Sparkling Celebrations
6 Bottles of Sparkling For Your Festive Celebrations
We've long been firm believers that Champagne is not just for celebrations, Champagne is the celebration. That said, the upcoming month brings many celebrations (of all sorts), which could benefit from sparkling wines (of all sorts!).
So here are our sparkling picks – ideal for tackling this especially thirsty time of year!
2021, Montlouis-Sur-Loire "Nouveau Nez”
La Grange Tiphaine
Damien and Coralie Delecheneau, the winemaking team behind La Grange Tiphaine, have played a pivotal role in the resurgence of the Pét Nat in the style’s birthplace - The Touraine, and theirs are regarded as some of the region’s finest.
This wine is the purest expression of its origins – a natural sparkling Chenin Blanc bottled before the end of fermentation with nothing added.
Fine bubbles with a beautiful nose of ripe fruits, orange blossom and vanilla. An ideal aperitif or palate cleanser, bursting with fruit and lively bubbles.
2019, Vouvray Sparkling
Le Clos de la Meslerie
Clos de La Meslerie is an organic estate near Vouvray that grows only one grape,Chenin Blanc, and usually makes only one cuvée. But occasionally when conditions are ideal, winemaker Peter Hahn will make this champagne-style extra brut sparkling Chenin with zero dosage.
Dry, ample and rich in the mouth with a rounded mineral finish. Light notes of Indian tonic and bitter lemon. Vibrant, mineral and crisp with a slight hint of sweetness.
Pair with seafood-based canapés or buttery lobster!
2014, "Harmonie" Brut Nature
Franck Pascal
Franck’s wines find the delicate balance between richness and finesse, with plenty of structure to accompany the intense flavours.
This is a blanc de noirs made from 50% Meunier and 50% Pinot Noir, combining the density of pinot noir and the fruity elegance of Meunier.
Notes of honeysuckle, fresh fig, pear and baked plum. An elegant expression of his Vallée de la Marne terroir. A delicious, atypical Champagne that offers the perfect kick-off to any holiday celebration.
2018, Spumante Metodo Classico “Blanc de Noirs”
Alessandra Divella
Alessandra is a young winemaker who makes outstanding handcrafted traditional method sparkling wines in the small village of Gussago in Northeastern Franciacorta.
Her sparkling 100% Pinot Noir shows exactly why blanc de noirs is such an excellent match for food.
This wine has incredible strength and structure, with a tension between the fruit and acidity that reveals itself over time. This wine is a celebration in a glass!
2015, "Rosé de Saignée" Extra Brut
Francis Boulard & Fille
A blanc de noirs from Delphine Boulard’s 80 year-old Meunier vines in the Marne Valley.
This 100% Meunier is made using the ‘saignée’ method (bleeding off), which gives more colour and slightly savoury notes.
Deep salmon pink in the glass, with red fruit and pastries on the nose. The palate has a rich texture and hints of spice. A rosé champagne that is full of personality and a lively match for more intense or complex foods.
NV, Pét Nat "Et Vie Danse”
Domaine de Veilloux
This is a serious Pét Nat, with aromas of toasted brioche and orchard fruits.
It's 100% Orbois, the local name for Menu Pineau, an indigenous variety in the Touraine.
This is a Pét Nat for those who usually scoff at them, as this is more like Champagne in style, but with a lively vibrancy.
A slow, cool ferment creates smaller bubbles and more delicate flavours. Notes of green apple and a hint of celery. It is indeed a wine that makes you want to dance and enjoy life!