WHAT TO DRINK

If you want to serve Champagne, then shop
around on the internet to compare prices, but be
sure you try a bottle before you place an order.
Majestic is a good place to visit for a full service.
It has a good range of Champagne as well as a
polished party service. Or, why not start the party
with Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Extra
Dry? It’s a stylish sparkling Italian and only £6.99
when you buy 2 or more bottles. For the meal, try
a reliable trio of white, rosé and red from southern
France: ‘Les Fumées Blanches’ Sauvignon Blanc
2006 (£5.99) is crisp and aromatic; Chateau Guiot
rosé 2007 (£6.24) has enough fruit to match the
menu’s flavours; Chateau Guiot 2007 (£5.99) is an
unoaked, juicy Grenache/Syrah blend. If you want
to offer a sweet wine with the cake, Bimbadgen
Estate Botrytis Semillon 2006 has memorably
succulent, pure Australian fruit (£6.99/37.5cl).
If you’d like to spend more on any of the wines
from Majestic, ask the staff. They know their stock
well, and offer regular weekend tastings.