Glass of Bubbly
Crémant d’Alsace, Champagne’s Lesser-Known Cousin
Last year Crémant d’Alsace French sparkling wine turned 40 years old, with it being first officially recognised under French law in August 1976. However, the winemaking tradition goes way further back in this region and today it’s France’s most prolific sparkling wine appellation besides Champagne. Alsace is located southeast of the Champagne region and borders…
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Lambrusco is Back in Fashion!
There are already growing predictions that sparkling red wine could be the next alternative wine craze. Australia is a great choice, with quality sparkling shiraz production growing rapidly. However, we shouldn’t overlook Lambrusco. This sparkling red wine was once popular in the 70s and 80s before falling out of fashion, but appears to be regaining…
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Champagne Devaux Experience
There seems to be a theme surrounding the Champagne Houses and ‘widows’, carrying on the history and philosophy of their founders. No exception is Devaux Champagne, founded in 1846 by brothers Jules and Auguste Devaux. The House truly developed under the successive management of three widows of character, Claude-Joseph, Augusta-Maria and Marguerite. However, in 1987,…
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Why these 3 Superstar Grapes Dominate Champagne
You may have noticed that Champagne is dominated by three main varieties of grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Most Champagnes are made with a blend of these. Up to 90% of Champagnes use a blend of around 70% red grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and 30% white grape Chardonnay. Only less than…
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Celebrity Interview: Victoria Graham (McCoy)
Victoria is a presenter on BBC Spotlight. She is married to Simon McCoy, loves to sing, cook and most of all, be out with her dogs Grizzle and Scampi. Where’s the most memorable place you’ve enjoyed a Glass of Bubbly? It has to be on stage at a Barry Manilow concert in Las Vegas. I’m…
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Pink Bubbly Cocktails for Valentine’s Day
Who needs to go out on a date when you have Champagne and Prosecco cocktails? Strawberry Mint Prosecco 1 mint leaf 3 handfuls of strawberries Bottle of Prosecco or other sparkling wine Using the back of a spoon, sieve the mint leave and strawberries into a bowl. Keep chilled until ready to serve, then add…
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Wine Merchant Reports 24% Jump in Sparkling Wine Sales
Jascots Wine Merchants, specialist wine supplier to restaurants, hotels and caterers, has reported a 24% sales jump of sparkling wines. English wines have proven particularly popular, rising by 41% in sales as Jascot has added 7 new English wines to their site under its own section. They have wines from Bolney, Three Choirs and Lyme…
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5 Picturesque Vineyards Close to London for a Day Trip
There are many fantastic sparkling wine producers right at home, with new ones popping up all the time. They make a great day-trip out of London, where you can tour the lovely vineyards and taste quality English bubbly. Here’s just a few options to try who offer a great variety of affordable tours, tastings, food…
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How Long Can I Keep my Champagne Before Drinking it?
Maybe you want to stock your cellar with bubbly or have recently discovered an old bottle in the back of the basement and you’re wondering if it’s still good to drink. Non-vintage Champagnes can be aged for around 3 years, provided they are correctly stored in a cool, dark environment. If you have managed to get…
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