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No-one knows wine better than the author and critic Simon Woods, a former editor of the Which Wine Guide and Financial Times wine columnist. Here he picks five of the very best Click to view Top 5 Wine.
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Best For Celebrations (2004 Petaluma Croser Brut) |
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 If you are looking for something to put the fizz into your party try the 2004 Petaluma Croser Brut from Adelaide Hills. And if you thought Australian wines were all brawn and no brain, this will make you think again. Here’s a sparkling wine from Down Under that shows real class – elegance and panache in a glass.
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 Why sparkling wine for celebrations? Beats me, but any occasion of jollity is enhanced by the sound of popping corks.
Where once any serious celebration fizz would have hailed from Champagne, today there are dozens of alternatives, including some excellent ones from England (Nyetimber and Ridgeview are the best producers).
This exceptional Australian sparkler is made by the maverick Brian Croser, an exceptionally talented, driven and opinionated individual who has arguably done more for the cause of Aussie wine in the last thirty years than anyone. This is refined, elegant wine, with smoky, chocolatey aromas backing up the zesty citrus and pineapple flavours. Very tasty now, but built to last another ten years for those who’d care to keep a bottle or two.
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But If It Really Must Be Champagne ... |
 If it has to be Champagne, then the most astonishing I’ve tasted recently was the 1989 Roederer Cristal Rosé, more like a red Burgundy with bubbles than a conventional Champagne. Sadly, it’s as rare as a humble politician, and even if you to track some down, it will set you back hundreds of pounds.
Fortunately, Roederer’s Brut Premier is considerably cheaper (£25-£40), widely available and with its elegant freshness and zesty finish is one of the best Non-Vintage Champagnes around.
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TYPICAL PRICES -
2004 Petaluma Croser Brut£14.99/$28.00
Roederer’s Brut Premier - £25.00-£40.00/$45-$75
For currency converter click here |
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