(2019) I wrote recently about my tasting of the super-expensive Armand de Brignac Gold Brut Champagne, which comes in striking metallic bottle. Well, for Christmas 2019 those without the necessary £200 might consider this fun alternative, a limited edition sporting its own shiny gold party frock. There's no mistaking it for expensive Champagne, but it is a very nice rendition of Prosecco, a super-clean and fresh example, all cool pear fruit, touches of floral character and it is Brut, so not too much sweetness to finish. It's a bit of a gifting banker for Christmas with its glittery appeal, and it is down to £10.99 in Ocado from 4th December 2019 through until New Year's Day. Watch the video for more information.
(2019) Certified organic, and wearing its Eco credentials proudly with recycled glass for the bottle and cardboard for packaging, this is Nero d’Avola from Sicily. It has a medium salmon colour and fruity aromas, a little bit of bubble-gummy cherry, some rose-hip lift. In the mouth it is fairly generic I suppose, but then the fruit is bold and juicy, the acidity balances that, and it has clarity in the finish. I might have hoped for a little more from a wine that is obviously very carefully conceived, but it does its job well.
(2019) Organic and eco-friendly with mostly recycled packaging, this Sicilian white is the epitome of easy-drinking, fruity and fresh with peach and juicy lemon, good balancing acidity and drinking either as an aperitif or with lighter salads and summer fish dishes. Pleasant drinking.
(2018) A brut Prosecco, so drier than many and lower in sugar, hence the very modest 63 calories per 100ml, so less than 100 calories in a decent 150mm serving. It is foamy and frothy, with a crisp apple and lemon sherbet nose, the palate noticeably drier than many Proseccos, with plenty of lemony bite, but still enough pear and apple fruitiness to please fans of Italy's most popular fizz. Note that offers seem to abound on this: at time of review down £8.99 in Budgens, £9.99 in Ocado