New Sparkling Wines - November 2022
Introducing three new Sparkling Wines, just in time for Christmas, to our ever-growing collection. We've got one English and two French Sparkling's for you, neither of which are Champagne.
Domaine J.Laurens, Limoux Methode Ancestrale NV
In a nutshell:
A subtle off-dry white sparkling wine, with fresh apple flavours from the Languedoc region in France.
The lowdown:
This style of sparkling wine production has been around for a very long time, some argue it is the oldest sparkling wine style in France. First produced by monks at Saint Hilaire in the 16th Century, traditionally being produced with no dosage. This wine is made of 100% Mauzac Blanc, which is hand harvested and vinified following the traditional method. The first fermentation that happens in tanks, is halted by lowering the temperatures. This leaves a wine partially fermented, with residue sugar still present. The wine is bottle and then starts the second fermentation in bottle in the spring as temperatures start to rise again. The resulting wine is lower in pressure and retains subtle residue sugar. The wine is off-dry and light in body, and at only 6% abv, a very easy drinking wine.
When to drink:
Pairs well with fruit desserts or sweet canopies.
M.Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Esteban Brut Nature 2018
In a nutshell:
A sparkling wine bursting with freshness, made from 100% Viognier, from France.
The lowdown:
The vineyards that produce the grapes are located on clay, pebbles, and loose gravel soils, creating a well-drained site, perfect for vines. The wine is classed as a Vin de France because the grapes are sourced from multiple vineyards, reaching across appellations. The bunches are whole pressed, so preserve the best juices, following the first fermentation the wine reaches an average abv of 9%. Once it is bottled it undergoes the second fermentation. No extra sugar is added at bottling, so the resulting wine only achieves an average abv of 10-10.5%. On the palate the citrus and chilled yellow-fleshed and stone fruits show well. The tangy acidity creates a well-balanced wine with elegantly coated bubbles.
When to drink:
The perfect wine as an aperitif or pairs well with white meats, fish, or spicy dishes.
Roebuck Estates Classic Cuvee 2014
In a nutshell:
A rich, yet refined White English Sparkling wine, with texture and finesse, from Roebuck Estates in West Sussex.
The lowdown:
Roebucks Estate vineyards are located close to the market town of Petworth in West Sussex. Roebuck adopts the approach of using only the finest quality grapes, which they source from a variety of premium Sussex vineyards. The majority of the vineyards are located on chalk, clay, and sandy soils. Once the grapes are perfectly ripe, they are carefully handpicked and transported to the winery. The bunches are then whole bunch pressed and fermented in a mixture of stainless steel and Burgundian oak barrels. 10% of the juice will undergo malolactic fermentation. And aged for a minimum of 36 months on bottle. The wine has an attractive pale lemon colour. There are notes of citrus fruit and baked apples, which are layered with a biscuity richness and delicious hint of hazelnut. The wine has a long and well-balanced finish.
When to drink:
Great as an aperitif wine, but also pairs well with shellfish dishes.
Suitable for Vegans
The Wines:
