Now that the summer weather is here (ahem, no laughing please) it’s time to dust off the garden furniture, organise the summer parties and start thinking about which sparkling wines we’re going to enjoy this season.
The fizzy stuff isn’t to everyone’s taste but at Lockett Bros we think there are few summer treats that are more refreshing than a quality sparking wine on a hot summer’s day.
Thanks to the rise and rise of Prosecco over recent years, sparkling wine has never been so popular and it’s an absolute essential when things start to get a little warmer.
There are a few things you need to remember when enjoying sparkling wine and Champagne. Number one on the list would be not to let the fizz spray everywhere when you pop the cork.
And whatever you do, don’t spray anyone with it – accidentally or otherwise – unless you’re a victorious Formula 1 driver or you’re christening a new boat.
Secondly, don’t serve bubbles – whether it’s Champagne, Prosecco or another sparkling wine – in a stem or bowl glass, no, no, no. Fizzy wines should only ever be served in flutes. Why? Because the large surface area of stems and bowls makes the bubbles dissipate far quicker, and you don’t want flat sparkling wine or champagne!
Lastly, don’t automatically assume that Champagne will be better than a really good quality sparkling wine. Many of the New World sparkling wines are just as good – and in some cases better – than many Champagnes so choose wisely and listen to your mates at Lockett Bros!
What we recommend…
Bortolomiol Prosecco Frizzante
This classic Prosecco semi-sparkling wine originates from the ancient vineyards of Ponteggio from where the Bortolomiol family hail. It’s fresh and punchy and very easy to drink… especially when the sun is out and the good times are rolling!
Canard-Duchene Cuvee Leonie Brut
An intense and complex offering, Canard-Duchene Champagnes give the perfect balance of originality with just a hint of quirkiness.
It’s an incredibly enjoyable Champagne and at just £30 you would be hard pushed to find one better in that price range.
Chamonix Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs 2007
Great body and a slightly bitter, pleasant aftertaste lead to a very long finish with this joyous wine. “Less buttery, more savoury” would be a good way to describe it and food matches should be made accordingly. We reviewed this in our Wine of the Week column and we loved it.
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne
A welcoming nose of fresh citrus fruits leads to layers upon layers of complexity on the palate. Notes of nutty praline, biscuit and baked apples emerge, while the well-defined acidity and creamy, beautiful texture leads to a long, sumptuous finish. Absolutely superb.
It wouldn’t be a proper summer party without a bottle or two of Cava, now would it? Straw yellow in colour with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose displays aromas of exotic fruits with underlying notes of toasted almonds. On the palate the wine is rich with good fruit intensity and a pleasing, dry finish.
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