Sparkling Wine News
Join In The English Harvest At Denbies
Denbies Wine Estate is offering visitors the chance to participate in 2016’s exceptional harvest and take a peek behind the scenes at England’s largest single estate wine producer. Visitors will be given an introduction to grape picking on the 265-acre estate, which includes established varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as some…
Reserve Wine To The Rescue
The bad weather conditions this year have meant that Champagne makers will have to resort to the reserve stock system that is unique to this appellation. It was begun in 1938 and is now governed by the Comité Champagne. The idea of creating reserves was born out of the reality of the climatic irregularities of…
Exton Park has ‘Heart of Chalk & Stainless ‘Steel Resolve’
At the heart of Exton Park lie two key components – the prized chalk terroir that imparts a unique, mineral character to the grapes and the policy of focussing on non-vintage wines that are backed by a growing ‘library’ of reserve wines from different plots and years. Both have had the spotlight shone on them…
Sparkling Red Wines: A World Waiting To Be Discovered
There are three main styles of sparkling red wine, Australian sparkling Shiraz, Italian Lambrusco and Brachetto d’Acqui. There are a variety of styles of Lambrusco from dry, Secco, to sweet, Dulce, with flavours such as strawberries or blueberries. Brachetto d’Acqui also from Italy has rich floral aromas and pairs very well with chocolate. Sparkling Shiraz…
Gallo Introduces New Prosecco to UK
E&J Gallo Winery is hoping to take advantage of the booming UK sparkling wine market by launching La Marca Prosecco this month. The Prosecco has already enjoyed success following its launch in the US earlier this year. On the nose, it features aromas of fresh citrus, honey and white flowers. On the palate, it offers…
Viña Undurraga Relaunches Premium Sparkling Wines
Chilean producer Viña Undurraga has relaunched its premium Estate Sparkling Underraga Brut Royal and Estate Sparkling Rose Royal to make them more easily distinguishable their entry-level counterparts. They are due to appear on the shelves in November. The Royal range originally launched in 2014, but despite success at the 2013 Sommelier Wine Awards, attracted only…
Denbies Predict Exceptional 2016 English Sparkling Wine Vintage
The first grapes from what is expected to be an exceptional vintage are being harvested at Denbies in Surrey. A dry summer and sunny September, characterised by blistering daytime temperatures and warm nights, have contributed to perfect ripening conditions. Denbies winemaking team predicts 2016 to be one of the most successful vintages ever for the…
Furleigh Estate’s Pink Perfection for Breast Cancer Month
Furleigh Estate will be raising money for charity Weldmar Hospicecare Trust throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which runs from 1st – 30th October. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a worldwide annual campaign involving thousands of organisations to highlight the importance of breast awareness and to raise funds. For every bottle of Furleigh Sparkling Rosé sold…
Grape Harvest 2016
The results of the damage caused to the Champagne vineyards by extreme weather earlier this year are having their affect on this year’s harvest. Chardonnay grapes are usually the first to ripen. This year it’s Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Wine growers are saying they’ve never seen this and the cause is unknown. It will…