Glass of Bubbly
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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Grower Champagnes
Grower-producer Champagnes–commonly known as Grower Champagnes–are exactly what they sound like: Champagnes that are made by the estate that actually grows the grapes. Grower Champagnes make up just a small segment of all Champagnes produced; 71 percent of Champagne is still made by négociant houses, especially such large houses as Moët & Chandon and Veuve…
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Prosecco… “what a mess, is it because I love you?”
In the 80s, there was an Italian band that sang “Che confusione, Sarà perché ti amo” (What a mess, is it because I love you?). You can rarely find a song’s title so perfectly close to the wine world. It’s been a while since we’ve been thinking about expressing ourselves and telling the world what we…
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Charles Heidsieck: World’s Most Underrated Champagne
One year after he founded his Champagne house in 1851, 29-year-old Charles-Camille Heidsieck took the unusual step, at that time, of journeying to the United States to sell his Champagne. In fact, he was the first Champagne producer to visit the U.S.A. Champagne Charlie, as he became known, a gracious gentleman and a born salesman,…
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