'Wine Chat' is Ruth's regular column published in the South Warrington News.
It aims to explain to readers about different aspects of wine knowledge and introduce them to new and unusual wines; as well as providing further information about old favourites.
The articles are published at the end of each month.
SPOIL YOUR LOVED ONE THIS VALENTINE
Go on spoil your loved one this Valentine with a bottle of classy Champagne.
Sir Winston Churchill was so impressed with his first glass of Pol Roger Champagne in 1908 that he remained loyal to the brand for the rest of his life, reputedly consuming a bottle of Pol Roger every day. He was quoted “My tastes are simple; I am easily satisfied with the best!” Pol Roger is an underrated Grande Marque that doesn’t command the high prices that the more well known Brands demand.
Taittinger Champagne has the best of both worlds, it’s a prestigious house Grand Marque Champagne renowned for its consistent quality but without the high price point. The Brut NV is dry, light and elegant with fine, pale gold bubbles and the subtle body and bouquet of the Chardonnay grape. If you are going pink then Taittinger Prestige Rose is excellent value compared to most Rose Champagne’s. It has an attractive salmon pink appearance and its ageing for 2-3 years gives the wine a wonderful intense fruit bouquet showing hints of raspberry, cherry and wild strawberry, full bodied with a crisp elegance on the finish.
If you are looking for elegance and a fuller body in your Champagne then head for a Blanc de Blanc, which is 100% Chardonnay rather than the normal blend of three grapes used. It can be little more expensive but if you are drinking your Champagne with food then this is a fabulous combination.
Still want fizz but not Champagne then why not choose one of the wonderful alternatives around that represent excellent value for money. Quartet, made by the renowned Louis Roederer is a Californian sparkling wine made in the same way as Champagne with the same grape varieties and you may be saying “I can get Champagne at that price”, well, not at this level of quality you can’t. Or why not try a Vintage Cave, Juve des Camps, at £9.99, best value though is our Philippe Herard, a Champagne producer from Burgundy and a blanc de blanc at £8.95, it knocks the socks of some of the cheap Champagne’s I have tasted in my time.
If you are on the hunt for a special Malt Whisky for the man in your life or a quality sparkling wine or Champagne for the woman in your life then why not pop into Corks Out for a fantastic range.
Yours in wine,
Ruth.
Last updated: May 14, 2010