Search Results: champagne
Dom Perignon
I love Champagne, and have many favorites, but no other Champagne impresses me more than Dom Pérignon. I’m certain that quite a few of you are surprised by my enthusiasm for the Dom. After all, it’s so “out there,” so well-known, so available. You would think that a wine writer who specializes in Champagne such…
Read MoreBoutique tour & tasting at Tinwood Estate
I’m endlessly fascinated, not just by the stories of wine production, but of how people came to be in the business of making wine in England & Wales. We hear quite often about people making money in other fields, like medicine or IT, the City or Formula 1 which enables them to make their dream of owning a vineyard…
Read MoreBoutique tour & tasting at Tinwood Estate
I’m endlessly fascinated, not just by the stories of wine production, but of how people came to be in the business of making wine in England & Wales. We hear quite often about people making money in other fields, like medicine or IT, the City or Formula 1 which enables them to make their dream of owning a vineyard…
Read MoreProsecco Today…and a Special Prosecco
The first time that I can remember drinking Prosecco was in Tuscany, over 25 years ago. It was a warm summer afternoon, and we had lunch at an elegant restaurant. First we were escorted to the restaurant’s terrace, and amidst the chirping birds, without our asking, we were served a chilled Prosecco. Needless to say–being…
Read MoreVallformosa: An Exciting Brut Cava
Spanish wine producers have been watching the amazing success of Italian Proseccos in the U.S., and are taking action to get a piece of the sparkllng wine pie in this country. Previously unimported Cavas are now showing up in the U.S. market. I am delighted by the increasing number of Spanish Cavas that are now…
Read MoreCodorníu, Queen of the Cavas
In 1872, Josep Raventós of the Codorníu Raventós family from Catalonia made Spain’s first bottle of sparkling wine using the traditional method (second fermentation taking place in the bottle). Today these wines are known world-wide as Cavas. The Codorníu company, the oldest family-owned business in Spain, itself dates back to 1551, when Jaume Codorníu planted…
Read MoreDomaine Carneros
Domaine Carneros is a singular winery best known as a small grower-producer of methóde champenoise sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, certified organic estate vineyards, and a breathtakingly beautiful château. Founded by the noble family behind Champagne Taittinger, Claude Taittinger’s search for a worthy U.S. counterpart began in the late 1970s. In 1987 he selected a 138-acre…
Read MoreCuvee Castelar Extra Brut from Uruguay
Cuvee Castelar Extra Brut, made with the same modern techniques used in Champagne, thanks to the influence of Pierre Harang (renowned chef du cave from the Champagne region) since 2001. A pale gold colour with soft light greenish reflections. A perfumed nose with touches of green lemon, tropical fruits and floral notes. A gentle hint…
Read MoreFive Steps to Enjoying your Very Own English Sparkling Wine
Is sipping a glass of English sparkling wine overlooking your own vineyard an impossible dream? Not to Bruce and Sybilla Tindale at High Clandon. They planted their vines in 2004, harvested in 2007 and enjoyed the first vintage of their very own fizz two years ago. So, how did they do it? Well, it seems to me…
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