SO’s Drinks Editor James Viner picks his top ten of finest festive tipples to get the party started…
and at No 2.
2022 Bird in Hand Sparkling Pinot Noir, Australia
Nab this smart, appetising, generously discounted, red-fruited, pale, blush pink South Australian aperitif-style sparkling hit. It gives you a lot of bang for your buck and is good value even at the full price. A perfect celebratory foil for smoked salmon and turkey sandwiches.
Suzy Atkin writes to Delicious magazine:
Be adventurous
Bird in Hand Sparkling 2022, South Australia 12.5%
This pale pink bubbly is made in the same method as champagne. Fresh strawberries and rich layers of cream jump from the glass with plenty of bubbles.
Jancis Robinson writes in her weekly Purple Pages:
Bird in Hand, Sparkling 2023 Australia
A simple, pretty, off-dry Pinot-based fizz at a good price.
