Wine list - Sparkling

Sparkling Wines

Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru NV
From: Champagne, France
What it’s like: Simply put, Billecart-Salmon is the champagne drunk by those in the trade. Family-owned (a rare thing now among the top houses) it produces an exemplary range but the non-vintage Blanc de Blancs is a relative newcomer. Creamy and complex this is special occasion fizz which is great as an aperitif but also worth trying served with fish dishes.
Interestngly: Blanc de Blancs champagne must be made from 100% chardonnay grapes.
Available: £34, Oddbins

1996 Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Brut
From: West Sussex, England
What it’s like: Granted, the idea of English sparkling wine isn’t one you’ve entertained much before. But if there is a thing the UK can do, wine-wise, it’s fizz. We have many sites that are similar climate and soil to Reims – indeed one of the larger champagne houses has been sniffing around this area for potential plots to buy. It’s understandable when you taste this, as it’s actually better than most champagne at this price. Real toasty depth is added by extended bottle ageing before release.
Interestingly: The owner wrote the Bucks Fizz Eurovision Song Contest winning entry.
Available: £19, Raymond Reynolds – 01663 742 230