Editor’s Picks

As the festive season begins, bubbles is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas, that special occasions or to bring in the New Year. Ashley Pini, managing editor, picks his dozen of the best bubbles to celebrate this time of year with.

2008 CHAMPAGNE MOËT & CHANDON GRAND VINTAGE

RRP: $100 Region: Champagne Editor’s note: Generous yeasty aromas and hints of lanolin and honey. A rich and mouth-filling explosion of citrus and stone fruits. The palate has excellent persistence and length.

NV CHAMPAGNE FREREJEAN FRÈRES BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS

RRP: $138 Region: Champagne Editor’s note: Pronounced buttery and toasty aromas, plus some developing notes of apple and honey. On the palate, there is a nice toasty complexity, firm bead and acidity, followed by a long, dry finish.

NV CHAMPAGNE POMMERY BRUT APANAGE

RRP: $79 Region: Champagne Editor’s note: Delicious aromas of peach and fig. Lots of weight and power drive a vibrant palate with creamy mousse and savoury, nutty characters.

NV CHAMPAGNE BILLECART-SALMON BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS

RRP: $140 Region: Champagne Editor’s note: Developing bready and biscuity notes on the nose. Mouth-filling richness and flavours of lemon curd, subtle crisp, green apple and brioche, driven by fantastic persistence. This wine stands up and delivers.

NV CHAMPAGNE LALLIER BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT

RRP: $79.99 Region: Champagne Editor’s note: Aromas of red apple, citrus and lemon curd. Lovely bead and persistent flavours of stone fruit, biscuit and a touch of brioche, followed by a fresh and clean finish.

NV CHAMPAGNE POMMERY BRUT ROSÉ ROYAL

RRP: $89 Region: Champagne Editor’s note: Pale orange-pink. A whiff of strawberry and lees on the nose. Lovely mousse and acidity cut through pleasant fruit flavour. Very enjoyable, friendly and well balanced.

SPLASH OUT OUR TOP PICK: 2008 HOUSE OF ARRAS BLANC DE BLANCS

RRP: $86.99 CHRISTMAS PICK OUR TOP PICK: Region: Tasmania Editor’s note: Complex nutty, spicy, lemon butter and green apple aromas. Flavours of bread and butter, mushroom, and earthy, herbal spices reminiscent of arrowroot and liquorice. Outstanding quality.

2001 HOUSE OF ARRAS E.J. CARR LATE DISGORGED MAGNUM

RRP: $399 Region: Tasmania Editor’s note: Ginger nut and honey snap biscuits, toasted almond and marzipan aromas. A strong lemon flavour is overlayered with ginger, flowers and nuts. An exceptionally high-quality wine and very complex from an extended ageing period, yet it retains freshness.

NV PIRIE SPARKLING

RRP: $32 Region: Tasmania Editor’s note: Secondary aromas of GREAT VALUE OUR TOP PICK: toast, melon, baked apple pie and cinnamon, but that are clean and fresh. Firm bead and an elegant mousse with flavours of nectarine and ripe apple. Lovely acidity and length.

2014 GRAMPIANS ESTATE RUTHERFORD SPARKLING SHIRAZ

RRP: $35 Region: Grampians, Victoria Editor’s note: Youthful, but offering a lot to those who like the style. Aromas of deep spices and dark fruits. A rich and tarry palate with depth and dimensions.

2016 CANELLA VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO BRUT D.O.C.G

RRP: $30 Region: Italy Editor’s note: Aromas of fennel, dried anise and green peas. Pear juice, green apple skin and fennel on the palate. A good quality, simple prosecco with enough interest from some bottle ageing.

2017 COPPABELLA SINGLE VINEYARD PROSECCO

RRP: $26 Region: Tumbarumba, NSW Editor’s note: Pale lemon colour. Chalky soda, nashi pear and some white nectarine on both the nose and palate. Overall, a good quality prosecco that’s well balanced and good value for money.