Nothing encapsulates the New Year celebrations more than the unmistakable sound of a cork popping from a Champagne bottle – the sparkling wine from the legendary French region synonymous with fine bubbly. Why beyond Moet you ask? Don’t get me wrong, I am fan of the world’s most popular Champagne just like everybody else. Every second a bottle of Moet & Chandon Imperial NV is sold somewhere around the world. That is more that 30 million bottles a year! I like variety, however, and there are other worthy alternatives to this celebrated brand. What bubbly will you pick to toast the arrival of 2015? Here are my recommendations for Champagnes that will help make your New Year celebrations memorable:
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV
Veuve Clicquot sells more than 10 million bottles a year and is the second most popular Champagne in the world after Moët. It is fruity and ‘structured’ wine. It has both fresh and fragrant fruits as well as richness, a soft creamy texture and bright acidity. It is truly one of the most delightful Champagnes around.
SCF Rating 4 ½ Stars. Approx. 120,000 TZS. Village Supermarkerts, Shoppers, MMI Tanzania.
Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose NV
Laurent Perrier’s celebrated Brut Rosé is the best selling ‘pink’ champagne in the world. It is memorable for exceptional freshness plus lovely flavours of fresh strawberry and raspberry. Cellared for four years to add complexity and presented in a curvaceous, 17th century-style bottle, this is sparkling rosé at its finest.
SCF Rating 4 ½ Stars. Approx. price 150,000 TZS. Village Supermarkerts, Shoppers, MMI Tanzania.
Taittinger Brut Réserve NV
This is a celebratory Champagne par-excellence. Apart from toasting in the New Year, it would equally be great to mark just about any occasion. I even celebrated the opening of the 2014 World Cup with the Brazilian Embassy and Mark Techno at Serena with this great bubbly. This Champagne is dry and fresh with flavours of fresh fruit and honey. A light style with an emphasis on elegance and finesse.
SCF Rating 4 Stars. Approx. price 100,000 TZS. Village Supermarkets.
