Record year: 322 million bottles of champagne sold in 2021. An equal number of aluminum paper capsules adorned this amazing number of bottles. Yes…but therein lies the tale: the supply and increased price of raw materials, such as aluminum, caused the champagne makers to react.

To meet an ever-growing demand, the option of paper fibre capsules appeared to be the way to go as well as being sustainable. So… with their caps firmly in place, but not really the way they were, bubbles are now and forever the right way to enter the new year.

Gosset Grande Réserve Brut

Already, in 1584, Pierre Gosset produced pinot noir and chardonnay still wines that graced the tables of the kings in that era. In the seventeenth century, the revolutionary creation of wines from a second fermentation (sparkling wines) made Gosset the oldest house of Champagne.

As ever, the pinot noir and chardonnay dominated the mix… particularly the chardonnay which brought aromas of brioche and fresh pears. The mouth is rich, long and spicy. The fine bubbles delight, and they last. Champagne for gastronomy? Of course!

The idea of a prawn or lobster tail au gratin is mouth-watering, and champagne is also delicious with oysters.

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Antonio Lopes Ribeiro Casa de Mouraz Dao 2016

In 2000, Antonio Ribeiro and Sara Dionisio left their urban lifestyle to spread cow-horn manure according to the lunar calendar and homeopathically treat the vines in their small corner of paradise in Casa de Mouraz (Dao, Portugal). Native grapes – Touriga nacional, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz, etc. – from the estate are, as you may have guessed, biodynamic.

The vinho tinto (red wine) of the house is fully natural. A fruit in a pure state, easily digested on aromas of wild fruit and black plums.

Supple but nicely present, the tannins are active in the juice of this agreeable red.

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Mitolo Cinquecento Sangiovese Méridionale 2019

In line with his Italian background, Frank Mitolo is facing the sangiovese challenge on the McLaren Vale terroir (Australia) in partnership with the Lopresti family (also Italian), which cultivates a half-kilometre row of only sangiovese. The harvest is made into wine in collaboration with Ben Glaetzer, rising star in the new generation of winemakers. Good to have friends!

It’s hard to visually identify the presence of the Tuscan grape, the colour is so dense. For the nose, however, aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and “fungere da modello” spices set the pace. Notes of liquorice and oregano are added in an ample mouth supported by a calm freshness. Tannins melt in a lightly toasted finish.

This one’s a must for fans of Brunello.

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Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti 2021

Cocktail for Boxing Day: “Le Santo Stephano Spritz” (3 servings):

• 4 oz of nivole.
• 2 oz turmeric and ginger juice.
• A pinch of ground pepper;.
• An ice cube.
• A slice of lemon.

It’s a sure-fire boost, perfect for a jump-start.

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