Glass of Bubbly issue #19

Champagne Cremant Cava Espumate Asti Prosecco Sekt English Sparkling Wine

NO 19 feb/mar 2020 £5 / S$5 / €5

GLASS of BUBBLY

The Love Issue Hot Date

VALENTINE’S DAY WEDDINGS

FEBRUARY 14

J'adore le champagne Ich liebe Sekt Amo el cava Adoro il prosecco Dwi wrth fy modd Welsh Sparking Wine I love English Sparkling Wine J’adore le crémant Whatever bubbles take your fancy, we’ve got them covered.

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EDITOR’S LETTER Love is in the air THERE are three unique qualities for February that sets it apart from the rest of the calendar months.

It is, of course, the shortest month. Pay cheques arrive quickly to replenish the coffers after Christmas spending. Just 28 days, a straight four weeks, from begining to end.

Then there is the fact that every four years it picks up a day. This leap coincides with the Olympics, the perfect opportunity to toast your nation’s golden success with Sparkling Wine. Then there is St Valentine’s Day. In your youth, it is all about hushed whispering and timorous declarations of love. Moving on to teenage years, it becomes cinema dates and chaste meals.

Readers of Glass of Bubbly are of the age where Sparkling Wine can now play its part in the romantic chase. Do you impress with Champagne? Does your date prefer Prosecco? Do the bubbles in Cava excite as much as the four course meal? Will your dinner date prefer an English Sparkling Wine? On that perfect date, this is where the sommelier earns their money.

Of course, you may not be wooing in a sophisticated restaurant. Home cooking made with love can be as enticing to a loved one as the fanciest meal out. The bubbles of Sparkling Wine have lubricated many a love lyric and cooing kiss as you celebrate Cupid’s arrow in private.

In this issue, we look at a range of ways that Sparkling Wine can embellish and celebrate this loved-up moment. Stefania Ruffo shares her love of Prosecco; Churchill’s love affair with Champagne; while Fabio Adler takes love’s young thing around London.

Love.

I @GoBmagfizz

remember being really poor until I got my first $250,000 check from Faberge.

That was pretty nice; I put it in the bank, and from that moment on, there seemed to be a lot of Champagne and limousines in my life.

Margaux Hemingway

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 3

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Champagne Cremant Cava Espumate Asti Prosecco Sekt English Sparkling Wine

GLASS of BUBBLY Fab Four #1

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james.graham@glassofbubbly.com

SAMPLES

James Graham Editor, Glass of Bubbly magazine 259 Sydenham Road Croydon, Surrey, CR0 2ET

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Proscecco region UNESCO World Heritage Site GOGGLEBOX Watch this

NAPOLEON More then Brandy

ALBION FIZZ

Cry God for England

The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly

English Sparkling Wine

Wine from a small island

West of Offa’s Dyke

WELsh Sparkling Wine

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Did you read NO 18 WINTER 2019 £5 / S$5 / €5

CONTRIBUTORS Fabio Adler Stefania Ruffo Christopher Walkey Oliver Walkey

inside

3 EDITOR’S LETTER 6 WORLD’S BEST BUBBLY! 8 IN LOVE WITH PROSECCO 12 MIXING LOVE AND CHOCOLATE 14 IN LOVE WITH CHAMPAGNE 16 LOVE BLOSSOMS IN COLORADO 17 CHAMPAGNE’S LOVE AFFAIR 18 IN LOVE WITH LONDON 22 BURNING PASSIONS 24 WHO WAS ST VALENTINE? 26 MORE THAN A BRIEF ENCOUNTER 28 SAYING I DO IN A VINEYARD 30 FEBRUARY 14 34 THE CHAMPAGNE DES REVES 36 SUSTAINABLE SPARKLING WINE 40 LIGHTS, CAMERA, POUR 44 ZOE GETS HER DREAM JOB 48 BRINGING BACK THE SWEETNESS 54 ON THE DRIVE 56 CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY 58 PROSECCO’S GIRL POWER 66 THE LAST DROP Come and enjoy a fabulous day discovering why English Sparkling Wine is winning so many International Awards. See how it is produced and taste some of the BEST sparkling wines that England has to offer.

Our 2020 schedule of vineyard tours, weekly trips to vineyards a leisurely hour’s drive from central London, is looking spectacular, with trips running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May to October, visiting the vineyards of Surrey, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Essex!

Weekly tours from London run from 9am-6pm.

We have also launched a new range of gift vouchers to treat friends, family and colleagues with some fabulous options to choose from, ranging from £25 gift vouchers to 1-4 person vouchers for our Vineyard Tours.

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FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 5

(From lef): Eve Walkey - Neil Phillips - Philippe Brun

Small Champagne producer is named the World’s Best Bubbly!

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small grower Champagne label, Champagne Roger Brun, producing just 50,000 bottles per year won the title of The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly for 2019 at an awards ceremony in Westminster.

A tiny producer in the world of Champagne, compared to annual production of the bigger houses such as Moet & Chandon said to be making 30 million bottles each year and Veuve Clicquot at 19 million bottles.

During an awards ceremony at the Marriott County Hall Hotel in Westminster in October, a host of top Champagne and sparkling wine owners along with a sprinkling of celebrities and PR and press enjoyed a magnificent sparkling wine reception and dinner and with the racing industry’s ‘Tipster‘ Neil Phillips as MC a total of 19 trophies were handed out.

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GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

From Japan to Argentina, fabulous sparkling wines were awarded golden goblets by Eve Walkey, editorial director of the Glass of Bubbly awards, in front of winery representatives that had made their way to London from as far as Australia with famous sparkling wine names including Ferrari Trento,Villa Sandi and Champagne FrereJean Freres in the audience.

Attendees included TV reporters from Slovenia featuring the awards on their news channel and even the delightful Vicki Michelle from the ‘Allo ‘Allo! TV series attended to explore the fizz on show “Lovely evening with lovely people @ GlassOfBubbly Awards,” she tweeted.

The evening involved over 100 bottles of fine Champagne and sparkling wines being tasted and plenty of sparkle around as the world came together to unite thanks to bubbles!

In love with

L

ove, what a wonderful word. Full of promises and whispers. It's been said that red is the colour of love.

It's been said that bubbles

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Stefani can stimulate the appetite by tickling taste buds.

Are they capable of tickling hearts too and making people fall in love?

h Prosecco

ia Ruffo And what if the bubbles were red? I don't mean properly the perlage but the bottle: a magnificent bottle painted red, full of passion and love for wine...

Valentine's Day is around the corner and you have been in love, a secret desperate love, with a girl from long time. This is Continues over FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 9

From last page your big opportunity to declare your love to her.

But how do you say it, where

and when should you say the simplest phrase that you can imagine just to reveal your feelings: 'I'm in love with you'.

But suddenly you feel afraid of saying it loud and crystal clear and so, being a little bit concerned about her reaction, 10 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

you find yourself stuck on the sofa watching TV while being dramatically thoughtful about choosing the right way.

A kind and polite approach may be to send her a special present the day before St Valentine's Day along with a romantic card. That would be a very nice gesture but what if she didn't reply. You would spend the next hours in wondering how she reacted as she received it... is that what you want? What about a different scenario?

If you are looking for something different to conquer your lover, why not let bubbly declare on behalf of you.

I

Bolllicine in love

am not referring to ordinary wine, but the most spherical in the world: a sparkling wine called Bolllicine, painted red especially for this event.

A dinner out in a cosy restaurant would almost certainly be an unforgettable occasion to enjoy this fizz along with delicious food helping romance to flow.

Forget about words and let wine enchant each other's eyes with its loving sparkle.

That is why it is my pleasure to introduce you to Chardonnay and Riesling Millesimato Brut by Bolllicine.

It offers a very intense straw yellow colour highlighted by vivacious bubbles. It gives off notes of mint, lime and plum.

In the mouth it is gentle and refined with fruity nuances recalling peach and apricot.

An iconic bottle revealing elegance and exquisite taste.

