You don't need an excuse to pop a cork.. (From Northwich Guardian)

You don't need an excuse to pop a cork..

10:13am Tuesday 6th March 2012 in Wine

Vina Pomal Reserva 2006, £12.99, Majestic, Wine Rack, Whalley Wine Shop (for Warrington it's also sold by Cheshire independents Define Food and Wine, The Local Wine Company, Rodney Densem Wines and Wine Buffs)

With 461 years of winemaking behind them Barcelona-based Grupo Codorniu is one of the world's oldest family businesses, writes Nick Nunn.

Here's a classic Rioja Alta red which is 100% Tempranillo grapes, 13.5% alcohol and has lots of fruit plus tobacco, vanilla and spice.

It isn't cheap but neither is this sort of class and history. A layered drink that will add something special to a superb meal.

Codorniu Seleccion Raventos Brut, £9.99, Majestic, Wine Rack, yourfavoritewnes.com

Fizzy stuff doesn't often feature here but Easter isn't too far off and perhaps you don't need an excuse to pop a cork!

This was launched to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the company's first Cava and it's half Chardonnay and half Macabeo grapes which add up to bags of citrus and apple flavours.

The handbell-shaped bottle makes it easy to spot on the shelves. Lovely bubbly!