Match of the week

Crab paté and (bargain) champagne

Posted by Fiona Beckett (Google+) on March 10 2014 at 07:44

One of the products I regularly have in the fridge is Tesco’s Orkney Crab paté, not least because it’s so low in calories (85 calories per 38g serving) it’s even compatible with the 5:2 diet*.

On non-fast days, of which I have to admit there are many, it’s also very good with a glass of wine: crab, particularly brown crab meat on which these patés tend to be based, is a versatile wine partner.

I tried it last night with The Wine Society’s champagne which is on special offer at the moment to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Gratien & Meyer who have been supplying the society for over 100 years.

I hadn’t tasted the champagne for a while and had forgotten just how good it is: incredibly rich and toasty, just like vintage fizz. (It’s aged for 4 years before release). Normally it costs £29 a bottle but is currently on offer until March 30th for £119 a case of six bringing it down to £19.83 a bottle - one of the best champagne bargains I’ve seen for a long time. Delicious with the rich sweet crab too.

The offer also applies to Gratien & Meyer’s two sparkling wines from the Loire - a light, creamy Saumur Brut which would make a good base for summer cocktails (currently £49 a case of six which is equivalent to £8.17 a bottle) or, better still, the delicious Saumur rosé which is delicious on its own (on offer at £51 a case, £8.50 a bottle. A good one for Mother’s Day or a summer party).

The only wine I wouldn’t go for on this offer is the Society’s Celebration Crémant de Loire which is just a bit lean, mean and underwhelming even at the special deal of £57 (£9.50 a bottle).

The Wine Society doesn't normally do offers like this so I would definitely take advantage if you’re a member.

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