Sparkling
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BBC Good Food – Crémant
BBC Good Food’s round-up presents Crémant as a strong middle ground between Prosecco and Champagne, made by the traditional method, generally drier and more layered than Prosecco, but usually much cheaper than Champagne. They mention that Crémant now covers sparkling wines from eight French regions, so styles vary quite a bit, from lean and citrusy to richer, more brioche-led bottles. The wines mentioned are: Kew Gardens Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut £18.99 Laithwaites. Hunter’s Miru Miru Marlborough Brut NV £19.99 Laithwaites. Roche Lacour Crémant de Limoux 2022 £15.99 Laithwaites. Arthur Metz Crémant d’Alsace Organic Brut £15 Ocado. Moillard-Thomas Crémant de…
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Kleine Zalze Cap Classique Brut
This wine from Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa, is a traditional method sparkling wine. It’s made using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and sits at 12% ABV. In the glass it has a pale salmon colour with loads of lively, fine beads that keep on coming. Aroma wise it gives off fresh apple and citrus, with a gentle biscuit nuance. It’s dry on taste, apple and citrus upfront, then that richer depth kicks in with bright, high acidity keeping everything fresh. The finish is long, the sort that makes you want another sip before you’ve even put the glass down.…
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1086 by Nyetimber
This bottle arrived just in time for my Comparative Review of English Sparkling, though I held off opening it then. Its release was still pending and, with two other Nyetimber wines already included in that comparison, it seemed wise to wait. With the wine now officially launched, New Year celebrations provided the perfect moment to give it the attention it deserves. Named 1086 in tribute to the first recorded mention of the West Sussex estate in the Domesday Book, this is a wine reserved for only the finest of vintages. This 2014 vintage is made from the best selections of…
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Moillard Crémant de Bourgogne Chardonnay
This 2021 vintage sparkling is wine made entirely from Chardonnay and produced in the traditional method by Moillard, one of Burgundy’s most historic and respected houses, established in the 18th century in Nuits-Saint-Georges. This vintage has spent twelve months on lees, going beyond the nine-month minimum required for Crémant, giving it extra depth and complexity. The wine has a pale golden yellow colour with a very energetic rush of bubbles at first pour, as shown in my photograph. Aromas are floral and nutty with hints of apple drifting through. On the tongue it is distinctly dry, with a bright acidic…
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Understanding Crémant
Crémant stands as a French example of how outstanding sparkling wine can be made outside the Champagne region. The term refers to quality traditional-method sparkling wines that are protected by appellation and produced in specific regions under detailed rules. In France, the Crémant producers’ federation brings together eight AOPs (L’Appellation d’origine protégée): Alsace, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Die, Jura, Limoux, Loire and Savoie. For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand, the amount of juice obtained from pressing must not exceed 100 litres per 150 kilos of grapes, and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release, with commercial…
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Mar de Frades Albariño Brut Nature NV
Mar de Frades Albariño Brut Nature NV is a very different wine from the Rías Baixas DO. It is produced by the highly regarded Mar de Frades, established in 1987. Winemaker Paula Fandiño leads the way with this distinctive bottle-fermented sparkling wine, the first of its kind in the region using the traditional method. Made entirely from Albariño grapes, the fruit is picked early, ensuring lower sugar levels and preserving a delicate balance without tipping into excessive richness or sweetness. The wine is blended across two to three vintages to maintain a consistent character. No sugar is added during the…
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Comparative Review of English Sparkling
This review began when Nyetimber kindly offered to send me some bottles for tasting, which led me to wonder whether I could broaden the scope to include a wider range of English Sparkling Wines. I was keen to explore the differences between Charmat and Traditional Method wines, and to compare various styles – rosé, vintage and non-vintage, as well as wines with some age behind them. With the festive season fast approaching, it felt like the perfect moment to take on the task. I reached out to a handful of PR agencies, vineyards and retailers to request additional samples and…
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Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling Wine
Part of my #awards25 series, this South African sparkling has a Gold Medal from the IWSC 2025 with an impressive 96 points. It’s from Robertson in the Western Cape and is an example of a ‘blanc de blancs’, a term that means white wine made solely from white grapes. In this case, it’s 100% Chardonnay. Produced using the Méthode Cap Classique, South Africa’s take on the Traditional Method used in Champagne, it undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle. This is the 2019 vintage, though it was only disgorged in 2024, allowing time for ageing. The bubbles are small and…
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Louis Couturier Crémant de Bordeaux Rosé
A sparkling Rosé from the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers, the stretch of land between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers. Dry in style and produced by Les Grands Chais de France, a large cooperative and négociant house known for its wide portfolio across Bordeaux and beyond, this wine comes in at 11.5% ABV. It is made predominantly from Merlot at 90% with a touch of Cabernet Franc making up the rest. Its quality has not gone unnoticed, earning a Bronze medal at the IWC 2025. It pours with a rose gold hue, throwing off a fine stream of small bubbles in…
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Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux Blanc
