Sparkling
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Kingscote Sparkling
Unusually, this review of English Kingscote Sparkling begins with its price. Originally sold at £18 in Tesco, it recently became discounted to £12 and then available for a mere £9 during a special 25% off offer. But how does an Sparkling English wine, typically retailing at £20 or much more, end up at such a…
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Mucho Mas Sparkling
My wife picked up Mucho Mas Sparkling when it was on offer, demonstrating her eye for the unusual and unique. This intriguing sparkling wine, usually found on the Prosecco shelf, stands out by being Spanish rather than Italian and isn’t Cava. The Mucho Mas brand, created around 2017 by Félix Solís, one of the world’s…
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The Science Behind Sparkling Wines
New research Understanding the tasting of champagne and other sparkling wines from a scientific perspective provides a comprehensive exploration of the processes involved in the tasting of champagne and other sparkling wines. The study looks into the dynamics from the moment the bottle is uncorked to the bursting of bubbles in the glass, emphasising the…
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Wine Global Sparkling Masters Winners
The Global Sparkling Masters 2024, held on 9 May at Bellanger in Islington, London, featured high-quality judges evaluating 210 wines from 14 countries. Wines were awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals, with the best receiving the title of Sparkling Master. Among the entries, Italy had the most submissions, while the US did not secure any…
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Kew Gardens Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut
This wine, created in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, features a beautifully designed label that captures the essence of nature. The nude cork adds a rustic charm, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. On pouring, the wine reveals a strong mousse and an attractive blush colour. The bottle label promises berry fruit and citrus…
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Wyfold Vineyard Brut 2017
Wyfold Vineyard Brut 2017 is a small release from a small site in Oxfordshire. Coming from Barbara Laithwaite CBE’s cherished two hectares of vineyards on the Chiltern Hills, this English Sparkling reflects her award-winning legacy. With accolades including a recent Gold at WineGB, a Silver Decanter Medal, and Bronze awards from both the International Wine…
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Roche Lacour Crémant de Limoux
This sparkling wine captures the essence of the South of France, specifically from beneath the hills of Limoux. It is made from a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir and 20% Chenin Blanc and is 12.5% ABV. This 2020 vintage heralds the return of Laurent Mingaud, its original winemaker, who brings his expertise back…
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Crémant Rising in Popularity in the UK
An article in Joe discusses a shift in the UK’s sparkling wine preferences, with Crémant emerging as a popular alternative to Prosecco. Despite Prosecco’s continued popularity, with Brits consuming around 130 million bottles annually and making up nearly 25% of Italy’s exports of the sparkling wine to the UK, the French sparkling wine Crémant is…
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Sparkling Wine Purchase Factors
There’s new study-based research (PDF download) into recent sparkling wine consumers in Ontario, Canada, offering insights into the cues that drive their purchase decisions. Sparkling wine’s global market is experiencing significant growth. This uptrend is notable given the distinct nature of sparkling wine, often purchased for celebrations rather than regular consumption. Research has highlighted the…
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Sparkling Wines From Three Continents
The 2023 holiday season gave me the opportunity to try a few affordable Champagne and sparkling wines from three different continents: Les Pionniers Non Vintage Champagne Les Pionniers Non Vintage Champagne is a great example of how quality and affordability can come together. Despite the Co-op’s discretion about its origins, it’s an open secret that…
