Drinking With Trevor Langley

Drinks: Sparklers and Spirits

rosecco is extremely

Ppopular and Pizzolato Organic Prosecco (11% vol) certainly does not disappoint. This impressive, sparkling production exudes a fine and persistent perlage, which pleases the nasal senses with fruits, including apples and pears, that follow on to the mouthfeel and palate sensation. I found this Prosecco crisp and refreshing, being produced utilising 100% Glera grapes to great advantage. Irresistible Cava (11.5% vol) is another most popular sparkling wine, that adorns many dining tables, constantly. Made by Castillo Perelada, renowned for excellent sparkling wines, this exclusive blend delivers a dry, refreshing experience that continues throughout – to the very last enjoyable drop! The grape is Macabeo. Taittinger is very much recognised as one of the leading Champagne houses. This family-owned and managed company (founded in 1734) produces outstanding, multi award-winning Champagnes. The use of Chardonnay grapes is of great importance and results in exceptional Champagne productions, which are admired and appreciated by many. Taittinger Brut Reserve (12.5% vol) is a favourite for Champagne lovers, worldwide. The bouquet and splendid perlage are just perfect and the balanced, superb mouthfeel follows, to complement. The palate’s sensation completes the experience with excellent depth and a most memorable finish. For the spirits, I found ‘Passion Fruit, Mango and Lime Flavoured Gin Limited Edition’ (40% vol) to suit my palate perfectly. The description on the bottle states ‘zesty and vibrant’ – I agree. Infused with the flavours of passion fruit, mango and lime, this five-times distilled production has a splendid combination of tropical inclusions, with the lime citrus addition, balancing wonderfully. Irresistible ‘Pineapple Rum Spirit Drink’ (40% vol) has a good number of ‘devotees’, too. Produced using Dominican Republic rum and eight-year aged Barbados rum, this certainly ‘comes through’ with its tropical taste, evoking thoughts of paradise, with pineapples and sunshine. Happy days! I located these drinks at a Co-op store. The Co-op is dedicated and committed to Fair Trade. Expert advice is always available, which includes valuable information about pairing wines/drinks with foods, too. Excellent quality beverages include beers, wines and spirits, with several award winners amongst the ranges. If Co-op membership is of interest, then customers can enjoy rewards on selected products and purchases. For further information, please visit www.coop. co.uk/products/wine , www.coop.co.uk and www.infofairtrade.net. As always, enjoy! Trevor Langley