AFTER A hot, dry summer when Champagne was named a United Nations World Heritage Site, the Champenois continue to celebrate following the 2015 harvest.
As if champagne needed a supporting role, the fact that the vineyards and cellars where the world’s most famous sparkling wine is produced are also considered ‘culturally significant’, brings added sparkle to its status.
Here’s a few supermarket own-brands that might interest you.
Sainsbury’s was the first supermarket to launch an own-brand Champagne and has worked with Champagne house Duval Leroy for more than 30 years to supply customers with a range of Champagnes that offer outstanding quality and value. “Our most popular Champagne, Sainsbury’s award-winning Winemakers’ Selection Blanc de Noirs Brut NV (£20, Sainsbury’s) is an elegant blend of pinot noir and pinot meunier and is characterised by its fine bubble mousse and subtle biscuity flavour,” says Emma Monaghan, buyer for champagne and sparkling wine, Sainsbury’s.
Another impressive own brand, the International Wine Challenge (IWC) awarded Tesco Finest Vintage Grand Cru Champagne 2007 (24.99, Tesco) a Great Value Champion award at this year’s competition. Produced by Union Champagne, the judges loved its “ripe apple nose and brioche undertones, with a decadent creaminess”. Its rich texture, toasty almond nose and generous style and length are a winning formula.
Not Champagne but a sparkler all the same is Casa Luis Cava Brut (£5, asda). Most of us love a chip supper, but did you know that sparkling wine is the perfect accompaniment? The bubbles break down the starch, which is said to make fish and chips taste lighter and crispier. This lively Cava is light and crisp with apple, lemon and almond flavours – it’s also ideal as an aperitif or with seafood. Bag a bargain with this effort...
WINE OF THE WEEK
Six Hats Fairtrade Shiraz – Case of 6, marksandspencer.com now £36, was £48 with free delivery.
Aromas of cracked pepper, spice and juicy red fruit flavours all combined with a rich texture. It is 100 per cent Shiraz and with an alcohol content of 14.5 it certainly packs a punch.
