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Start the Morning with a Pop!
Let’s all be honest for a moment, this most festive of times would not be the same without fizz. My morning is always punctuated by the pop of corks, and the clinking of toasting glasses. With that in mind, let’s start things off in the same way with some Christmas fizz recommendations. Here is a list of local growers, bottlers and sparking crafting experts that you should start this yuletide off with in 2021
Fitz – £22.95
Why not keep things super local with a bottle of Fitz from my own yard of East Worthing. This was the first sparkling wine made in this country using the Charmat/Martinelli method of production. It is created in the same way as prosecco resulting in a crisp and dry wine that is an instant crowd pleaser. Made using grapes sourced from Kent, Surrey and Sussex this local delight has been going down a treat thanks to its fresher, more approachable, fruit-driven style.
Food pairing: Smoked salmon, caviar
Goustan Brut Nature, Champagne Val Frison – £49.95
For some, it is just not Christmas without Champagne. This Blanc de Noirs offering from Val Frison is rich and expressive with fruit notes of white cherry with a wonderfully savoury lip-smacking note. This is all framed by a persistent Chablis-like minerality and acidity that keeps everything in harmony. Blanc de Noirs is a champagne that goes well with food as the pinot gives it a bit more body and red fruit notes so can be served as an aperitif or even with your starter.
Food Pairing: Perfect aperitif, with canapes or light fish dishes.
Blanc de Blancs, Albourne Estate – £29.95
Sussex and South East England has been beating Champagne at its own game recently. This Blanc de Blancs from Albourne is all about crisp elegant acidity with subtle notes of almonds, baked bread and citrus fruit. This “white of whites” is made from selected hand-picked Chardonnay grapes using the highest quality cuvée to create a sparkling wine which is all about elegance, finesse and subtle complexity.
Food pairing: perfect aperitif, crab salad or other light fish dishes.
Ridgeview Blanc de Noirs – £49.95
This has been my “go to” Christmas fizz on numerous occasions. This Sussex producer has recently been named international winemaker of the year. Only made in the best vintages, this Pinot dominant sparkling wine is full, rich and complex and would be easily able to handle food.
Food pairing: as an aperitif, pate or seafood.
La Jara Prosecco – £15.95
Prosecco has taken over this country this past few years which has resulted in a flood of mass produced shite that is barely worth using in a bucks fizz. If you want to remember what makes prosecco such a fresh and crisp sparkling wine then give this a go. This fully-sparkling example of Prosecco is pure and bone dry with gentle yet enticing orchard fruit aromas. The palate has a lovely soft, full texture with a touch of peach on the finish and great balance.
Food pairing: As an apperitif, breakfast, canapes
I always recommend the Bottle & Jug, based in Worthing, for those of you looking for a full range of drinks that are natural, local and (most important of all) delicious to drink this Christmas – https://bottleandjugdept.co.uk/
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