflected in the label which features a tree ring. Creamy and complex with a fine mousse and notes of lightly buttered toast and satisfying depth of flavour (fresh citrus fruits mingle with white fruits), the richness and structure will even work well with seafood and white meat.