The flavour of this fizz will emerge even more if paired with Catalan-style lobster, giving your senses a moment of real pleasure.

So, what is special about this wine? The sound of its bubbles will tell you about a sparkling love. Its bouquet will reveal zesty notes while flavours will conquer you with sweet hues. Pure emotion will make your heart beat with joy.

This intimate evening spent together will be sure to put a gleeful smile on your lover's face and you'll be over the moon see her enthuse about how much you care. Bubbly is always the right choice for romance. If red, it will certainly bring you an undying love.

Location credit: Ristorante Alle Grotte da Nereo FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 11

Valetine Gifts

Mixing love, chocolate a WHAT do Valentine's Day and successful businesses have in common? More than you might think because for a number of established brands, especially those in the gifting arena, such as Jo Malone, Kate Spade and Guylian Chocolates, love was the special ingredient as they were all founded by a couple.

In the case of Guylian Chocolates, passionate Belgian chocolatier Guy Foubert and artist, Lilianne married in 1958 and soon after immortalised their passion for life's sweetest pleasures, love and chocolate by joining their names to one: Guy-lian. Probably the

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world's first portmanteau word for couples!

Audrey Wiggin, business coach, is not surprised by this gifting business founded by a couple trend: "The trust you have in your romantic partner as your fellow director is greater than you are likely to have with any other business partner in your life.

It can be stimulating to share the joys of accomplishment together. And as a business professional, you're apt to learn more and faster, and to see different perspectives, because you're able to be so vulnerable with each other. Also, couples working together have to go the extra mile in their

Valentine Gifts

and entrepreneurship

communication with each other given the intensity of their relationship.

“It is also no surprise that romantic couples found brands that become synonymous with gifting. Solving the challenge of gifting something that will be well received is one that is appreciated by couples the world over."

Whether or not you have ambitions of running a business with your other half, couples everywhere can celebrate romance on February 14th with a gift born from the love of Guylian Chocolates founders, Guy and Lilianne.

These Guylian Praline Hearts in their eyecatching red boxes of romantic Belgian chocolate hearts, are marbled and filled with delicious roasted hazelnut praline. The 42g box (RSP £1), which contains four praline filled hearts, is the ideal love token, whilst the 105g heart shaped box (RSP £4) makes an even more impressive Valentine's Day gift.

Sea Shell chocolates are always a delight, and are sure to make life sweet for your loved one. Available in a 250g box (22 pieces; RSP £5), or for an even more decadent gift, a 375g box (33 pieces; RSP £7.50).

Guylian's Valentine's Day chocolates are available from selected supermarkets, high street retailers nationwide and via Guylian's web shop.

Last year, Guylian announced its ambition to become the leading palm oil free Belgian Chocolates brand.

Palm oil has been replaced with sustainable shea butter and sunflower oil, resulting in smoother textured and even better tasting chocolates which are better for the planet and healthier, with less saturated fat and less sugar.

Or you could treat your other half with Guylian Praline Sea Shells – the first product Guy and Lilianne created together. Made using only the finest, hand selected Mediterranean hazelnuts, which are roasted and caramelised to perfection before being blended with premium Belgian chocolate, Guylian's famous FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 13

In love with C Journalist, writer, politician and wartime leader, Winston Churchill

T

here is a famous quote from an exchange between Winston and Lady Nancy Astor, whom he was frequently forced to contend with: "Mr Prime Minister, you are drunk.

You are very, very drunk."

"Lady Astor, you are ugly.You are very, very ugly. But tomorrow, I shall be sober."

As with many things in Winston's life, with alcohol, he started out small and quickly found himself an expert. Another famous quote by Churchill gives his estimation of his alcohol intake: "I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me." Frequently, Churchill bragged and joked about his reliance on alcohol, with his infamously-dry humour.

This appetite for alcohol led to the distinction of having his name attached to a famous Champagne.

Pol Roger bestowed that honour on the man. Located in the town of Épernay in the Champagne region, the house annually produces around 110,000 cases of Champagne.

Pol Roger was born on 24 December 1831, the son of a lawyer.

Beginning as a wholesaler of wine, he started his own champagne house in 1849, with the first growths released in 1853. He received a royal warrant for the Austro-Hungarian court.

Champagne Pol Roger created their Prestige Cuvée in homage to Sir Winston. Churchill was mindful of the qualities that he sought in his champagne: robustness, a full-bodied character and relative maturity.

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The owners of Pol Roger are members of the Primum Familiae Vini. Pol Roger holds a current Royal Warrant as purveyors of champagne to Queen Elizabeth II. The house's prestige label remains the vintage Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill. The wartime leader was apt to repeat Napoleon's maxim on champagne: "In victory, deserve it. In defeat, need it!"

They also release three nonvintage cuvées, the Pure Brut (no added sugar), Brut Réserve and Rich (sweet), as well as three other vintage wines, the Brut Vintage, Blanc de blancs and Rosé Vintage.

Pol Roger Brut Vintage is typically a blend of 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot noir, although this varies.

Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill

T

he exact blend is a closely guarded family secret but it is undeniable that the composition would meet with the approval of the man to whom it is dedicated : “My tastes are simple, I am easily satisfied with the best.”

Pinot Noir predominates, providing structure, breadth and robustness whilst Chardonnay contributes elegance, finesse and subtlety. The wine is composed exclusively of grapes sourced from Grands Crus Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards which were already under vine during Churchill’s lifetime.

Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is only made in the very best vintages

and is always relea other vintage date from Pol Roger, ma appreciation for ol Roger had been th champagne of Sir W since 1908. After h Pol Roger placed a around the labels o shipped to the Un Madame Odette Churchill had befri at the British Emba 1944, attended his years later.

In 1987, when th Churchill's country Chartwell, in south London, were deva Great Storm, the P paid for much of th In 1984, Pol-Rog the Pinot noir-dom Winston Churchill The first vintage (the one introduce the 1975, only rele format. It has been 1979, 1 Cuvée Sir Winst replaced the Pol R Speciale at the top Reserve Speciale w Chardonnay and 5 blend from 100% r vineyards.

First released w vintage, it continue alongside Cuvee S Churchill until the when its productio Pol Roger felt no n competing prestige

Champagne

was also rather well-accomplished as a drinking man.

ased later than the ed Champagnes arking Churchill’s lder wines. Pol he favourite Winston Churchill his death in 1965, a black border of Brut NV nited Kingdom. e Pol-Roger, whom iended at a party assy in Paris in s funeral nearly 21

he trees of y retreat, hern England near astated by the Pol-Roger family he replanting. ger introduced minant Cuvée Sir l. e of this cuvée ed in 1984) was eased in magnum n followed by the

ton Churchill Roger P.R. Reserve p of the range. was a 50% 50% Pinot noir rated grand cru

with the 1971 ed to be produced Sir Winston 1988 vintage, on was terminated. need to have two e cuvees.

“I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me” FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 15

The Love State

Love blossoms in Colorado all year round

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olorado is the perfect place to toast true love all year round. The state is a four-season destination offering world-class adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavourful cuisine, and renowned ski resort areas.

Colorado inspires romance with gorgeous views, outstanding adventures and intimate experiences to choose from. The Centennial State is the perfect place to toast true love all year round with its collection of romantic retreats, honeymoon getaways, unique wedding venues and signature Valentine events all lovebirds can appreciate.

The state’s breathtaking natural landscape boasts natural hot springs, hundreds of lakes and rivers, 12 national parks and monuments, and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet.

Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores: Dunton is a romantic ghost town set in the San Juan Mountains. Couples can soak in the calcium bicarbonate hot springs pools.

Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides, Breckenridge: A private sleigh ride is the perfect way to propose, celebrate an anniversary, have an intimate wedding or just snuggle up during a romantic getaway.

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Smith Fork Ranch, Crawford: This ranch offers shade-tree picnics, a world-class wine cellar and private candle-light dinners focus on farm-to-table cuisine.

Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, Leadville: Couples can take a one-mile ski, snowshoe or hike to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse and savor a four-course backcountry Dining experience and stay in the Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts.

