Let's face it, a nibble just wouldn't be a nibble without a glass of fizz in your other hand.
Posh canapes coupled with a good champagne is a match made in heaven. In fact the contents of your glass are just as likely to whet the appetite for the coming meal as the contents of your plate.
Champagne is the ultimate indulgence, the most decadent of wines, but it needn't cost an arm and a leg. Krug, Dom Perignon and Cristal will certainly set you back a few quid, but if you have a decent wine merchant nearby pop in and ask them about their house champagne. It will be good quality and you'll probably be surprised by the price.
Champagne will normally be a blend of three grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) from a number of sites and a number of vintages.
Here are three excellent (and reasonably priced) champagnes to try the next time you celebrate.
Lanson Black Label NV (Waitrose, normally £33.99, currently £25.49). Lanson inhibit malolactic fermentation (a process that softens the wine), thus preserving the crisp, clean quality of the fruit in your glass. If you like apples, this one is for you.
Pol Roger Pure NV (Waitrose, normally £42.99, currently £32.99). The Pure is fresh and minerally and incredibly approachable. This is a cracking price for a top quality champagne.
Canard-Duchene Brut (Majestic, normally £30, currently on a multi-buy deal which nets down to £18.99). Canard-Duchene is the classic French-style, smooth and fruity and downright moreish. One bottle is never enough.
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