Christopher Walkey

The French Riviera and Champagne

By Christopher Walkey / 5th January 2021

I think we must start with what exactly is the French Riviera as I am sure many will have heard about it and lots of us will not be exactly familiar as to what it references. I hope I am not wrong in saying that for those not living in France full time, much of…

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3 Winter Warming Sparkling Wines

Three Years of Winter Warming

By Christopher Walkey / 4th January 2021

I’m sure that we all enjoy our Champagne and sparkling wines during the summer months, those warm sun ray filled lazy days in the garden enjoying barbecues, parties, swimming pools and hot tubs. A refreshing glass of something fizzy goes down a treat when the sun is shining and the weather is warm. Though as…

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Supermarket Champagne Whisky 2020

Champagne & Whisky Cocktail for New Year Celebrations

By Christopher Walkey / 31st December 2020

How many of us are looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020 and toasting in what we hope to be a much better New Year 2021 ahead… As the countdown to the chimes from Big Ben approach, we will no doubt have more negatives than positives to thank the year we all had and maybe…

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What does Prosecco Rosé taste like

What does Prosecco Rosé taste like?

By Christopher Walkey / 29th December 2020

One of the bubbling over with excitement releases of 2020 was for sure the long awaited arrival of Prosecco Rosé. This globally loved sparkling wine, Prosecco, was now to bless us with a touch of pink and much excitement continues in the industry and for sure from the start of 2021 when they become available…

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Title image - Ratafia Champenois Awards results 2020

Ratafia Champenois Awards – 2020 Results

By Christopher Walkey / 23rd December 2020

Host venue: Champagne Route Bar, Wapping, London Glass Sponsors: Lehmann Glassware Judges: ChairLady – Tatiana Mann DipWSET Patricia Stefanowicz MW Luisa Vogliolo-Welch DipWSET Andres Sossa Sommelier Vivienne Franks WSET Educator of Wine Paul Keturakis Restaurant Manager   2020 Results:   The World’s Finest Ratafia Champenois for 2020:   Champagne Dumangin J. Fils – Single Barrel…

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Ratafia Champenois Judging 2020

Ratafia Champenois Impresses the Judges at 2020 Awards in London

By Christopher Walkey / 19th December 2020

There once was a hidden secret within the world of Champagne and it has had, at last, a stage to perform on and in front of an applauding audience chanting for ‘encore‘ it has made an impressive opening performance. The widest selection ever of Ratafia Champenois was brought together in one place following much encouragement from…

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Champagne and Chocolate - Yes or No

Champagne & Chocolate: Yes or No?

By Christopher Walkey / 15th December 2020

I am quite surprised how, what will sound to many as, the perfect pairing can also generate much opposition and especially from wine professionals. It is quite simply a love or hate combination, it’s either yes or its a cardinal sin of judgements – I want to take a look at pairing Champagne and Chocolate…

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The Worlds Best Champagne for 2020

The Best Champagne for 2020 – Roger Constant Lemaire

By Christopher Walkey / 11th December 2020

34,300 Hectares of vineyards, a 19,000 vine growing community and 2,124 houses that make their own. Known to many as the Wine of Kings and the King of Wines, 300 million bottles produced annually and with each standard bottles containing 49 million bubbles! Don’t you just love Champagne! For centuries the world has had the…

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In Medot we Trust - Slovenian sparkling wines

In Medot we Trust – A look at one of Slovenia’s Finest

By Christopher Walkey / 9th December 2020

Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Italy, Croatia, Hungry and Austria. Highest peak of 2,864m altitude above sea level (Triglav) and 1,502 m in depth when heading downwards (Cave Čehi 2).  Population of 2.081 million, more than 28,000 wineries and it is said some 90,000 people practice beekeeping! Welcome to Slovenia. Slovenia is split into three…

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