Woody Creek Distillers, Basalt: This smalltown distillery offers award-winning vodka, rye, gin and bourbon and is a gorgeous setting for any couple looking to expand their knowledge of Colorado craft spirits.

Champagne’s Love Affair Five reasons why Champagne is connected with Romance

By Christopher Walkey

C

hampagne needs no real introduction as a perfect tonic to spice up that romantic moment, any occasion, any location and any time of the day and yes that does include Champagne for breakfast! Though why is Champagne just so associated with romance, be it Valentines day or a wedding day, first date to 'I want to make it up to my Mrs and get back in to her good books' formula?

Champagne, from the romantic country of France, rich in history, iconic names like Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon and Moet & Chandon, enjoyed with strawberries and chocolates and famous celebrity names including James Bond, Leonardo Dicaprio and Marilyn Monroe. That chilled bottle in the ice bucket, the popping of the cork and the pouring of the fizz in to those classic flute style glasses all makes Champagne that ever more special in the eye of the consumer, but what reasons are really behind making it such a hot topic for the romantics out there - Let us explore some: Seduction - The word Champagne and seduction have for a long time be firmly linked and goes as far back as the 18th century with Madame de Pompadour, royal courtesan and favourite mistress to Louis XV. She was said to be the first beauty to shout out about Champagne at the Royal Court stating that 'Champagne is the only wine that leaves a woman beautiful after drinking it'. We can also move on to another master of seduction, James Bond, and we all know how the ladies fall romantically for the 007 agent when he orders a bottle of Bollinger.

Health and Beauty - Champagne is mostly made from red grapes and we hear many stories of how red wine is good for the heart, in moderation of course! The antioxidants that are found in red grapes can help to lower blood pressure and prevent many serious heart problems. Another great thing to improve how you look and feel about yourself is “Champagne detoxifies the skin with antioxidants and lightening tartaric acid helps even out the skin tone,” which dermatologist Marina Peredo stated. And if you need any more reasons to enjoy Champagne then note that the very beautiful and adored Marilyn Monroe was said to bathe in Champagne of which the bubbles helped to keep her skin smooth and youthful.

Art - It is said that the famous painter Toulouse Lautrec was always happy to receive a glass of Champagne from the dancers at the Moulin Rouge in Paris. As he went about his artwork, the dancers would bring him a glass of bubbly.

Aphrodisiac - Many will say that foods like raw oysters and Champagne can really fuel up one's passion drive and these two pair brilliantly together and will be served at many fine dinning experiences. The allure Champagne has as a luxury and aspirational product; the fact that research show tiny bubbles can help brain function and Dr Max Lake declared that the scents of dry Champagne can replicate the delicate aromas of female pheromones then we certainly have a romantic great in each and every bottle!

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 17

In love with London

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an English sparkling win

S

aint Valentine’s Day is one of those annual celebrations invariably associated with fizz.

Unless you are a teetotaller or have decided to extend ‘Dry January’ into February (good on you!), it’s likely that you and your significant other will toast with a glass of bubbles at some point during Valentine’s Day/weekend.

You know the day is approaching when supermarkets around the country start displaying bottles of sparkling wines, mostly rosé, next to chocolate boxes, bath bombs, schmaltzy cards and just anything else in pink!

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liché gift ideas apart, you could surprise your other half this Valentine’s Day with a visit to not only one, but four different bars and restaurants in the capital. And why not move away from the predictable choices of champagne and Prosecco and invite your partner to try some of the most interesting and delicious English sparkling wines available in town?

Start off your journey at the fabulous Grays & Feather, a family-run wine bar located in the heart of Covent Garden. It boasts an impressive list

18 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

of more than 50 sparkling wines from around the world, including England, of course. I suggest ordering the Furleigh Estate Blanc de Noirs 2014 from Dorset.

There is just so much to enjoy and talk about here – the blend, Dorset’s terroir – and it will pair so well with Grays Maybe it's becaus & Feather’s charcuterie That I love London Maybe it's becaus board. All the wines at That I think of her Grays & Feather can I get a funny feelin be taken away at retail Just walking up an prices, so if you really like Maybe it's becaus That I love London Furleigh Estate, you can buy a bottle to relive the experience another time.

N

Maybe it's becaus That I love London Maybe it's becaus That I think of her I get a funny feelin Just walking up or Maybe it's becaus That I love London

ext stop is Wright Brothers Soho, just off Carnaby Street. The Soho branch is one of five restaurants that constitute the group, Flanagan & Allen with other sites in Borough Market, Spitalfields, South Kensington and Battersea Power Station. Wright Brothers restaurants are specialized in fresh fish and seafood, supplied by their own wholesale company, which makes you trust the quality of the produce even more.

n

ne safari in London in company with Fabio Adler

This is a perfect spot to enjoy a chilled glass of Ridgeview Bloomsbury whilst you and your boyfriend or girlfriend savour a selection se I'm a Londoner of oysters.

At Wright Brothers you n so se I'm a Londoner can choose oysters from r wherever I go different provenances ng inside of me such as Morecambe Bay, nd down se I'm a Londoner Lindisfarne or Cumbrae, n town but go for some Jersey Rocks to start with. In my se I'm a Londoner limited but enthusiastic n so se I'm a Londoner knowledge of the little r wherever I go molluscs, I think Jersey ng inside of me Rocks offer a more r down se I'm a Londoner delicate and softer meat n town as well as a refreshing, crispy sea-salt taste. They will go down as a treat with Ridgeview, marrying the saline flavour of the oysters with the acidity and citrusy profile of the wine in a very harmonic way. Ridgeview Bloomsbury was the official wine served for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, so if it’s good enough for the Queen.

S

tay in Soho and move on to Sussex, which is the name of the newest eatery from the Gladwin Brothers, who also own The Shed in Notting Hill, Rabbit in Chelsea and Nutbourne in Battersea. The Gladwin family are lucky enough to own their own vineyards in Nutbourne, Sussex and therefore supply their own restaurants with their own wine. Genius. During a recent wine tasting hosted by Richard Gladwin at the restaurant’s chef’s table, I had the chance to try Nutty Wild, which is a 100% Pinot Noir natural wine made with wild yeast. At only 10% ABV, this is would be my wine of choice to accompany the Beetroot, Parsley & Pumpkin Gnocchi as you sit down for a relaxing main course.

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fter visiting these three topnotch venues, you really want to end this evening tour on a high, so I recommend stopping next page FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 19

In love with London

London Pride Noel Coward

from last page

by The Coral Room, at The Bloomsbury. This is no ordinary hotel bar, it’s a spacious and colourful room, boasting a wine list entirely dedicated to English fizz, so the choices are vast. The list, curated by wine consultant Anne McHale MW, will always showcase six different English fizz served by the glass, on rotation.

Currently Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvée NV is one of them, and I highly recommend it. I will always have a soft spot for Hambledon. It was the very first English sparkling wine that I have drunk, back in 2014, and it still is one of my favourite wine producers in England. You might want to pair this Classic Cuvée with The Coral Room’s Swiss Cheese Selection, which is served with onion chutney, so quite a flavour palette to combine with Hambledon.

I

hope that this mini gastronomic itinerary, even if not followed fully, will inspire you to make your Valentine’s evening somewhat more adventurous.

And feel free to tag @MousseuxAnglais on Instagram during your English fizz explorations, I’d love to hear your personal tasting notes.

London Pride has been handed down to us.

London Pride is a flower that’s free.

London Pride means our own dear town to us, And our pride it for ever will be.

Oh Liza! See the coster barrows, Vegetable marrows and the fruit piled high.

Oh Liza! Little London sparrows, Covent Garden Market where the costers cry.

Cockney feet mark the beat of history.

Every street pins a memory down.

Nothing ever can quite replace The grace of London Town.

There’s a little city flower every spring unfailing Growing in the crevices by some London railing, Though it has a Latin name, in town and country-side We in England call it London Pride.

London Pride has been handed down to us.

London Pride is a flower that’s free.

London Pride means our own dear town to us, And our pride it for ever will be.

