Chandon Garden Spritz

Chandon Garden Spritz is made by Chandon in Mendoza, Argentina, where the vineyards sit at around a thousand metres and give the base wine its freshness. The cuvee blends Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Semillon, made in stainless steel to keep the fruit bright, and it is then finished with an orange bitters built from Valencia oranges. That combination turns it into a wine-based aperitif rather than a straight sparkling wine, ready to pour over ice without mixing. The style is light and citrus-led, pitched for warm-weather drinking and summer entertaining.

The colour is a bright rose-orange with a fine bead. The nose is led by lively citrus with a floral edge and a herbal, botanical hint, and the palate balances the sparkling base against sweet orange and a light bitterness that gives it grip. Serve it cold over ice in a large wine glass with a slice of orange and a sprig of rosemary. It is built as an aperitif and suits Mediterranean plates such as grilled fish, antipasti and a citrus salad.