This sparkling wine from Bordeaux is a blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Cabernet Franc, made using the traditional method with the second fermentation in the bottle that lasts for 11 months. This the 2022 vintage and sits at 12% ABV. The bubbles are small and stayed for a very long time, giving it a visual elegance not always found at this price point. There’s a buttery brioche aroma, the result of the bottle fermentation, lifted by a zesty citrus note that keeps things fresh. On tasting, it’s fruity and bright, with flavours of sherbet and citrus. There’s a hint…
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¡Hola! Mediterraneo Orange Spritz
As I write this, the UK is in the grip of a heatwave and I’ve been on the lookout for something light, refreshing and a little bit different to help cope with the warmth. This Spanish spritz fits the bill perfectly. Coming in at 8.5% ABV, this spritz comes from Catalunya, in the heart of cava country. Presented in an attractive bottle, it immediately gives off Aperol vibes, but with a more refined twist. The base is a slow-fermented cuvée of sparkling wine, made primarily from Macabeo, the grape used in Cava, along with a touch of Chardonnay. Instead of…
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w/o Organic Grillo Spumante
From Sicily comes a new project from winemaker Dino Taschetta: w/o – meaning a wine made without compromise. This sparkling wine is made from the indigenous Grillo grape believed to be a cross between Cataratto and Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria). Grillo is a versatile grape capable of producing both still and sparkling wines. In this case, it’s been used to create a sparkling wine made using the Charmat method, the same process used for Prosecco. The 2023 vintage sits at a relatively light 11% ABV and is bottled in a UK first, 100% recycled ‘wild’ glass, giving it a sustainable…
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Understanding Champagne
Champagne, the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine, has captivated connoisseurs for centuries with its effervescence, complexity and prestige. This sparkling wine has evolved from humble beginnings to become a global symbol of celebration and luxury, with a rich history, distinctive production methods and diverse styles that continue to evolve to meet contemporary challenges and tastes. The Historical Evolution of Champagne The story of Champagne begins in the 5th century, possibly earlier, when Romans established vineyards in northeastern France. Initially, the wines produced in this region were still wines, pale, pinkish liquids made primarily from Pinot Noir grapes, bearing little resemblance…
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L’Occhiolino Rosato
This is, in essence, a Rosé Lambrusco, but if your know Lambrusco from the distant past, don’t be too quick to judge. Unlike the overly sweet versions of the past, this one is crisp, dry, and refreshingly modern. Lambrusco is making a well-deserved comeback, and for those in the know, it’s a grape well worth rediscovering. L’Occhiolino means ‘wink’. Made by Cantina di Carpi e Sorbara co-operative, an alliance of 1,200 dedicated producer partners, this rosato is comes from the rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna near Modena, Italy. A blend of 80% Lambrusco Sorbara and 20% Lambrusco Salamino, it is produced…
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EU Sparkling Wine Production and Exports Down 8%
Eurostat, the EU’s official statistics body, is reporting an 8% decline in sparkling wine production and exports in 2023 (yes, 2023, see below). The EU produced 1.496 billion litres of sparkling wine, down from 1.624 billion litres in 2022. Italy led production with 638 million litres, followed by France with 312 million (224 million litres of champagne and 88 million litres of other sparkling wines) and Germany with 263 million litres. Spain and Portugal contributed 206 million and 25 million litres, respectively. Exports to non-EU countries also fell by 8%, with 600 million litres exported in 2023 compared to 649…
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Adnams Crémant de Limoux
Crémant has gained attention in recent years, due to the growing popularity of Crémant wines as an affordable alternative to Champagne. Produced by Maison Antech, this Crémant is a 70/30 blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc with an alcohol content of 12% ABV. The production process follows the traditional method, the same method used to make Champagne. Grapes are handpicked and whole bunch pressed before undergoing secondary fermentation in the bottle, which creates the signature bubbles. Crémant de Limoux is aged on the lees for a minimum of nine months. Maison Antech goes beyond this requirement, extending the lees ageing…
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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 low price? The answer lies in the labelling and the winemaking process. This wine is labelled as “Sparkling Wine of England” rather than “English Sparkling Wine” The difference? Kingscote is made using the Charmat method, where the second fermentation occurs quickly in a large tank…
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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 largest wine companies, is positioned in the sub-£7 price bracket in the UK market, making it an affordable choice. Made by winemaker Carlos Villarraso, Mucho Mas Sparkling is a blend of Chardonnay and Viura, the latter typically found in White Rioja. This wine features a…
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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 interaction of various parameters that contribute to the overall tasting experience. It also provides some dazzling images. The process begins with the uncorking of the bottle, where high-speed imaging shows the complex fluid dynamics and shock structures involved. This step is crucial as it sets…
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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 medals. The competition awarded 36 Golds and seven Masters across eight countries, with notable successes in the sub-£10 category. Moscato d’Asti stood out, earning eight Golds and a Master, praised for its balance of sweetness, lightness, and low alcohol content. Despite Champagne and Prosecco having…
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Did You Know?