In our city darkened now, street and square and crescent, We can feel our living past in our shadowed present, Ghosts beside our starlit Thames who lived and loved and died Keep throughout the ages London Pride.

20 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

London Pride has been handed down to us.

London Pride is a flower that’s free.

London Pride means our own dear town to us,

Sparkling wine with an English twist Fox & Fox Midnight Dark Dry RosĂŠ Brut 2011. Visit our website to shop or find out more about our highly-awarded range of delicious English Sparkling Wines.

Glass of Bubbly Trophy Winner 2019 Gastronomic

Glass of Bubbly Gold Winner 2019 Fireworks

www.foxandfox.wine

Hot date

Wild Fire Urbanização Vila Sol 8125 Quarteira Algarve, Portugal +351 289 095 813

Burning passions S

o the person you have your eye on has said ‘yes’. You hope it is going to be a hot date. So where do you go? Glass of Bubbly has sought out a number of restaurants wihich lend themselves to a ‘hot’ date.

Flame Upper West Side 100 W 82nd ST New York, NY (646) 870 - 0301 Flame Downtown 381 3rd Ave New York, NY (917) 265 - 8772

22 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

Flame Riverdale 5740 Broadway Unit # 5 New York, NY

46 Howard Street Belfast BT1 6PG, UK + 44 (0) 28 9033 2121

Chiltern Firehouse 1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London W1U 7PA, UK +44 (0) 20 7073 7676

Hot date

Wildfire Restaurant, 192 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4AZ, UK +44 (0) 131 225 3636

FIRE AT RIVERCENTER 50 E. RiverCenter Blvd.

Covington, KY 41011 USA +1 859-392-2850 Fire Restaurant and Lounge, The Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. +353 1 676 7200 FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 23

St Valentine’s Day Love, Actually

who was St Valentine?

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aint Valentine's Day on 14th February is surrounded by mystery - which is no surprise when you consider that there were at least three different Saint Valentines. The celebrations of St Valentine's Day are steeped in legend and mystery; indeed the motives behind the day's creation and even St Valentine himself have been shrouded in controversy and doubt.

Saint Valentine's Day embraces a time of year that is historically associated with love and fertility. It encompasses the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera in Ancient Athens and the Ancient Roman festival of Lupercus, the god of fertility.

The priests of Lupercus would perform a traditional purification ritual, slaughtering goats to the god, and after consuming wine, 24 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

they would run through the streets of Rome holding aloft the skins of the goats touching anyone they met.

The occasion compelled floods of young women to the streets in the belief that being touched would improve their chances of conceiving and bring forth easy childbirth. There remains some speculation over the exact date of the celebration.

Saint Valentine of Rome was martyred on February 14 in AD 269. The Feast of Saint Valentine, also known as Saint Valentine's Day, was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496 to be celebrated on February 14 in honour of the Christian martyr.

English 18th-century antiquarians Alban Butler and Francis Douce, noting the obscurity of

St Valentine’s Day

Saint Valentine's identity, suggested that Saint Valentine's Day was created as an attempt to supersede the pagan holiday of Lupercalia (mid-February in Rome). This idea has been dismissed by other researchers.

Although other extended stories are not told about him, his tradition is rich in poetic themes and visual scenarios, such as "Love conquers all" and the retaliatory punishment or torture of Cupid.

Many of the current legends that characterise Saint Valentine were invented in the 14th century in England, notably by Geoffrey Chaucer and his circle, when the feast day of February 14 first became associated with romantic love.

In art, Cupid often appears in multiples as the Amores, or amorini in the later terminology of art history, the equivalent of the Greek erotes. Cupids are a frequent motif of both Roman art and later Western art of the classical tradition. In the 15th century, the iconography of Cupid starts to become indistinguishable from the putto.

During the Middle Ages, it was believed that birds paired in mid-February. This was then associated with the romance of Valentine.

Although these legends differ,Valentine’s Day is widely recognised as a day for romance and devotion.

Who is cupid?

I

n classical mythology, Cupid (Latin for desire) is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection. He is often portrayed as the son of the love goddess Venus and the war god Mars. He is also known in Latin as Amor (Love).

Cupid continued to be a popular figure in the Middle Ages, when under Christian influence he often had a dual nature as Heavenly and Earthly love. In the Renaissance, a renewed interest in classical philosophy endowed him with complex allegorical meanings.

In contemporary popular culture, Cupid is shown drawing his bow to inspire romantic love, often as an icon of Valentine's Day.

His Greek counterpart is Eros. Although Eros is generally portrayed as a slender winged youth in Classical Greek art, during the Hellenistic period, he was increasingly portrayed as a chubby boy. During this time, his iconography acquired the bow and arrow that represent his source of power: a person, or even a deity, who is shot by Cupid's arrow is filled with uncontrollable desire.

In myths, Cupid is a minor character who serves mostly to set the plot in motion. He is a main character only in the tale of Cupid and Psyche, when wounded by his own weapons, he experiences the ordeal of love.

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 25

More than a bri T

he luxurious carriages of Belmond British Pullman allow passengers to spend Valentine’s Day on track to indulge in a fantastic five-course tasting menu paired with exclusive, limited-edition wines from the award-winning Balfour Hush Heath Estate.

The experience begins at London Victoria Station. Dressed in elegant finery, accompanied by the tuneful harmonies of the Spitfire Sisters, passengers will board the Belmond British Pullman on February 14 and be greeted by a personal steward. Passengers settle into a comfortable

26 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

armchair at a table set with crisp white linen and bespoke tableware. As the train pulls out of the station, passengers whet their appetite with a glass of chilled Balfour Brut RosĂŠ. The sumptuous art deco surroundings of each vintage carriage is worth admiring, including highly polished marquetry, silken lampshades and plush fabrics. Soon, the steward will serve the first enticing course.

For this extraordinary dinner, the company will be showcasing the work of three expert winemakers from Balfour Hush Heath Estate, in the heart of Kent, who

St Valentine’s Day

ief encounter have created a very special collection of limited-edition wines. Be among the very first to taste these still and sparkling masterpieces as they enjoy their premiere aboard Belmond British Pullman.

Only a maximum of 2,000 bottles of each will be released. To complement the wine, Belmond’s Executive Chef has devised five exquisite dishes. Sourcing ingredients from farmers and producers in the Garden of England, he and his team have crafted locally- and seasonally-inspired specialities that evoke the Golden Age of Travel. The winemakers will be on

board to talk about their creations. They’ll share knowledge, stories and entertaining anecdotes about English wine – its past, present and very exciting future.

Passengers relax over coffee and petits fours before pulling back into London Victoria Station and alighting with delectable memories.

Prices from £475 per person

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 27

Wedding

Saying I do in a vineyard CAN there be a more romantic location for a vineyard wedding than a château in a fairytale location? You can throw a destination wedding of the decade in some of the dreamiest spots in Champagne? Like in all good fairy stories, once upon a time there was a castle nestled in the heart of Champagne's woods.

Built in the 13th century, the château has been partly restored and a former wing has been transformed in the 21st century into the 29-room Château de Fère Hôtel & Spa in Aisne.

Many Sparkling Wine vineyards have woken up to the fact that they have a great location for nuptials. Often in beautiful countryside, vineyards are photogenic and romantic, which make them perfect for the

Instagram age. Such locations often include old farm buildings which are picturesque which create beautiful background to photographs of the happy couple.

Even if you do not tie the knot between the actual rows of vines, another delight is that vineyards, especially the more established ones, often offer ancient and grand houses in which to say “I do”.

Packages Typical of how a vineyard can host a wedding event, Nyetimber has three wedding packages on offer which all take full advantage of the English Sparkling Wine vineyard’s picture postcard image.

The vineyard says: “Opening a bottle of Nyetimber should

28 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

accompany the most memorable moments in life, none more so than a wedding. To guarantee each celebration is perfectly yours, we offer tailored Nyetimber packages to raise a celebratory toast to your special day.

