FOUR BOTTLES OF FIZZ

I tasted a four really interesting sparkling wines over the last week, none of them Champagne. Instead, Italy (and not a Prosecco), the Czech Republic, Tasmania and Wales.

Medici Ermete Lambrusco Reggiano Secco ‘Quercioli’ N.V.

I love this wine – lightly fizzy, with mouth-watering sour plum and dark cherry fruits, finishing dry. The perfect aperitif to quaff alongside some salami, and other fatty cold meats and cheese.

€14 from Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, South Anne Street, Kells, Co. Meath, Galway, sheridanscheesemongers.com

Krásná Hora Blanc de Noir Brut Nature 2016, Czech Republic

Krásná Hora , meaning “Beautiful Mountain”, is a biodynamic family-owned winery based in Moravia. I love the Blanc de Noirs Nature, a refined and elegant wine with a very seductive creamy texture, subtle and charming with a bone dry finish.

€43 from Green Man Wines, Terenure, greenmanwines.ie.

Ancre Hill Blanc de Noir N.V., Monmouth, Wales

Yes, Wales. A biodynamic estate making some really interesting grown-up fizz. This is 100% Pinot Noir, a blend of 2013 and 2014, aged on the lees for two years. Lean and angular with precise ripe red fruits – strawberries; austere and bone dry (0% gl.) showing a lovely maturity – biscuits and brioche. Great finesse and a fine finish.

€67 from Alex Findlater, Limerick; alexfindlaterandco.ie

Jansz Tasmania Vintage Cuvée 2012

At a dinner hosted by Robert Hill-Smith, owner of Yalumba and Jansz, I had a glass of this delicious sparkling wine. A blend of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot, it has moreish ripe fruits that make it seem sweeter than the actual 8 g/l, subtle brioche and toasted hazelnuts finishing well. Very stylish wine that will arrive in Ireland soon.

Not available in Ireland yet. The Premium NV Cuvée should be available from a few independents.