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  • New Zealand Listener

    Fab fizz

    Dec 06, 2020 9 minutes
    by Michael Cooper

    What is it about a glass of chilled bubbly that can swiftly lighten your mood? That magical ritual of pop, fizz and clink is for many of us an integral part of the good times.

    Winston Churchill declared in 1918: “Remember, gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne.” Since then, sparkling wine has retained its status as the ultimate drink of celebration. Here, Marlborough has emerged as the premier region for bubbly, but outstanding examples are also flowing from elsewhere, notably Central Otago.

    A tip for the festive season. Sparkling wine can go to your head faster than still wine, because its carbon dioxide speeds up the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. So, when you are on the party circuit, while you are sipping, it pays to be nibbling, too.

    $10 - $14

    Gold Digger Frizzante Naturally Sparkling Rosé NV

    From Maori Point, in Central Otago, this non-vintage wine is instantly appealing. Bright, pale pink, it is light and lively, with vibrant strawberry and watermelon flavours, yeasty notes, and a crisp, off-dry, lingering finish. $12 (330 ml)

    Nikau Point Gold Méthode Traditionnelle NV

    This pale-straw wine is crisp and fractionally sweet, with a touch of complexity and plenty of citrusy, peachy, gently yeasty flavour. $12

    $15 - $19

    Lindauer Special Reserve Blanc de Blancs NV

    Bargain-priced, this bottle-fermented bubbly was made from Gisborne chardonnay. Pale straw, it is lively, with generous, peachy, citrusy

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