Glass of Bubbly
Franciacorta: Harvest Begins and the Grapes Shake off Bad Weather
Vice-president Silvano Brescianini: “A challenging growing year, but one with great promise. Sugar and acidity levels are outstanding, the basis for a vintage of great finesse and longevity. Erbusco (BS), 11 August 2014 – The harvest began today in Franciacorta, with the first clusters Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Bianco coming in to the cellars…
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Boutique tour & tasting at Tinwood Estate
I’m endlessly fascinated, not just by the stories of wine production, but of how people came to be in the business of making wine in England & Wales. We hear quite often about people making money in other fields, like medicine or IT, the City or Formula 1 which enables them to make their dream of owning a vineyard…
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Boutique tour & tasting at Tinwood Estate
I’m endlessly fascinated, not just by the stories of wine production, but of how people came to be in the business of making wine in England & Wales. We hear quite often about people making money in other fields, like medicine or IT, the City or Formula 1 which enables them to make their dream of owning a vineyard…
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Prosecco Today…and a Special Prosecco
The first time that I can remember drinking Prosecco was in Tuscany, over 25 years ago. It was a warm summer afternoon, and we had lunch at an elegant restaurant. First we were escorted to the restaurant’s terrace, and amidst the chirping birds, without our asking, we were served a chilled Prosecco. Needless to say–being…
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What is an old Champagne?
Tasting an old Champagne is always a moment of discovery; a voyage into the unknown with the ever-present risk of encountering a bottle that hasn’t withstood the test of time. But, what is the definition of old Champagne exactly? How old does it have to be? In fact there’s no absolute rule but by general…
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Vintage 2002: A Great Champagne Year
The climate in 2002 in La Champagne–as the region is called by its inhabitants–was just about perfect for a potentially outstanding vintage: A mild spring; warm, but not hot summer; with dry, sunny days in the fall. Alcohol levels were high enough, combined with good-enough acidity to balance the wines. Here are some 2002 Champagnes…
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Poquito Moscato
Summer, 2014 — Guy Anderson Wines has launched Poquito Moscato, targeting independents and on-trade customers in particular. With its distinctive retro-style label on a 375ml fizz bottle and a colourful crown cap, the brand is something a little different. Off to a flying start in export markets, Poquito is destined to make a splash in…
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Vallformosa: An Exciting Brut Cava
Spanish wine producers have been watching the amazing success of Italian Proseccos in the U.S., and are taking action to get a piece of the sparkllng wine pie in this country. Previously unimported Cavas are now showing up in the U.S. market. I am delighted by the increasing number of Spanish Cavas that are now…
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Blanc de Blancs: The Best Champagne Style?
I happen to love all types of Champagne, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would probably be Blanc de Blancs. Among Champagne lovers, this is a very controversial statement, because many believe that Pinot Noir, not Chardonnay (which alone makes Blanc de Blancs), is the region’s most prestigious grape variety. Or that…
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