Skip to content
Who needs an occasion to drink sparkling this time of year, and you’ll be happy to know all stores have ample stocks of Champagne and sparkling to see us through the festive season.
Brendon is advising his customers to put their faith in Pol Roger Champagne this summer. Pol Roger is one of the oldest and most distinguished Champagne houses (1849) and the current directors are descendants of the original family.
Pol Roger use a third each of grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in their Champagnes. Brendon says this sets them apart from some of the other big Champagne houses like Veuve, Moet and Bollinger, who use only 10 percent Meunier.
Why does this matter? Well, Meunier increases the acidity and flavours in the fruit, so it tastes better. At $76.99 a bottle, or $72.99 if buying six, Pol Roger represents great value for money.
I get the feeling Brendon is a traditionalist. He loves the fact Pol Roger is the only Champagne house still hand riddling bottles, turning the bottles left to right to prevent sediment. Riddling machines are the norm in most wineries today.
On the local front, Brendon says you can’t go past Bird in Hand from Adelaide Hills with its stunning strawberry colour. Nepenthe, another Adelaide Hills ripper, represents great buying at under $20 a bottle.
PRETTY IN PINK
Look out this week for Penfolds new release Max’s Rose, the latest in a tribute to former chief winemaker Max Schubert.
This exciting new drop has been crafted with early drinking in mind, and will make an attractive addition to any festive table. Mine didn’t quite make it to the festive table.
On special from Monday for $23.99. Other specials to tempt you include a case of San Miguel low-carb beer for $56.99 or $17 a six-pack.
Seltzers are still the on-trend drink for the younger set. You’ll find White Claw, Hard Fizz, Brookvale Union and Sunly among the vast range at West End.
