Mostly Champagne and sparkling wines (plus other things that catch my eye), by Heather Dougherty
Reflections following the annual Vineyards of Hampshire tasting Quality was certainly on display at the annual gathering of the leading producers of Hampshire this week, but it seems that winemaking still trumps terroir here, as I struggled to discern an imprint that unites them all. This was the first time I had got to this … Continue reading Fruits of Hampshire’s vines
Everyone loves a bargain, and consumers' lasting infatuation with the wine ranges of discounters Lidl and Aldi is now well established. Lidl's next Wine Tour - a "when it's gone it's gone" selection of wines that will be available for just a couple of months - features wines for Christmas. And Christmas, of course, means … Continue reading Pick of the Christmas fizz at Lidl
Like many fizz drinkers, I thought I knew quite enough about Cava and felt little need to revisit it after some underwhelming encounters back in the nineties (I know, it's a long time to hold a grudge). Well, breaking news, lots has changed in the meantime and Cava has a story to tell, if only … Continue reading When did you last see a Cava?
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 … Continue reading Top picks from Waitrose
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
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
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
A one-stop festive fizz must buy list.
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
Fizzicality 