Wine: Allan Scott Cecilia Brut, Marlborough $24 

Why I chose it:  

- I like it very much, especially the price. 
- It’s a perfect “stand-by” wine in case of unexpected visitors. 
- It is a real crowd-pleaser. 
- A wine for all seasons. 
- I haven’t chosen a sparkling wine for while. 

What does it taste like?  

- A blend of pinot noir and chardonnay with a creamy, yeast-infused palate that is both fresh and mellow with restrained complexity. A perfect balance of subtle sweetness and mouth-watering acidity. 

Why it’s a bargain:  

- Bottle-fermented sparkling wine is expensive to make, you won’t find too many good examples under $25. 

Where can you buy it?  

- Whisky and More, Waikato $20.99  -Big Barrel stores $less than $23  
- Glengarry, Auckland $22.99 

Food match?  

-Canapes, especially seafood, particularly oysters. It doesn’t need the complication of food. 

Will it keep?  

- Good for a few years although it isn’t vintage-dated. Drink it up. 

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