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How to woo with bubbles: Champagne, Cava and Prosecco





A notoriously diminutive former Emperor of France once remarked that, “In victory, you deserve Champagne, in defeat, you need it” and while his insatiable appetite for bubbly was the stuff of legend, why shouldn’t we all embrace Napoleon Bonaparte’s joie de vivre? Usually associated with a celebration, the rapturous effervescence of Champagne and its less grandiose cousins Cava and Prosecco means there are bubbles for all occasions. For the discerning or indistinct drinker, for that annual jaunt to Wimbledon or a modest night in, all are catered for.

In this age of encouraged austerity, a bottle of France’s finest should inevitably be reserved for a special occasion, and what epitomises Champagne’s elite semblance and tradition more than a bottle of Bollinger NV Special Cuvee.

A totem of regal legacy and its unique region 90 miles north east of Paris, there is a decadence attached; its Bollinger baby, not one grape but three - Pinot Noir for body, richness and depth, Chardonnay for finesse and Pinot Meunier for that rustic charm. Costly, perhaps, but you’re buying into a dynasty of lasting quality that reeks of pure rock n roll.

If Liz Taylor’s drink of choice is not yours or perhaps it surpasses your budget, then the more modest but no less alluring, Codorniu Pinot Noir Brut Rose from Spain would enliven the palate prior to a boisterous night out or an equally entertaining one in.

Affordable but no less enjoyable, the stigma attached to Cava is perhaps more a reflection of its availability and common revelry in it, rather than an indication of its patent flavour which is entirely dominated by Pinot Noir grapes. Inexpensive bubbles without compromising on quality, succumbing to this flirtatious pink Rosé is as quick and easy as popping the cork. 

Like the aforementioned versatile alternative to Champagne, Prosecco Extra Dry NV Fantinel will not burn a Bollinger shaped hole in your pocket, but similarly this lively number from the Venezie region of Italy, packs a sufficient fizzy punch to fire up your evening.

Bubbles and fizz needn’t be mutually exclusive to Jenson Button’s Monaco after party, and this attainable, vibrant White wine is an unpretentious alternative that has the desired effect on the senses and indeed the ambiance of an occasion.

Whatever your fizzy delectation in 2012, there is a plethora of options to enjoy and indulge in, whether it be a bottle of Bollinger NV Special Cuvee for the Champagne aficionado, a tipple of Codorniu Pinot Noir Brut Rose, or a cheeky glass or two of Prosecco Extra Dry NV Fantinel, rest assured there are plenty of bubbles to be enjoyed this year.  
 
Image by Chris Murphy 
 
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How to woo with bubbles: Champagne, Cava and Prosecco

 A notoriously diminutive former Emperor of France once remarked that, “In victory, you deserve Champagne, in defeat, you need it” and while his insatiable appetite for bubbly was the stuff of legend, why shouldn’t we all embrace Napoleon Bonaparte’s joie de vivre? Usually associated with a celebration, the rapturous effervescence of Champagne and its less grandiose cousins Cava and Prosecco means there are bubbles for all occasions. For the discerning or indistinct drinker, for that annual jaunt to Wimbledon or a modest night in, all are catered for.  
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21.05.13
FEATURED

UK consumers seek better quality as sales of wine over £7 increase


According to the latest figures from market analysts Nielsen, the average price of a 75cl bottle of wine has increased to £5.11 on the back of escalating taxation, but UK consumers are increasingly opting to spend more on better quality wines. 

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