Bubbles

By Paul Fulford on Jun 22, 09 10:36 AM

Remember that Loadsamoney character's description of champagne as the best lager money can buy?

I think even Harry Enfield's immortal 1980s creation would have been forced to admit that it's a touch above even the best lager had he been at the Hyatt hotel in Broad Street on Thursday night.

The occasion was the annual dinner of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, a group that promotes the drinking and reputation of bubbly. I was there as a guest of Broad Street's manager Mike Olley, who is almost an effervescent as the drinks we supped.

We drank five different sorts and it was fascinating to listen to experts from the champagne houses explain the subtle differences.

My Favourite was a Tattinger, Compte de Champagne, Blanc de Blancs 1998 which was fabulously understated yet complex.

Oh that I could afford to drink wines of such quality all the time...