“Nyetimber’s range of awardwinning English sparkling wines are the perfect accompaniments to distinctive, sophisticated events; from Classic Cuvee MultiVintage served at the reception, to the elegant complexity of Blanc de Blancs with white fish or poultry dishes, or Rosé MultiVintage with weightier dishes such as a salmon fillet or duck, and finishing with the balanced sweetness of Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage as the ultimate wedding cake partner.”

In terms of packages, the

Wedding

vineyard offers the Nyetimber Toast, what it describes as “the indulgent choice for intimate celebrations.”

With any order of Nyetimber over 50 bottles, the happy couple get a magnum of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage to be enjoyed by the wedding party; a beautiful seasonal floral bouquet; and, elegant Nyetimber coasters for guarding those precious glasses between toasts.

In the the Nyetimber Experience, described as the “sparkling choice for grander occasions,”

with any purchase of more than 100 bottles of Nyetimber, the happy couple will be offered all the elements of The Nyetimber Toast with a private tour of the Nyetimber Estate & Vineyards in West Sussex for ten members of the wedding party; bride and bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen, or anyone keen to go behind-the-scenes at the leading English sparkling wine producer, explore our historic estate and vineyards and experience a tasting of the range of sparkling wines.

For those wishing to push the boat out, the Ultimate Experience offers “the pinnacle of winemaking.”

With orders of 50 bottles or more of 1086 Prestige Cuvee Rosé, there is an overnight stay for two people, including dinner at one of England’s finest hotels; a complementary 1086 Rosé Magnum for the couple to enjoy at their leisure with family and friends; a beautiful seasonal floral bouquet; and, alegant Nyetimber coasters for guarding those precious glasses between toasts

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 29

F

ebruary 14 is the 45th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. Threehundred-and-twenty days remain until the end of the year. Of course, in a Leap Year, it is 321 days.

For most, it is about love in its many aspects. For many, however, it is a significant anniversary, a birthday or the day someone dies. Here are some of the other reasons to mark St Valentine’s Day.

1689 English parliament places Mary Stuart and Prince William III on the throne 1779 Captain James Cook, the legendary British explorer, was savagely murdered on this day after a confrontation with islanders at Hawaii who had mistaken him for a god.

1859 George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., American engineer, inventor of the Ferris wheel is born (d. 1896) 1870 Seraph Young becomes the first woman to legally vote in the modern United States, two days 30 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

February 14 after the Utah legislature passed a law allowing women the vote 1895 Oscar Wilde's "Importance of Being Earnest," opens in London 1900 Date of the events in hit 1979 Australian movie "Picnic at Hanging Rock" 1913 Jimmy Hoffa, American trade union leader is born. He is now most famous for disappearing in 1975.

1929 St Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago, Seven gangsters are killed, allegedly on Al Capone's orders.

1931 Don Bradman scores 152 for Australia v West Indies, 154 minutes, 13 fours 2 fives 1931 The original "Dracula" film starring Bela Lugosi as the titular vampire, is released 1942 Michael Bloomberg, American businessman and politician, 108th Mayor of New York City is born.

1948 Teller, American magician and actor and half of the Penn & Teller duo is born.

1960 Meg Tilly, American actress and author is born.

1967 "Respect" single recorded by Aretha Franklin. It will become Billboard Song of the Year in 1967.

1989 James Bond, American ornithologist, zoologist and writer dies aged 89. Ian Fleming, a keen bird watcher living in Jamaica, was familiar with Bond’s work, and chose the name of its author for the hero of Casino Royale in 1953, apparently because he wanted a name that sounded “as ordinary as possible”. Bond was fine with that.

1991 "The Silence of the Lambs" film based on the book by Thomas Harris, directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, is released. It went on to became Best Picture 1992.

2005 YouTube is launched by a group of college students, eventually becoming the largest video sharing website in the world and a main source for viral videos.

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 31

The Glass of Bub

London's biggest trade and press tasting for and food pairings.

London’s Champagne and Sparkling Wine annual trade and press tasting attracting international buyers and merchants.

Taking place for the first time at the magnificent Savoy Hotel in London on April 7, 2020 (10am - 4pm).

Stands from just ÂŁ500 + VAT.

REGISTER NOW: WWW.GLASSOFBUBBLY.COM

Our event is open exclusively to trade

bbly Show 2020

r Champagne, Sparkling Wines, Fizz cocktails Get your wines in front of buyers, importers, distributors, sommeliers, Masters of Wine, hotels, restaurants, bars, press and many more - the perfetcway to showcase your wines at one of London’s most prestigious and luxury locations - The Savoy Hotel

REGISTER NOW: WWW.GLASSOFBUBBLY.COM

e, press and social media influencrs

Roger Brun, the Cham

What defines the elegance of a woman?

The posture, the way she looks or her inner beauty?

Probably all of them, and it is what makes her so unique.

And what about wine?

When can we describe wine as elegant?

By the shape of its bottle, by its label or by the content?

More than likely, by all of them.

It would appear that when speaking of elegance, in some ways women and wine are alike.

Throughout the years we might consider how garments have been sort of ID of a person revealing civil state, taste and mood. It is not just a simple need to dress the body or

a desire to impress, but a way to express.

And what about the bottle of wine? Do we really believe that it was conceived just to contain wine? Or is there something more?

If we contemplate the sinuous shape of the age-old amphoras for example or the roundish contour of the ’bouteille champenoise’ we can come to the conclusion that there was certainly the aim of embellishing wine.

It was not merely a recipient in order to transport the wine, but a way to present it.

France, the nation of refined taste and exquisite flavours, has given us two marvellous

34 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

examples of elegant means: Christian Dior and Champagne, the Designer of Dreams and the wine of the ‘bien vivre’.

It was on12 February 1947 when Dior unveiled his first haute couture collection with a crowd gathered outside 30 Avenue de Montaigne eager to witness the designer’s debut. It was quite a revolution: offering a brandnew alternative to the boxy and masculine style of women’s fashion after the Second World War. For this, the collection was named ‘The New Look’ giving women a stupendously new concept of fashion silhouette.

mpagne des rêves

By Stefania Ruffo Photo credit: Tania Volobueva

Location credit: L’Officina dell’Arte

Dior was truly fascinated by sinuous and flattering lines often taking inspiration from historic periods to draw dresses that powerfully expressed an attitude: sculpted jacket, tight waist, full skirt and strapless gown made in sumptuous fabrics were his signature style.

Amongst others, he was particularly charmed by the Belle Epoque hourglasses silhouette from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The age, studded by cultural and artistic turmoils, witnessed as never before the exuberance of a wealthy social class that found Champagne the most iconic symbol to celebrate the ‘joie de vivre’.

I was wondering if Monsieur Dior had fashioned a Champagne’s label how it would be,

and from which of his main passions he would have taken inspiration: historicism, travels or garden?

Probably all of them, we will never know precisely, but I’m pretty sure he would be happy with this remarkable Roger Brun Champagne for having both a refined look and sublime flavours.

You will indulge in their texture reminiscent of silk, the most feminine of all the materials.

You will be ravished by the pureness of flavours and you will feel part of history by experiencing the savoir-faire of the Brun family, vignerons

since before the 1789 French Revolution. A real living heritage.

Often women get a reputation for elegance by the grace of their movements as Monsieur Dior quoted. When it comes to wine, I would consider the act of lifting up the glass to the nose to enjoy its aromas as a very elegant gesture, if done slowly and carefully.

That is the moment when silence embraces you all around and the bouquet of the Champagne is about to conquer you with the infinitive and subtle nuances, taking you in the little town of Aÿ and its slopes above the Gothic Church of St. Brice; bringing you the secrets of the original 17th century Champagne.

Champagne Roger Brun – Réserve Familiale Grand Cru, Extra Brut Millésime 2004

Champagne Roger Brun La Pelle Grand Cru, Extra Brut Millésime 2013

Champagne Roger Brun Cuvée Des Sires Grand Cru, Brut Millésime 2014

70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay. Winner of The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly for 2019.

100% Pinot Noir. Gold Medal Winner in Gastronomic category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay.

