Search Results: champagne
Southcott Vineyard
When Tim and I moved to Southcott House in 2005 the previous owner had a vineyard that he planted in1972 (date on website is a misprint). He had grown German grapes and made still wine. He pulled all the vines up in 1998. We decided that we would plant a new vineyard as a project…
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Trump Winery – Blanc de Blanc
Trump Winery follows Jefferson’s footsteps in making new world wines inspired by the French wine regions of Bordeaux and Champagne. Blanc de Blanc Brut sparkling wine is made by the Methode Champenoise from 100% estate grown Chardonnay grapes. The grapes are picked at night by hand and gently pressed to ensure that the wine retains all of…
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Summerhill Pyramid – Cipes Ariel 1998
Cipes Ariel 1998 A blend of 59% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 1% Pinot Meunier. Very rich and complex with notes of custard, vegemite, brioche, orange and lemon zest, ripe apple, dried apricot, nut, and ginger. The extended bottle aging has created deep autolytic notes and creamy bubbles. Rivals the best from France. Estate grown…
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Dom Pérignon; The Man Behind the Name
For many ‘Dom Pérignon’ is the hallmark for quality. The very fine prestige Champagne of the historic Moet & Chandon house, it is easily one of the most highlighty decorated and recognisable names in champagne, or indeed in the entire wine-world. But what many may not know is that Dom Pérignon is named after a…
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Raventós i Blanc Conca del Riu Anoia
Why leave the Cava DO? In 1888, Manuel Raventós Doménech creates a sparkling wine from Penedés with the three native varieties: Xarel·lo, Macabeu and Parellada. When we created CAVA in 1872, we dreamed of a World Class sparkling wine. This is why Josep Raventós Fatjó innovated with Xarel.lo from the same vineyard where “de la Finca” comes…
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What is a Muselet?
A Muselet is the wire cage that fits over the cork of a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine to prevent the cork from emerging under the pressure of the carbonated contents. Bottles were initially corked with pieces of wood with oil-sponged cloth, and then plunged in wax. They discovered very quickly that it was not sufficient to sustain…
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An Irrefusable Invite and A Sneak Preview: Krug Part II
Part of the deal here is that one of the wines is a secret for the next few days. Needless to say it’s Krug, it’s vintage Krug, and it will be the next vintage to be released. We tasted it against the lovely 2000 Krug and two different batches of Grande Cuvee: one based on…
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Krug’s New Release: An Irrefusable Invite for a Sneak Preview
Whilst not best known for my self-discipline, offers that simply CAN’T be refused are few and far between. One such offer came late last year: would I like to hop on a couple of trains and spent a little time with Olivier Krug and his team for a sneak preview of the next vintage to…
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Simpsons Wine Estate
Ruth & Charles Simpson of the Languedoc-based winery, Domaine de Sainte Rose have taken on a new challenge, to produce world-class sparkling wine in England! The Simpsons are preparing to plant the first ten hectares (25 acres) of vines (of a potential 30 hectares/90 acres) in Kent, this May. “We chose Barham in Kent due…
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