Exploring the truth behind the myths of Champagne
Champagne myths: Dom Pérignon, the blind monk who invented Champagne
Summer fizz from Tesco
Summer looks set to return and Tesco is counting on us pouncing on the chance to eat, drink and be merry in the great outdoors with a range of summery wines, including these two sparklers. Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé (£12) I have a soft spot for Loire fizz, and for Gratien … Continue reading Summer fizz from Tesco
Difficult to say, easy to drink – the best of Prosecco
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG - much as I love the Italian language (as a fan rather than a speaker) this is not a wine name that trips easily off the tongue. But when it comes to drinking it, no effort at all is required, as it is all about pleasure and enjoyment. For two … Continue reading Difficult to say, easy to drink – the best of Prosecco
Blinded by the light? Sparkling wine Untouched by Light
Light is something we take for granted in our everyday lives, used to controlling the amount of it in our homes with the flick of a switch (or touch of a smart phone if you're that way inclined). Of course we know that we should be wary of the sun's rays and lather ourselves in … Continue reading Blinded by the light? Sparkling wine Untouched by Light
The art of slow Champagne – Bruno Paillard NPU 2004
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a Champagne house in possession of ambitions to be taken seriously must be in want of a prestige cuvée. Apologies to Jane Austen - and so many of us contrive to mangle the opening sentence of Pride and Prejudice that I imagine her responding with a distracted and … Continue reading The art of slow Champagne – Bruno Paillard NPU 2004
Stéphane Vignon – an original in Verzenay
The village of Verzenay In the broad sweep of Champagne vineyards which cover the Montagne de Reims , between that city and Epernay to the south, Verzenay is a village name that you might recognize. It's one of Champagne's Grand Cru villages, famous for producing long-lived and powerfully mineral wines predominantly from Pinot Noir. Many … Continue reading Stéphane Vignon – an original in Verzenay
What your Valentine gift says about you
It seems a handmade card will no longer suffice to show our devotion to the object of our affections on Valentine's Day. Now it's not the thought that counts – a gift seems to be in order. What to get your Valentine? Handbag? As my husband is doubtless painfully aware, even I can’t find the … Continue reading What your Valentine gift says about you
Ultimate festive fizz guide
A one-stop festive fizz must buy list.
New Wave Champagne
London's unofficial wine trade social club, 67 Pall Mall, today played host to the third edition of New Wave Champagne - a day of tasting dedicated to domaine (grower) Champagnes and family-owned "grower minded" Champagne houses. It was a great opportunity to taste Champagnes from producers who are making the running when it comes to … Continue reading New Wave Champagne
Franciacorta, fine Italian fizz
Intent on letting us know that there is more to Italian sparkling wine than the sweetish, straightforward charms of Prosecco, the makers of Franciacorta are on a charm offensive in the UK. Who's the daddy? The model for the wines of Franciacorta, in the region of Brescia, Lombardy, is not its fresh and fruity northern … Continue reading Franciacorta, fine Italian fizz
