‘Tis the season for bubbles…with International Champagne Day coming up on December 31, not only will Champagne be opened, but other such bubbles too. So what’s your favourite bubbly for not just NYE, but any special occasions? Or do you find yourself reaching for something else?

The first thing I reach for is rarely a Champagne. Maybe a little Brunello, or Nerello, but very rarely a bubbly.

This NYE, maybe you’ll forego the traditional Champagne in favour of something else. Cremant perhaps? Made in exactly the same way as Champagne, but in other parts of France and often different grape varieties. Or what about you Prosecco fans? There’s a great amount of that out there too with different levels of sweetness, lending itself to steely or creamy in your mouth, some beautiful floral and peachy notes, not to mention the cocktails and blends you could make with it!

This year though, I WILL be reaching for a Champagne, surprising even myself! Not Veuve, or Bollinger or Roederer, but rather an independent, family run company called Lombard, which is located in the heart of Epernay. They have 100 ha of land, with both chardonnay and pinot noir grown on both premier cru and grand cru sites. This Extra Brut, Premier Cru Blanc de Noir, made with 100% Pinot Noir comes from some of the best terroir and vineyards of the Montagne de Reims. Lots of chalk in this soil lending to the clean minerality finish of this wine, but the red berry notes come through as well as vanilla, brioche and sweet pastry coming from 48 months on the lees.

My New Years Eve will be setting up a charcuterie platter complete with Chaource cheese, olives and various meats. And maybe after the Champagne, I WILL open that bottle of Brunello or Nerello! Happy 2018 to everyone! May all your dreams come true in this coming year! Santé!