THERE’S no doubting we drink more champagne at Christmas and New Year than at any other time, and Aldi certainly have it all wrapped up with this impressive magnum.
Pinot noir dominant, and the equivalent of two bottles, it is elegant and nicely biscuity with a full, rich finish, perfect to flow from the champagne breakfast right through to midnight. Champagne Charles Mignon Brut Magnum NV, France (£29.99, 1.5 litres, Aldi, while stocks last) If you’re looking for a good beer to toast the New Year, Imperial Pilsner (£12, 7.9% abv, 75cl, meantime brewing.com) comes in a champagne-style bottle with an individual bath number and tastes as good as it looks, with a clean, crisp taste with a tinge of spice. The result is a light lager in an attractive bottle.
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Sancerre 2012, France (£12.49, Sainsbury’s). A Loire Valley beauty, this sauvignon blanc is expressive but subtle with mineral flavours backed up by herb and lemony elements with a hint of smoke on the crisp finish.
If you want to celebrate in style with a cocktail, try this recipe courtesy of bartender Alessandro Palazzi who resides over Dukes Bar which is renowned for creating the best martinis. Whitley Neill Gin (£22.19, 70cl, Harvey Nichols) is the perfect base.
90ml Whitley Neill Gin Dry vermouth Organic lemon – zest and peel Swirl a few drops of vermouth around a frozen martini glass so the inside is nicely coated. Add the gin and twist the lemon zest to release the lemon oil into the drink. Add the lemon peel twist.
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