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Wines of the week: Tribaut Brut Cuvée de Réserve; Miguel Torres Brut NV; Château Moncontour Sparkling Vouvray 2009

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Sunday 14 August 2011 00:00 BST
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Sunday lunch

Tribaut Brut Cuvée de Réserve

Three different sparklers for late summer celebrations – whether it's exam results due this month, a birthday or just a beach gathering. I'll mark my birthday today with a bottle from G Tribaut, a small family producer in Hautvilliers, where a certain Dom Pérignon once lived. Tribaut proves that great champagne does not have to always come from such famous names, delivering a refreshing mouthful of pears, toasted nuts and a hint of fruit. Great as an aperitif before a special meal. £24.99, champagnewarehouse.com

Midweek meal

Miguel Torres Brut NV

Made in the heart of the Andes entirely from pre-phylloxera Pinot Noir vines using the champagne region's methode traditionelle, this elegant, silky sparkler from one of Spain's biggest still-wine producers is perfect with all canapés, particularly those involving smoked salmon, but would also be great with light fish dishes and rich desserts such as summer pudding. £13.99 (or £11.89 each for order of six or more tauruswines.co.uk; £12.92 each for order of minimum six bottles, vintagemarque.com

Bargain basement

Château Moncontour Sparkling Vouvray 2009

French fizz, but from the Loire Valley and made from Chenin Blanc grapes, rather than the traditional champagne trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The characteristic Chenin style of an immediate crispness on the palate, mingled with honey and melon flavours, is given added complexity here from a little aging in the bottle. £8.99 (reduced from £10.99 until 4 September), M&S

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