Silver Medal Winner in Creamy category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019

What is extra special about these wines?

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 35

Sustainable Sparkling

A

s our world becomes more populated and demands on our land and seas increase, we have to encourage greater efforts towards sustainability. The environment is important

By Christopher Walkey

to protect and we see within many business sectors set-out plans, targets, procedures, regulations, laws and more that are geared towards providing customers with not only quality products/services, but also sustainable options.

The food and drink world is certainly busy with the likes of organic, vegan, sustainable themed production and if we delve into the wine sector then globally there are many wineries and wines whose production are set within criteria that meet sustainability status.

Sparkling Wine grape production For wineries to meet with sustainable expectations the likes of soil health, water usage/recycling, air pollution reduction,

Motzenbäcker Rosé Brut

chemical usage, renewable energy, machinery and much more are considered. The change of production methods can lead to change of style of wine and qualities so the battle is not only for the respect to the environment, but also the quality of wine for the end consumer.

Following the introduction of the ‘Sustainability Trophy‘, Glass of Bubbly received many entries globally from wineries who met the criteria set by Slow Food who are the partner in this unique award. Motzenbäcker took home the trophy for 2019.

Villa Sandi La Rivetta Cartizze 2019

36 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

Motzenbäcker Rosé Brut – Trophy Winner ‘Meditation’ 2019: We were very proud to introduce the ‘Sustainability Trophy thanks to our partnership with Slow Food for 2019.

There were many wineries who sat within the required criteria. It was great news for the winery Motzenbäcker to collect two trophies during the awards ceremony including the inaugural ‘Sustainability Trophy.

g Wine producers The Rosé Brut, which also took home the trophy for ‘Meditation’ on the evening, really shines out as a fine example of the quality of sparkling wine being produced by sustainable wineries. A touch of orange tint to the colouring with aromas giving red apple skin, red berries and tangerine. There are fruity flavours with a touch of crisp dryness in the length. A sit back, relax and enjoy wine.

Villa Sandi La Rivetta Cartizze 2019 – Silver Medal ‘Spring Fling’ 2019: The usual fruity and creaminess that Villa Sandi gives you. Not too heavy, not too sweet, plenty of fresh white fruits with fine mousse. A wonderful dreamy Prosecco taste sensation.

Bolllicine Millesimato 2014 – Gold Medal ‘Forget Me Not’ 2018: A very different nose, hard to pinpoint, almost an apricot / marzipan / almond liquor. Taste is memorable also being fruity and moreish with a burst of yellow stone fruits with a near smooth length.

Champagne Albert Beerens Cuvee Signature Brut

Le Morette Spumante Brut – Silver Medal ‘Meditation’ 2019: Hints of white floral, oak, minerals on the nose. Touch dry, citrus / fruity, minerals. Can see this sparkling wine being a good choice for food pairings.

Champagne Albert Beerens Cuvee Signature Brut – Gold Medal ‘Summer Days’ 2019: Ripe peach, tropical, honey and citrus aromas.

An initial dry crisp burst of flavours that showcases apricot, honeycomb, lemon zest and more. Very lively in the palate – A delight.

No.1 Family Estate Cuvée Blanc de Blancs – Silver Medal ‘Light & Fruity’ 2019: As always with No.1 Family estate you can be guaranteed a refreshing and enjoyable glass of fizz.

Bolllicine Millesimato 2014

Their Blanc de Blancs cuvée is held of the lees for two years that gives you that complex aroma and taste. Plenty of white fruits, citrus, yellow floral flavours with a crisp length and finish.

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 37

Codorníu signs five-year agreement with over 170 growers of organic grapes in Penedès

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enowned Cava producer Codorníu, the oldest Spanish winery to make sparkling wine using the traditional method, has signed a five-year agreement with more than 170 winegrape-growing families from the Penedès region to buy the production of selected 100% organic parcels, which add up to nearly 3,500 acres.

With this unprecedented milestone for the sector, Cataluña’s oldest winery once again proves its commitment to viticulture and its conversion to organic farming.

“Our intention with these contracts is to consolidate our relationships with the winegrape growers and show that we consider them as part of our family, and that during the next five years, they can deliver their grapes to Codorníu worryfree,” stated Ramón Raventós, CEO of Raventós Codorníu.

“Furthermore, Codorníu is also firmly committed to working in a collaborative manner, giving access to all the knowledge and labour of our technical team to ensure the best quality is achieved” added Raventós.

Codorníu also understands the

Elegant sparkling wines.

38 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

essential role that this collective work plays in ensuring the final quality of its Cavas, and has underlined the importance of working together in order to attain excellence from the origin.

At an event celebrating the agreement as well as the end of harvest, presentations were also made to put forward ideas for improvement, setting new goals and presenting initiatives aimed at reinforcing the great teamwork that has been carried out over the last decade between local winegrape growers and the winery.

This undertaking was reflected in the great results obtained in the 2019 harvest.

Sergi Molinari, a winegrape grower from Penedès, summed up: “I feel very positive about the agreement, as this commitment between the growers and Codorníu ensures that we are working together towards a common goal, that the project has a future that benefits both parties.”

He added: “This agreement is a stake in our continued working relationship, giving us peace of mind and ensuring the prosperity of the sector.”

Downing English Sparkling Wine with Pie & Mash

By Christopher Walkey COMING from East London, I am very familiar with pie and mash. I have visited many shops selling this quite basic, yet globally famous, dish. London’s East End was generally the working class and cheaper area of the capital.

Working class people preferred foods that were cheaper and in more plentiful supply. The Victorian period saw many street traders offer the easy to prepare and handle pies and eels.

Though it can be traced back to the 18th century with eel pie and mash houses recorded, the ability to enjoy pie (meat or eel) along with mash and liquor was from the Victorian period. Today there is a somewhat fading community of pie and mash shops mostly based within the east side of London and Essex.

Glass of Bubbly Awards to the Eel & Pie House, Clacton-on-Sea in Essex.

Any greasy texture and flavours from the dish would evaporate thanks to the zesty flavours from the wine and hopefully leave a citrus/yellow fruit flavour from the wine along with the savoury tasting experience from the dish We wanted to give this well-loved dish some bubbles to partner with – An English dish with an English fizz!

From previous visits, I knew the Eel & Pie House was a reliable venue to experience real traditional pie, mash and liquor in a characterful environment – Thanks for hosting us!

English Sparkling Wine – Poulton Hill

The wine is very zesty and zingy and so very relevant to the category in which it won the silver medal.

The flavours of the wine are initially dry lemon juice and green apples that are then followed by grapefruit. The dish is a real hunger quencher as such, easy to eat and enjoy with the balance between the pie, mash and liquor working so well together. The pairing takes away the small amount of greasy flavours and textures from the dish leaving a vibrant dry citrus flavour from the wine and the savoury beef flavours from the dish.

I have great memories of visiting Poulton Hill, located in the village of Poulton.

It is a small family-run vineyard in the Cotswolds producing limited batches of wine from grapes harvested by hand. You can visit the young winery, enjoy a tasting and a stay in their accommodation We decided to take crisp and refreshing English sparkling wine, Poulton Hill Bulari 2016, which won a Silver Medal in the category of ‘Zesty & Zingy’ at the 2019 The World’s Finest

How did they pair?

Come and enjoy a fabulous day discovering why English Sparkling Wine is winning so many International Awards. See how it is produced and taste some of the BEST sparkling wines that England has to offer.

Our 2020 schedule of vineyard tours, weekly trips to vineyards a leisurely hour’s drive from central London, is looking spectacular, with trips running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May to October, visiting the vineyards of Surrey, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Essex. Weekly tours from London run from 9am-6pm.

We have also launched a new range of gift vouchers to treat friends, family and colleagues with some fabulous options to choose from, ranging from £25 gift vouchers to 1-4 person vouchers for our Vineyard Tours.

winepantry.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 39

Lights, camera, pour W

hen it comes to fizz in the movies it can usually be assured to be Champagne.

