A veritable aristocrat amongst local bubbles, the new release methode from Palliser has lovely lifted aromas of rising dough, almond meal and lemon shortbread alongside a smooth, rich, generously textured palate. It’s a fresh, frisky fizz with tiny, elegant bubbles, creamy mousse and a long, tongue-tingling finish. Stylish and sophisticated sparkles that’ll win friends and … Read More
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Veuve Clicquot Champagne Rosé NV $74.99 (4 stars)
This is the 200th year since Madame Clicquot became the first to create a blended rosé from her finest Bouzy reds and her classic champagne. If the aromas of cranberry bagel, rising dough and cashew don’t woo you, then the long, generously-tempered mouthfeel, pinprick effervescence, creamy mousse and subtle raspberry notes on the finish will … Read More
Fantini Swarovski Abruzzo Gran Cuvée Bianco NV $26
Crafted from white varieties indigenous to the Abruzzo region, this wine is a new favourite fizz. I love the scent of fresh florals and apples alongside hints of mango and white peach on the nose. While it might be sweetly scented, the palate finishes crisp and dry. Clean and very pretty (complete with an authenticated … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Col Jan 20 2018
Who says you need a special occasion to drink fine fizz? You’re alive and that’s reason enough… R.H Coutier A Ambonnay Grand Cru Champagne NV $75 The Coutier family has been in Ambonnay since 1619. 1619! So they know a thing or three about growing great grapes. This champagne is such a pretty wine in … Read More
R.H Coutier A Ambonnay Grand Cru Champagne NV $75
The Coutier family has been in Ambonnay since 1619. 1619! So they know a thing or three about growing great grapes. This champagne is such a pretty wine in the glass, with tiny, delicate beads of bubbles, this fizz boasts caramel and fresh-baked breakfast bun and hints of walnut on the nose and soft, nutty, … Read More
Champagne Jean Josselin Audace Rosé NV $57
This deliciously dry, melon and raspberry-licked lovely is an exercise in elegance combined with fulsome generosity. A delicate line of cherry zips through the mid-palate and merges with creamy, cashew and yeasty complexity combined with berry brioche bodaciousness. It’s an extremely sexy champagne indeed. Sip with: Oysters Charantaise www.threefrenchvines.co.nz
Peregrine Central Otago Methode Traditionnelle NV $50
Frustratingly small amounts are made of this blissfully good blend of 58% pinot noir and 42% chardonnay, but it’s one that any lover of fine fizz should seek out immediately. Crafted by Nadine Cross, it boasts soft, lemon shortbread and rising dough aromas, finely tuned acidity and a rich, creamy, textural finish. Sip with: a … Read More
Tohu Rewa Marlborough Methode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blanc 2014 $29 (4 stars)
With its pale, lemon-gold colour, sexy, meringue-like mousse and finely-tuned, tiny beads, this wine looks like money in the glass. It stacks up in the taste stakes too. Soft lemon and panetone loaf aromas, biscuity boldness and its fresh, creamy finish make this chardonnaycentric fizz one of my favourites. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Moët & Chandon Imperial Golden Sparkle Limited Edition NV $69
I love the aromas of rising dough, biscuity notes, and almond meal drizzled with lemon and a touch of tropical fruit in this festive fizz. On the palate it’s zesty and dry, full, yeasty and edged with a squeak of citrus to elongate the flavour layers. The bead is delicate, it looks and tastes like … Read More
La Marca Prosecco D.O.C $24-$27
How stylish is this bottle? It shouldn’t matter I know, but it helps if it looks like money on the table right. Unlike many Prosecco’s on the market, it’s not sweet. In fact it’s deliciously dry, snappy-fresh, citrus-driven and has a light, ‘frizzante’ texture, so it doesn’t erupt in your mouth like a fizz-bomb. Instead … Read More