From rosé prosecco to rhubarb bellini, a selection of delicious bubbles to lift the spirits
I did wonder if it was appropriate to think about fizz at the moment, seeing as it’s so inextricably associated with good times. Trump’s and Cummings’ departures aside, there hasn’t been much to celebrate this year, and even if we can get together with our families this Christmas, there’s still little likelihood of parties.
And yet there is something uplifting about bubbles. As Lily Bollinger put it in her much-quoted aphorism: “I drink champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad.” She would no doubt have approved of the latest Bollinger release, a limited-edition 007 Champagne (12%) to celebrate the (embarrassingly delayed) new James Bond film, No Time To Die. Yes, at £55, it is pricey (though I found it for £39.95 at ND John in Swansea), but if you know someone who is a Bond fan – and who doesn’t? – it would make an apposite present. As would the superb Justerini & Brooks 250th Anniversary Cuvée (12%), which is extraordinarily well priced at £22.93 a bottle (including duty and VAT), even though delivery is a whopping £18 unless you’re ordering £300 worth of wine. Maybe split a case.