For people who love Champagne and sparkling wine, by Heather Dougherty
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
On the day that Spring finally arrives in the UK, so, with perfect timing, does this sparkling rosé from Provence. I feel the Cronk family behind the Mirabeau range of wines must have gone into a marketing huddle, brainstorming how to target the intersection in the Venn diagram of people who love Provence rosé and … Continue reading Mirabeau la Folie
Yet another book about Champagne? Yes, but this is no encyclopaedia covering a recap of the history of the region, the development of the traditional method and a rundown of the big names of Champagne. As Walters makes clear in his introductory chapter, Disclaimers, this is not a textbook, covering all aspects of the region … Continue reading Review of Bursting Bubbles by Robert Walters
Champagne Castelnau, one of the region's largest co-operatives, unveiled smart new livery for its cuvées this week at Sakagura Japanese restaurant in London. I discovered Castelnau's Champagnes only a year ago and was impressed by the range - from the well-balanced freshness of its Brut Réserve and classy Blanc de Blancs, to the understated power … Continue reading Champagne Castelnau’s smart new clothes
The weather was not auspicious - cold and wet, the sky remaining grey and lowering all day. Yet under those gloomy skies, something rather important was happening. Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, President of Champagne Taittinger and Patrick McGrath, MD of their UK importer Hatch Mansfield got their hands and feet dirty, planting the first vine in the … Continue reading Taittinger sets foot in Kent
When looking for a book to read, sometimes I want to take on something challenging, absorbing, demanding and densely written which will stay with me long after the book has been finished. At other times I just want a page-turner to while away a few hours: it will grip at the time but I’ll barely … Continue reading Wine’s guilty pleasures
The other French sparkling wine
The art and science of blending
How to tell your Prosecco from your Cava
Fizzicality 