Tuesday night's tasting was a resounding success, although my head disagreed on Wednesday morning.

We sampled a Prosecco, a Cava, a premier cru, a blanc de blanc, one rose and a Grand Cru. I was expecting the Maison Autreau Grand Cru 2003 to be my favourite - the only vintage, the most expensive... 

But it wasn't. It was the colour of dirty gold and tasted sweaty. 

I like my Champers lighter, greener and full of citrus.  So my favourite was the Maison Autreau Premier Cru. It smelt of sponge cakes with a hint of white currants. And tasted of grapefruits. Yum. The rose was also good, and tasted like peppered strawberries; brilliant with the smoked salmon.

Miss SMBW and I extended the night and went to a bar afterwards, but I wasn't prepared to drink more wine (and dilute the loveliness of the Champagne). So I ordered an Espresso Martini.

Fizz, then caffeine. Brilliant combo. I'm sure the boyfriend concurred!