THIS week we celebrate the end of the champagne harvest by popping the cork on some prize picks.
Champagne lovers looking for a best value champagne, should try Waitrose Brut NV, France (£19.99, Waitrose). Produced for them by family run Duval-Leroy who are noted for their consistency and good quality, it’s pinot noir dominant and this blend of 90 per cent pinot and 10 per cent chardonnay has a delicious toasty, nutty nose.
The latest vintage release from Moet & Chandon in two years (they decided 2005 wasn’t quite up to scratch), Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006, France (£43.99, Tesco) was worth the wait. Mother nature has blessed this classic blend of chardonnay (42 per cent), pinot noir (39 per cent) and pinot meunier (19 per cent) with freshness, ripeness and fruitiness for delicious.
Meanwhile, Veuve Fourny Blanc de Blancs Nature Champagne, France (£25, www. 31dover. com) is made entirely from premier cru chardonnay grapes without the use of sugar and this zero dosage champagne is bone dry, delicious, and a decadent choice with light Asian bites. Crisp with green fruit aromas, and zingy acidity, it is lively and approachable with the right food.
Elsewhere, nothing says ‘let’s celebrate!’ like a bottle of Bolli, especially when it’s Bollinger La Grande Annee 2004, France (£64, www.31 dover.com). Combining 66 per cent pinot noir and 34 per cent chardonnay grapes from grands crus and premiers crus, La Grande Annee made its screen debut in James Bond’s Casino Royale and this latest release lives up to expectations with plenty of bang for your buck.
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