Sparkling Wine News
Red ‘n’ Bubbly
You might think that red would be a natural colour for a sparkling cocktail. After all, even if red bubbly per se generally falls into the category Germans call dreimenchenwein – the drinker having to be held down by two other men – with pink Champagne surely one is halfway there? And anyway, what about…
Supermarket Fizz: Part 1 – Spar
For many, frequently in the past and still sometimes today, supermarkets and convenience stores are a haven for those of us looking to purchase our weekly supply of wines with many stores holding huge selections and employing some of the best wine buyers to get award winning and unique options. Even though many stores lead…
Interview with Italian Winemaker Piero Masi
Noted Italian winemaker Piero Masi is one of the seven partners of India’s leading Fratelli brand of wines. Among the unusual influences he has introduced into Indian winemaking is an unusual zero dosage sparkling brut, the Fratelli Gran Cuvée Brut. This wine is hand-harvested and made by the method traditionelle. With India still a relatively…
Lambrusco, the Sparkling Red of a Land in Tune
One of the most famous operas written by Giuseppe Verdi, the Italian opera composer, at the beginning offers sort of lightheartedness in listening to these words: “ Libiamo, libiamo ne’ lieti calici, che la bellezza infiora; e la fuggevol’ ora s’inebrii a voluttà. Libiam ne’ dolci fremiti che suscita l’amore, poiché quell’occhio al core onnipossente…
An Evening of Fizz!
Last month I found myself representing Basilicata’s highly regarded Cantine del Notaio at Blenheim Palace’s literature, film and music festival gala dinner. Indeed!! Now one might have expected the early evening flutes of fizz to carry something as grandiose as their impressive surroundings, perhaps bubbles from a Grand Cru village or as is increasingly the…
Camel Valley Brut Welcomed Aboard British Airways First Class
It’s ‘chocks away’ and onwards and upwards for Cornwall’s Camel Valley. as their 2013 Camel Valley brut sparkling wine is welcomed aboard by BA Cabin crew. The Cornish sparkler made by Sam Lindo will be served in British Airways First Class. The order, the biggest in the history of Camel Valley, followed a blind tasting…
A Visit to Montelliana from Asolo DOCG Prosecco
“Sometimes a co-operative operation people will simply see as a big brand winery when in fact it is only a small one, but it is due to the power of a collective amount of small wineries that gives it its dominance. This I feel is certainly the case with Montelliana.” Christopher Walkey. What I really appreciated…
A Visit to Tenuta Amadio from Asolo DOCG Prosecco
“There is something romantic, peaceful and perfect about Tenuta Amadio and also a touch of the fairy tale for this winery has its very own church up on a small hill overlooking it! Splendid wines and a young and innovative brand that has a great chance to increase its production and awareness globally.” Christopher Walkey A wonderfully…
A Visit to Pat del Colmel from Asolo DOCG Prosecco
“What a wonderful picturesque location Pat del Colmel winery has, simply a postcard photo from every angle showcasing the fine beauty of the Asolo DOCG region – a shining pearl. I’m just sorry that a few hours stay was simply just not long enough!” Christopher Walkey Pat del Colmel is a perfect family grower label, all…