Nearly a third (32%) of UK consumers say they have already used AI for alcoholic drinks advice. More
Among socially active wine buyers, 37% have bought a wine recommended online. More
In 2026, 72% of consumers now think wine knowledge is essential to appreciation, up 20 percentage points on 2025. More
Rías Baixas wines reached more than 107 countries in 2025 and exports represented 31 per cent of the denomination’s total sales. More
Light Strike Can Cause Wine Degradation in Just One Day. More
People actively adjust their wine choices depending on who might see them. More
In the UK, 73% of Alcohol is Bought From Retail Rather Than Hospitality. More
UK wine production reached 124,377 hectolitres that year, meaning the UK accounted for roughly 0.05 per cent of world output. More
For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release. More
In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More
Local UK bottling of wine represents about 40% of imported wine. More
Around 1% of people, typically severe asthmatics, have a sulphite sensitivity. More
A large 80% of Australian wine arrives in the UK in bulk. More
Only about 0.02% of Australia’s landmass is dedicated to vineyards. More
In 2024, New Zealand produced only 1% of the World’s wine. More
In 2024, the US imported 37% of World production of Pinot Grigio and the UK was is in second place at 27%. More
In 2024, the UK was South Africa’s largest export market, with 40% of total exports. More
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported 22.3 million bottles of Champagne, a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. More
Larger Champagne producers source grapes from as many as 80 different vineyards throughout Champagne. More
Champagne houses and growers collectively produce around 300 million bottles annually. More
In 2025, the Champagne region was home to about 2,124 Champagne houses and approximately 19,000 growers. More
Provence is one of the leaders in the conversion to organic viticulture, with 61% of vineyards certified. More
8% of the South Africa’s grape production is Fairtrade-certified. More
Up to 80% of wine aroma compounds come from grape skins. More
Glycerol is the third-largest component of most dry wines after water and alcohol which is why they so often feel ‘smooth’ or ‘silky’ in the mouth. More
Humans are more than 400 times more sensitive to bitter than sweet. More
Humans can detect the earthy molecule geosmin at about 100 parts per trillion and camels are so sensitive to it they can locate damp ground from roughly 50 miles away. More
During the phylloxera crisis of the nineteenth century, 90% of Europe’s vineyards were destroyed. More
In 2025, for La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, sales surged by 49.4% to £110.8 million. More
In 2025, in the UK, Yellow Tail held the top position with sales, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. More
In 2024, the UK was the second-largest wine importer in volume and value. More
In 2024, the UK was the fifth-largest wine-consuming country globally. More
In 2025, global wine consumption continued its downward trend, estimated at 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. More
In 2025, online alcohol sales had a 20% increase in value over five years. More
In 2025, the number of UK vineyards rose to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. More
Moët Hennessy alone commands nearly 46.66% of the Champagne market, with the top three producers together holding about 61%, and the top five controlling over 72%. More
In 2024, the Champagne market was worth roughly €3.92 billion. More
In the marketing year 2023/24, white wine accounted for roughly 55% of Spain’s output, whereas red and rosé together made up about 45%. More
In the UK, 92% of wine is consumed within 48hrs of purchase. More
The majority of wines, 95%, use commercial rather than wild yeast. More
Between 0.5 and 10 litres of water, per litre of wine, are needed for cleaning during winemaking. More
Machine harvesting can achieve up to 100 tons of fruit per day vs 1 ton for a human. More
In Germany, 2025 was the smallest wine vintage since 2010. More
The majority of vineyards, 90% in 2019, are farmed with heavy chemical interventions. Only 6% are organic. More
90% of low and coastal areas in south Europe and California will no longer be able to produce good wine by the end of the century. More
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