Bubbles for Mother’s Day

It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday – in the UK at least. I remember from my time in the States that it’s at a different time of year there, and I think it’s later in Oz too. Anyway, this Sunday we traditionally let Mums have a lie in, treat them to choice chocs or a lovely lunch, and maybe buy them a nice bottle of bubbles.

I’ve got three affordable suggestions for the latter, with varying degrees of fizziness. The first is the attractive and appropriately pink-packaged Cordoníu Brut NV Cava. The liquid inside the bottle is the same as the regular edition but this Gaudi-esque skin is a clever touch and makes the bottle stand out on the shelf. A typical blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarello grapes, this Cava is very drinkable. The bubbles are big and soft and the flavours are of apple with maybe a twist of lemon zest. This special edition is available in Tesco and is on offer at £6.99 (Normal price £8.99).

W.O.W. Factor 6.5

If it’s ‘proper’ fizz you’re after i.e. Champagne, then there’s quite a few offers on in supermarkets at the moment. Aubert et Fils Champagne NV at £12.99 (instead of £29.99) caught my eye at the Co-operative. I’m a big fan of their Les Pionniers champers and wasn’t sure about Aubert and Fils when I first tried it last year. However, I opened a bargain bottle with The Analyst who said “Yum” and asked for a second glass. The acidity seems quite up front, but that’s alongside creamy, green apple flavours and reasonable length too. I’m not sure I’d spend thirty quid on a bottle, but for thirteen it’s decent Champagne.

W.O.W. Factor 6.5

My third choice is a sweet, semi-sparkling red. And before you say “uurgh,” as The Analyst did you might consider this as an interesting alternative. Try it if your Mum has a less dry taste in wine and/or would prefer something lower in alcohol (it’s 5.5%) or just as a fun fizz with a strawberry sponge for afternoon tea. Taste the Difference Brachetto d’Acqui 2010 hails from Piedmont in north-west Italy. Brachetto is the name of an “ancient indigenous grape.” This wine has a lovely rose petal and strawberry aroma and tastes of cooked strawberries. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea but you may be surprised. It’s not at all cloying and syrupy – just fruity and fresh.  Taste the Difference Brachetto d’Acqui 2010 is available from Sainsbury’s and costs £6.29.

W.O.W. Factor 7.

Unfortunately, I won’t be with The Mothership this Sunday so will raise a glass at distance and say “Happy Mothers’ Day.”

P.S. The Window On Wine team is taking a short week long Spring break. We’ll be back soon!