118. Louis Bouillot, Crémant de Bourgogne Grande Reserve Perle de Vigne, NV (2003)

£8.99; 12%

The second sparkler in our Wine & Cheese event, and an embarrassment for the French – a French, non-Champagne sparkling wine! A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Nuits-Saint-Georges, the heartland of top-flight still whites and reds from those grapes. Somewhat riper flavour than some Brut Champagnes – buttery and apricot fruit notes, and a softer, slightly sweet flavour. Straw colour. Not bad overall, and particularly good value-for-money at £9 a bottle!