Here’s a quick round-up of my favourite sparkling wines and Champagnes from a recent Waitrose tasting.
Cave de Turckheim Crémant d’Alsace Cuvée Brut NV – £13.49
Crémant is the name for traditional method fizz made outside the Champagne region in France. Each producing region’s crémant has its own character, thanks to the use of local grapes and, of course, the terroirrrrr. This good value example is made by a co-operative cellar and is a very pleasant fizz with gently aromatic fruit and a touch of toastiness on the finish. 80% Pinot Blanc and 20% Pinot Gris.
Cuvée Royale Crémant de Limoux NV – £12.99 (but currently on offer at £9.74 until 1 November 2022)
Another crémant, this time from the high(er) altitude, cooler vineyards of Limoux in Languedoc and an absolute steal at the offer price. If you are planning a party anytime soon, I’d suggest you stock up on this. It’s 60% Chardonnay, 25% Chenin Blanc, 10% Mauzac and 5% Pinot Noir. The Mauzac has a very apple-y (even apple skin) character, which contributes to the aromas and flavours. There’s also a nice citrussy note and just a touch of biscuit.
Digby Leander Pink NV – £30 (but currently on offer at £24 until 1 November 2022)
This is a very smart English sparkling wine, named for the famous rowing club in Henley. Made from the three traditional Champagne grapes (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier), it has an initial toastiness, then wild strawberry and evolving leafy notes on the finish. Very satisfying and “proper” pink fizz.
Gusbourne Exclusive Release 2018 – £37
Based in Kent, Gusbourne is one of the most ambitious and consistent English wine producers. It has lovely, billowing Chardonnay character, with aromas of lemon meringue pie (I love lemon meringue pie by the way, so this is definitely a compliment), juicy citrus fruit and little touches of digestive biscuit.
Waitrose No1 Brut Vintage 2012 Champagne – £36
If you’re not squeamish about a supermarket label Champagne – I’m most definitely not – I can heartily recommend this. It’s made for Waitrose by the team at high quality co-operative Castelnau and is what I would call a gastronomic Champagne: great with food. It’s initially light and charming (probably thanks to 50% Chardonnay in the blend), but has serious underpinnings and the flavours and intensity build on the palate
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée NV – £99 for a magnum
£99 might seem a stretch, but this is actually a smart buy, as the regular bottle is £50 and one day, if there’s time, I’ll explain why Champagne is better in magnums. Of course, this is lovely and full of character, but still with a lightness of touch. Rich and Christmassy – know what I’m saying?
Fizzicality 