The dreaded ‘C’ word is fast approaching so if you can be disciplined (or can lock the wine away somewhere) it is good to begin picking up some wines or at least thinking about what you will need.

Now that we are properly into 2016, I have had some further thoughts on wine experiences I enjoyed last year.

In my last column of 2015 I was going to go focus on the wine highlights of the year but in fact there have been far more landmarks in the spirit world here in Ireland.

This week I want to share with you some of the reasons why good Champagne is expensive. One reason is our punitive tax system (fizzy wine is double the tax of still wine), but also because this is not an easy wine to get right.

I hope you can forgive the increase in prices on the column this week, I promise it is a once-a-year event, and only because I want to talk about Champagne.

CHAMPAGNE. The word needs little explanation to any adult and is almost guaranteed to conjure up a memory or two.

SOME of the grand old masters of the bubbly business were left red faced yesterday and it wasn’t down to an over-indulgent Christmas tasting session.