When a glass of bubbly or two is required, no less than a recognised Champagne label will do i Over the years there has been much guest and product placement for Champagne labels in classic movies.

Let us take a look at some classic movies that featured Champagne: Champagne – 1928: Alfred Hitchcock’s silent film starring Betty Balfour, famously starts and ends with a shot through the bottom of a Champagne glass.

Its plot follows the life of a spoilt rich girl who leads a life of luxury off the proceeds of her father’s Champagne business.

with fizz popping into the frame on a number of occasions, Henri wants us to finish this bottle, then three more. He says he’ll water his garden with champagne before he lets the Sons of the Desert – 1931: Germans drink any of it.” – Rick Starring the comedy duo of Blaine.

Laurel and Hardy back in the classic black and white movie The Seven Year Itch – days of the Hal Roach era, we 1957: The film sees Marilyn see an early appearance from a Monroe play a beautiful blonde Champagne label. As Stan and who attracts the attention of Ollie sit at the table during a New Yorker Richard Sherman live cabaret and Charley Chase who is set on living the orders a bottle of ‘bubble bachelor lifestyle while his water’ it is Piper-Heidsieck family are away for their annual that they are drinking. summer holiday.

Casablanca – 1942: Champagne is notably abundant in the film Casablanca with saucers filled

An Affair to Remember – 1957: Starring Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer, is considered one of the most

40 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

romantic movies of all time.

In it, Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant famously compare their time together as living the life of “rosé Champagne”.

Gigi – 1958: Vincente Minnelli’s film features songs with lyrics by Lerner; music by Frederick Loewe, arranged and conducted by André Previn, most notably “The Night They Invented Champagne” – a rousing number celebrating the joys of French fizz.

“The night they invented Champagne It’s plain as it can be They thought of you and me The night they invented champagne They absolutely knew that all we’d want to do Is fly to the sky on Champagne

Classic movies that featured Champagne And shout to everyone in sight That since the world began no woman or a man has ever been as happy as we are tonight!”

Breakfast at Tiffany’s – 1961: The famous quote from this movie as George Peppard reaches in the fridge to find a bottle of Champagne is “I don’t think I’ve ever drunk Champagne before breakfast before.With breakfast on several occasions, but never before, before.”

James Bond – 1962 to present: From Dr No in 1962 and Bonds from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, it has been a mixture of vodka Martinis and Champagne. The original Champagne was Taittinger and since then both Dom Perignon and Bollinger have featured.

About Last Night… – 1986: A romantic dinner for two sees Demi Moore and Rob Lowe enjoy Champagne Perrier-Jouët at the table together.

Moonstruck – 1987: The American rom-com film starring Cher and Nicolas Cage sees the appearance of Champagne G. H. Mumm.

Pretty Woman – 1990: Starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts this Cinderella-style movie that captivated millions. An outside scene sees Champagne Moet & Chandon being poured for guests.

The Godfather: Part 3 – 1990: Mafia boss Don Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) grabs two slices of cake in one scene and six bottles of Champagne Veuve Clicquot can be seen in the background.

Wayne Campbell: “Ah yes, it’s a lot like “Star Trek:The Next Generation”. In many ways it’s superior but will never be as recognised as the original.”

Philadelphia – 1993: Near the end of the film Dom Perignon can be seen as a gift.

Jurassic Park – 1993: During a discussion between Sam Neill and Richard Attenborough we can see a bottle of Moet & Chandon.

The Great Gatsby – 2013: In a marketing coup for Moët & Chandon., the original novel Once Upon a Crime – did not name a Champagne 1992: A story based on a brand but set designer trip to Monte Carlo, Monaco, Catherine Martin assumed it would have been Moët & Chandon.

The result was immeasurably valuable free advertising for the French Champagne house with Gatsby’s visually extravagant, Champagnefuelled parties boasting intricate with Marilyn (Cybill Shepherd) fountain pyramids of and her husband, Neil (James Champagne glasses and Belushi). Champagne Pipergloriously decadent Balthazars Heidsieck can be seen on and Nebuchadnezzars of Moët. numerous occasions.

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just Wayne’s World – 1992: right.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald, author Benjamin Kane: “Oh, actually all of The Great Gatsby Champagne is French; it’s named That is why it is always after the region. Otherwise it’s worthwhile looking out for sparkling white wine. Americans Champagne labels next time of course don’t recognise the you watch your favourite convention, so it becomes that shows and films, you will be thing of calling all of their surprised how many times sparkling white “champagne”, the ‘king of wines‘ make guest even though by definition they’re not.” appearances!

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 41

André Champagne and Tipsy Elves partnered for limitededition collection

ANDRÉ Champagne, which claims to be the number one sparkling wine brand in America, in partnership with holiday apparel brand Tipsy Elves launched an exclusive line of ‘party’ limited-edition sweaters, onesies and fanny packs before the festive holiday.

The partnership coincided with the launch of the California Champagne brand's new-tomarket 375ml cans, available in both Brut and Brut Rosé ($3.99/can).

The André x Tipsy Elves original holiday sweaters and onesies featured the André brand's logo complete with

festive designs.

“Even more, cracking a can has never been easier with the can holster feature on the fanny packs, perfect for those quick-draw bubbly moments and designed specifically to accommodate André's brand new 375m on-the-go format,” says the company.

"André Champagne has been bringing the party since 1966," said Robert Ruijssenaars, vice president of marketing at E & J Gallo Winery. "After launching our new Brut and Brut Rosé cans, we knew we wanted to celebrate the release in a

big way. Tipsy Elves is a brand renowned for making life more fun, so it was a no-brainer to team up with them on this new launch and help consumers spread tons of cheer this upcoming holiday season."

Originally made to offer sparkling wine at an affordable price, André has evolved to include nine different California Champagnes and Sparkling Wines, from Brut to Moscato.

Don’t be an April Fool!

Enjoy Glass of Bubbly #20 to be posted in April 2020 42 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

Lyme Bay add English sparkling to Aldi’s Exquisite range

L

yme Bay Winery is working with German retailer Aldi to provide the English sparkling wine for the supermarket’s Exquisite Collection.

The traditional method ‘Lyme Block Sparkling Brut Reserve’ launched on 9 December, in time for the vital Christmas and New Year period for sparkling wine sales.

The wine follows on from the success of the Lyme Block English Wine, launched in March and then a Lyme Block Bacchus. These wines remain the only collaboration to date with an English producer by Aldi and the only English wines the retailer has included in its ‘Exquisite Collection’. The Lyme Block Sparkling Brut Reserve will be the first own label English Sparkling Wine to be recognised as part of their premium offer.

Lyme Bay Winery and the team at Aldi have delivered a dry, clean and vibrant wine with crisp acidity, bursting with lemon, apple and freshly cut grass. It’s a fresh and fruity sparkler, making it the perfect drink for celebratory occasions whether matched with food or as an aperitif.

Julie Ashfield, managing director of Buying at Aldi UK,

said: “Given the success of our Exquisite Collection Lyme Block English Wine and Lyme Block Bacchus, we are thrilled to be working again with Lyme Bay Winery!

“We are sure this elegant sparkling wine will be a hit with our customers this Christmas, especially as English Wines are gaining a reputation as some of the best in the world.”

The sparkling wine is made from a blend of Pinot Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Solaris, Chardonnay and Reichensteiner, all from English vineyards.

Only the finest press cuts are used and, after an extended cold settle, the wine is fermented at cool temperatures to maintain the freshness of the grapes.

Sara Walters for Lyme Bay Winery commented: “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Aldi by extending the Lyme Block range.

“They are a retailer that has rightly earned a reputation for delivering excellent wines and to be part of that is a privilege for us.”

James Lambert, managing director at Lyme Bay Winery added: “We are very proud of this wine, it really delivers, balancing citrus and toasty flavours with a consistent vibrancy.

“It is an elegant and refined choice for anyone planning their festive celebrations.”

The investment in production excellence is evidenced by the achievement of the highest possible industry accreditation – an A-grade for the British Retail Consortium Global Standard. Lyme Bay Winery is the only English Wine producer to achieve this accolade.

