From @gooddayphoto’s visit to Chandon's Australian division. Went nicely with Nina's wonderful cooking.

BRIEF: “Clásico, a faithful reflection of a traditional cava. A cava made with a blend of the three traditional grape varieties: Macabeu, Xarel.lo and Parellada. Bright pale yellow in colour with fine persistent bubbles. Fresh and delicate with an elegant floral bouquet and hints of apple and toasted almonds.” SOOT’S TAKE: Nice and fresh sparkly. The bubbles were persistent alright. Perfect with the Mac ‘n’ Cheese I made for the occasion.

Felt appropriate with the seafood pasta.

The source of the alcohol is fruit wine which intrigued sufficiently to discover that it’s produced in Estonia. I like that it’s not too sweet.

Had meant to uncork this on my birthday but that fell through. My first attempt occurred 6 weeks later but I had removed the cage prematurely and every feeble attempt to uncork the sparkly failed repeatedly. Today, however, felt like the day and it felt that way right after a rejuvenating run. And so it happened: I untwisted the cork slowly but deliberately and soon enough, I got it to pop! It was dry and it was fresh and it went well with the quiche I had prepared. I drank and I drank from it and ultimately, I was left with a lingering and questioning impression: Why does the bottle remind me of one of the body shapes ascribed to the fairer sex? 😳 Perhaps I should stop @ 3 flutes?🥴😵

Continuing on the Mediterranean theme, a dry, crisp, botanical libation redolent of juniper, pine, rosemary and thyme. My only beef with this wine and gin blend is the headache it’s inducing. 🤕

A sparkling Moscato-like wine with hints of peach to mark the final day of 2018, courtesy of @cicig. I’d like to think 2019 will be peachier 🍑🍑

Che fresca!

Lovely. Unfortunately for D.O.C, a fly fell in midway drinking this and it continued to flounder until the end of my meal. I really wanted to put it out of its misery but stopped short in fear of judgement from surrounding diners. I'm sorry I sold out, but presumably, plenty more have perished in worse circumstances?

Sickly sweet if not clinical. Waaay worse than the “Chardonnay.”🤮

I got this on account of needing some dry white wine for a clam chowder and not wanting to blow $20 for just half a cup of it. I should’ve trusted my instincts. It was waaay too sweet for my liking 😣