I hope you have all enjoyed cleaning off the BBQ and eating outdoors over the bank holiday. We certainly did, in fact it has been so warm, we have eaten our meal outside every night. As the weather warms up and the flowers are in full bloom in the gardens, woods and fields, it really does set me thinking about the summer and wondering what some of you will be doing during the (hopefully) hot and dry summer.

Summer is a time for spending outside with friends or perhaps there are a few of you out there getting married. With this in mind I went in search of an appropriate wine...Champagne!

The only wine that can officially be called Champagne is from a specific region in France. Although many other countries make wine using the same method, they are not allowed to be called Champagne, hence the term sparkling wine. In my opinion many sparkling wines taste just as good as Champagne.

If you want to either keep the cost down or drink it more often, then I suggest you opt for a sparkling wine or consider a name you are unfamiliar with. Sometimes the best bargains are to be had where you least expect them! So this month I did my research and went to Aldi. They do have some very good value for money wines and we have had a few excellent bottles of red from them. I spotted a bottle of Calin Champagne while in there and thought I would try it. It turned out to be an excellent buy and had a real aroma and taste of raspberries to it.

Brand: Carlin Champagne
Type: Premier Cru Non Vintage
Region: Reims, France
Grape: 75% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay
Alcohol Strength: 12.5 %

The colour – Gold with a slightly pink tinge
The bouquet – Toasty, brioche and buttered pecan, with a fruity raspberry aroma
Flavour - rich and rolling with a lot of fruit: raspberry, peaches and oatmeal with a slight acidity
Price: £11.99 available from Aldi

Enjoy with fish, chicken, with light meals or just enjoy it as an appetizer on its own or for the big day.

Have a great summer!