Helen McGinn When it comes to Mother’s Day, I don’t ask for much. Which is just as well because the Husband would pass out if he knew how much my favourite bubble bath cost (Elemis Muscle Soak, as it happens). But I do insist on bubbles of another kind on Mother’s Day. In a glass bottle, preferably vintage. So this week’s picks are mostly bubbly, including an organic prosecco and a bargain vintage champagne. There’s also a gin that would make a brilliant gift (and costs less than the bubble bath). Here’s to you and yours (and mine, seen here. Filter: tequila) on Sunday.
Current sparkling in the fridge: Organic Prosecco
Price: £7.99 - Buy From Lidl
Lidl bill this as their hangover-free Prosecco. Sadly, drink enough and it will give you a hangover because, well, alcohol. But it is made from organically grown grapes so the vineyards are chemical-free – a good thing. Plus the levels of added sulphur in organic wines are generally lower than your average wine so if you do think might be affected by sulphur, this might just help ease the pain. Whatever, it’ll sell out quickly because it’s dirt cheap for an organic wine and is dangerously drinkable. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Current sparkling in the fridge: Chiarli Vecchia Modena Pignoletto
Price: £7.99 - Buy From Waitrose
A bit like Prosecco, but from a neighbouring region in Italy and made from a different grape (the fabulously-named Pignoletto). It’s drier in style but with that same charming pear and citrus deal going on. Talking of deals, it’s normally a couple of quid more expensive so is an absolute steal at the moment.
Current sparkling in the fridge: Tesco Finest Vintage Champagne
Price: £22.50 - Buy From Tesco
The price of champagne has really crept up over the last few years, the average price per bottle now well over £20. And that’s for the normal stuff. So to find this one, from a great (but small) vintage and made from grapes grown in the best quality vineyards (the words Grand Cru on the label tell us that) is an absolute joy. It’s a Blanc de Blancs, meaning that it’s only made from white grapes (so: Chardonnay). And is really smart for the money – delicate, citrusy and slightly nutty. Definitely worth celebrating.
Current gin on the side: Roku Gin
Price: £30 - Buy From Waitrose
This is the first Japanese gin I’ve tried – and I loved it. Roku means six and this is made from a blend of botanicals including six typically Japanese ones. The packaging is beautiful, with an embossed bottle and a touchy-feely label printed on Japanese washi paper. Tasted in a line up of gins recently (I know, I know – my job is ridiculous) this stood out for all the right reasons. Beautifully smooth with so many lovely flavours; citrus, a bit of floral, spice on the end. Just the tonic.
Hey there lovely, any tips on how to choose the right gin? At the bar the the other night, all I wanted was a simple ‘G&T’. ‘Which one?’ came the innocent reply. Absolutely, no idea! Is there really that much difference between gins, apart from price tag? xx
I know what you mean, choosing a gin (and tonic, for that matter) isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. But that’s because there’s so much choice now. There are lots of different types of gin – some more citrusy, some more floral, others more spicy – but, like wine, it’s not always obvious what camp they fall into. If you like a stronger-smelling, gin-y gin, ask for something with lots of juniper (the most important botanical, gives gin its pine/medicinal character). But if you want something not so in-your-face gin-wise, ask for something lighter. Let me know what style you think you might prefer and I can give you some brands to try next time you’re ordering that G&T! x