Feeling festive yet? I had my first cream sherry of the season last week whilst watching Sleepless in Seattle and we’ve had Jamie Cullum’s new Christmas album on repeat (he was a guest on Saturday Kitchen a few weeks ago, the album’s a cracker). Then there was the festive fizz tasting with the wonderful Kat Farmer on Instagram including a surprise visit from the Kent Police (no, not kidding. If you haven’t seen it you can watch it over on Kat’s IGTV page, the ‘incident’ happens after the second wine). And if that wasn’t enough to put me in the mood I talked bubbles with Phil & Holly on This Morning and broke out serious sequins to do so. One of my favourite sparklers is included in this week’s recommendations along with a sherry we all need in our lives at the moment. Definitely feeling it.
Current sparkling in the fridge: Classics Cremant
Price: £10.00 - Buy From M&S
If you want baby Champagne at Prosecco prices, this is it. From the Bourgogne region, it’s a blend of mostly Pinot Noir with a dollop of Chardonnay, Gamay and local grape Aligote and the result is like just-crushed lemon biscuits in a glass. Properly good value for money and the winner of this year’s Great Value Sparkling trophy at the International Wine Challenge. Ship. It. In.
Current sherry on the side: Morrisons The Best Pedro Ximenez
Price: £5.50 - Buy From Morrisons
If you’re looking for something to sip with mince pies and Christmas cake – and frankly at this time of year, who isn’t? – this is the one for you. Made by one of the leading sherry producers, it’s like liquid molasses. Made from partially dried PX grapes, with its naturally concentrated sugars it definitely makes life taste sweeter.