Sparkling Wine News
Have you tried Asti & Moscato d’Asti?
Asti (or Asti Spumante) is generally a light, sweet sparkling wine made in the Italian region of Piemonte and made using the charmat method (the same method as Prosecco, but not Champagne). Asti was once considered a lower class sparkling wine, but thanks to its DOCG status, stricter laws have been introduced allowing quality wines to come…
Champagne, Cava, Prosecco… What’s the Difference?
With all the sparkling wines available and the jargon that goes along with it, it can be a little confusing at times. The ‘terroir’ (soil, climate, geography) affects the outcome of a sparkling wine. Different wines use different types and blends of grape (such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Glera etc…). Another major factor is the production method…
English Sparkling Wine for Easter
Why not celebrate Easter and the start of Spring with a fresh and fruity English bubbly? It’s local, high quality and tastes great with your Easter dinner, picnics and chocolate eggs. English sparkling wine is made using the same method as Champagne and the quality is often considered on par with it’s French counterpart. Try asking at…
UK Sales of Sparkling Wine Hit Record £1 Billion
Sales of sparkling wine in the UK have reached £1 billion for the first time – and that’s not including Champagne sales. Retail sales of sparkling wine hit £709m, with on-trade sales (restaurants, bars, hotels etc) adding another £348m according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association Market Report. ‘Sparkling wine’ refers to Prosecco, Cava, Crémant, English sparkling…
Where to Buy South African Sparkling Wine
South Africa produces some fantastic sparkling wines from their picturesque vineyards, backdropped against the stunning landscapes. If you’re after something a little different, it’s definitely worth a try. Methode Cap Classiques (MCC) are premium South African sparkling wines mostly made using the traditional method. Sauvignon blanc and Chenin blanc grapes are used and increasingly Pinot…
Paul Mas to Present Sulpher-free Fizz at London Wine Fair
French wine producer Paul Mas will be revealing a new sulpher-free sparkling wine at the London Wine Fair in May. The Cuvée Secrète red is made from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and made from the exceptional 2015 harvest. Released alongside it will be the Cuvée Secrète Chardonnay 2015. Domaines Paul Mas is a 1000-year-old estate is still run…
Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition Inspired by Vineyards
Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition has a number of works that have taken inspiration from vineyards and wine growing regions. Husband and wife, Julian and Miranda Halsby, both RBA members, spend three months each year living and painting in France. Julian is exhibiting studies of the vineyards around Saint-Jean-de-Buèges and views of the…
Digby English Sparkling Wine Team Up With Armit Wines
As the English sparkling wine industry continues to go from strength to strength. Digby Fine English, one of the newer labels on the market, having launched in 2013, are already making their mark in the sparkling wine world having been awarded the World Champion English Sparkling Wine with their 2009 Reserve Brut in the last Champagne & Sparkling…
UK Winemakers Pledge 10-fold Increase in Exports
The UK wine industry is celebrating a highly successful 2015 with a pledge to increase exports 10-fold by 2020. Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss announced that the UK wine industry is boosting production, aiming to increase the export value to £30 million (currently around £3.2 million). This decision came after the Secretary called the first ever ‘wine round table’ with…