Wines of the week: If you're popping a cork to celebrate something, here are three sparklers for summer
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
From England
Castle Brook 2009
Most English sparkling hails from the south coast, but these grapes are grown on a former Roman vineyard in Herefordshire's lush Wye Valley by an asparagus-farming family, although the wine is made near Brighton. Simply gorgeous: light, effervescent, floral, grassy. Summer in a glass. £32, castlebrookvineyard.co.uk
From France
Le Grand Cros La Rivale NV
A sparkler from a specialist rosé vineyard in Provence that also makes very classy still wines. This is a blend of Mourvèdre and Cinsault grown on sun-baked terraces: classic strawberry, raspberry and herb flavours, enlivening and refreshing. The perfect early evening aperitif with canapés. £9.99, nywines.co.uk
From Italy
Castellari Bergaglio Ardé Gavi DOCG
A delicious sparkling Gavi from Piedmont in north-west Italy, demonstrating all the qualities of the local Cortese grape: fine acidity with crisp flavours of brioche and citrus, and a lingering finish. An ideal companion for oysters, scallops or any crustacea.
£21.50 (as part of a purchase of six mixed bottles), libiamowines.co.uk
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