Glass of Bubbly
Albert de Vilarnau Cava
Vilarnau is a top-end, finely crafted Cava produced on a small and very exclusive scale with a touch of the avant-garde about it. This Cava has many links to the city of Barcelona with strong links to the modern, cutting edge spirit of the one of Spain’s most famous conurbations . Vilarnau is situated in…
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Kingscote Vineyards
Hidden half a mile down a quiet track from Vowells Lane, between East Grinstead and Turners Hill is Kingscote Vineyards. Kingscote which was once part of the Gravetye estate and is overlooked by Mill Place Farm, a converted 14 century stone master’s house which is now home to owners Christen and Alison Monge and their four…
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New Cuvee Rosé Petite Douceur Launched by Champagne Gosset
Champagne Gosset, the oldest wine house in Champagne, Aÿ, 1584 – currently celebrating its 430th anniversary – has launched a new cuvée, Petite Douceur Rosé. This extra dry wine achieves a delicate balance between sweetness and acidity and is the perfect accompaniment for desserts or afternoon tea, as well as savoury dishes with a ‘sweet…
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Ambriel launches Blanc de Noirs
Ambriel Blanc de Noirs launched on Friday 19th September 2014. The English Sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir grapes ripened on the sunny south-facing slopes of Sussex. Matured on the lees for 3 years, the initial sip is of fresh lime and ripe peach, making way for honeycomb and warmed brioche. It has a fine,…
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The British Bottle Company
The British Bottle Company is the first company to specialise in the export of premium British drinks. Founded by food and drink entrepreneur Red Johnson, the company represents a portfolio of suppliers in three categories including English Sparkling Wine. Red is supported by an Advisory Board that includes leading names from the drinks industry including his…
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New Labels for Champagne Boizel
Founded in 1834, Champagne Boizel has cultivated excellence since its origins by respecting the values of authenticity and commitment to the best quality. In 180 years of existence, this family house has forged its reputation on the subtlety of its blends and the finesse of its different Champagnes. For Evelyne Boizel and her sons, this ambition to conjugate the past…
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Is the Cru System a ‘Cru’cial guide to quality?
The Échelle des Crus vineyard rating system was introduced in the early to mid twentieth century to categorise individual grape producing villages “crus” in Champagne, providing them with a percentile score. The intention of the system was to ensure growers received a fair price for their grapes. However, since its inception just 17 villages have…
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How sparkling wine is made at J Vineyards
We ask J Vineyards how they make their sparkling wine. Sparkling wine grapes are harvested normally in August, earlier than varietal wine grapes, to capture the natural acidity in the fruit. The grapes are then delicately pressed as whole clusters in a Coquard press. This is a specialized machine, designed in France which keeps the…
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How do we know when the grapes are ready to pick?
It’s time to pick the grapes! The big question is how do we know when the grapes are ready? Can you tell by look or by tasting them? Are mind-straining mathematical equations required? Or do one of those little tiny birds in the vineyard let us know? Well, it’s actually all of the above and…
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