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 43

Not only is the English Sparkling Wine industry a youngster in comparison with the world’s great sparkling regions, some of those at the coal-face of making it are barely youngsters themselves, writes James Graham

44 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

ZoE gets her dream job!

N

o-one says making sparkling wine is glamorous. However sophisticated the product and its effects in the flute, to get to that point involves very hands-on experience, as Zoë Driver found when she went to work at Black Chalk wines as assitant winemaker.

She says: “My job will encompass everything from fruit receival right through to disgorging and labelling, but currently I am helping set up the winery by ordering kit and equipment, getting processes in place and so on. I’ll also be out pruning in the vineyard, as well as helping at various events. The beauty of a new and small business is being able to be involved in and have a greater understanding of a lot more aspects than I would normally be able to.”

Black Chalk is in its infancy; its current output is only two wines, which gives it a more boutique identity.

Style here are those who ask if there is a ‘style’ for T English Sparkling Wine (ESW)? If there is, how does it differ, if at all, from Champagne’s ‘style’? She

says:“I don’t think there is a ‘style’ per se; that’s one of the things that is great about ESW - the freedom to create without rules and regulations.

“There is such a wide variety of English Sparkling Wines out there, which is one of the things that makes it so interesting. You see everything from Traditional to Charmat method, Demi-Sec to Sparkling red, Chardonnay to Rondo. I suppose that one major stylistic feature most ESW’s possess is acid!”

She sees English Sparkling continuing to grow and flourish, and perhaps more excitingly, becoming more well known and respected both within the industry and indeed out of it. She says: “For example, my own friends and family are a lot more aware of it now, and get excited when they see an English sparkler on a wine list in a restaurant/ bar. It’s incredible seeing ESW standing up to prestigious wines from all over the world and more than holding their own.”

Production t a time when industry observers suggest with A the huge 2018 and ‘19 harvests there are some seven to eight years’ worth of current sales of UK wine in stock and that 55-60% of current plantings do not yet have wine for sale, could we be at ‘peak English Sparkling Wine’?

She says:“I think it’s fair to say that there is more ESW being produced than sold; it’s important we manage production with realistic sales targets.That being said, the export market for ESW is really taking off, so if the demand is there, I see no reason why production can’t keep on growing.”

In expanding her knowledge of UK sparkling wine, Zoë has crossed Offa’s Dyke, the historical border between England and Wales. She says: “I recently tasted Montgomery Vineyard’s Sparkling Rose, and very much enjoyed it; it’s refreshing to taste wines that use something different to the usual Champagne varietals.”

So, if given the order that she could only drink ESW, Champagne, Cava or Prosecco for the rest of her life, which one would she choose?

“Tricky!!! I must admit it was Champagne that made me fall in love with Sparkling Wine to begin with, and is usually my drink of choice,” she says.

“However, it really does depend on my mood, the weather, and a whole host of other factors, including my budget! My partner is Spanish, so we do drink a lot of Cava, and I am of course naturally bias towards ESW. Prosecco I tend to only drink at weddings!”

No relation ne question she is often asked is whether she O is related to English wine entrepreneur Mark Driver who has established Rathfinnney estate in

Sussex.

Zoë says:“Haha, I get asked this a lot! No, we are not related, purely coincidence; I met him at the WineGB trade tasting back in September and we had a bit of a laugh about it.

“I’m incredibly excited to be at Black Chalk; being part of something so young and fresh right from the beginning is a rare opportunity that allows for personal growth and development alongside the project itself. Helping to build and shape the framework for what could be an enormously successful and rousing venture really is a dream job.”

While the vineyard is situated in Hampshire, Zoë remains living in London with partner Chris Casanovas. She says: “I actually live in Surbiton so I’m used to commuting to Hampshire for work.It’s a beautiful part of the country to work in, but I am very much a city girl.”

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 45

ow m,

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Moët Hennessy USA partners with Billion Oyster Project

Partnership to focus on both fundraising and volunteer efforts to help restore oyster reefs in New York harbour

M

oët Hennessy USA is to partner with Billion Oyster Project (BOP) in which it will donate both time and resources to help the non-profit achieve its goal of restoring oysters in New York harbour.

Moët Hennessy will be the exclusive champagne and wine sponsor of Billion Oyster Project's major annual events.

Founded in 2014, Billion Oyster Project's mission is to restore oyster reefs to New York Harbor through public education initiatives. In order to achieve this, BOP conducts educational programs at local schools, offers community volunteering on Governors Island, and collects oyster shells from NYC restaurants to use as reef substrate as part of its shell collection programme.

Some of Moët Hennessy's top restaurant accounts such as Per Se, Morimoto, Mandarin Oriental, and Marea participate in the shell collection program.

Within the past five years, BOP has restored 30 million oysters over seven acres of habitat and is on track to achieve its long-term goal.

Shortly after LVMH's Future Life New York, a conference held to highlight the groups sustainable commitments and upcoming goals, BOP will now have the additional support of Moët Hennessy USA which will be committing up to 200 hours of volunteer work by employees and supporting fundraisers.

Moët Hennessy will also serve as the official Champagne and Wine Sponsor for BOP's signature 2020 fundraisers The

Billion Oyster Party at Liberty Warehouse and Harbor Up! at Pier A. The Billion Oyster Party is the Billion Oyster Project's largest annual gathering of supporters and is a celebration to grow awareness of the value of restoring oysters to New York Harbor.

"The Moët Hennessy USA team is honoured to partner with Billion Oyster Project," said Jim Clerkin, President and CEO of Moët Hennessy North America.

"As an organization that is committed to the seven areas of sustainability – including water and effluents – embarking on this journey with Billion Oyster Project is an outstanding way to support a local program that also aligns with our dedication to sustainable development."

Get to know Proseccoshire like a local

theproseccogirls.it WINE TOURS - FOOD & DRINK - BESPOKE VISITS 46 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

Learn the Five S’s of Wine Tasting 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Swirl Sniff Slurp Swish SPIT

www.glassofbubbly.com Fox & Fox Midnight Dark Dry Rosé Brut 2011. Visit our website to shop or find our more about our highly-awarded range of delicious English Sparkling Wines.

www.foxandfox.wine FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 47

Bringing back I

t would appear that more and more Champagne producers are reducing the small amount of sugar (dosage) as trends still point to people preferring drier flavours from their glass of bubbly.

To clear up a small point, yet one still so very confusing, ‘dry. means sweeter in wine terms: so if you prefer your wines to have more sweetness then this is the word you need to look out for, especially for Champagne.

The beauty of wine is that there is no real correct or wrong opinion to have, if the wine in your glass you enjoy then great! Preferences can be expressed and for sure debated, in Champagne there are many styles to enjoy and from a host of terroirs, wine makers and wine making methods. There are plenty of flavours and aromas to discover and you could spend an enjoyable lifetime exploring all the delights that this wine region has to offer.

The question is though is does Champagne taste better sweeter or better with less to no sugars added? Some will ask, especially producers and connoisseurs, if a Champagne is well made is there really a need to add any additional sugar at all? Sugar for some could be seen as merely a way to hide deficiencies; I remember once hearing a Champagne producer saying that ‘by adding sugar you are simply adding make-up’.

It is of course a good thing that we can enjoy Champagne with different levels of sugar to suit our taste and to suit the occasion for which we are enjoying the wine. For gastronomy a selection 48 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

Christopher Walkey

of sweetness levels in Champagne will mean that it becomes a lot more versatile in pairing with a wider array of foods from sweet dishes to spicy ones and beyond.

Will sweeter Champagne labels come back in to fashion?

Back in the 19th century, Champagne was made sweet, and this was a style that people preferred, a drink to enjoy and to run alongside sweeter foods such

as pastries/cakes. In recent years the trend is more towards zero sugars and even the mention of a demisec or sweeter could be seen as an embarrassing admission by some Champagne houses.

A recent visit to Aÿ took me past the Champagne Roger Brun house and a mid-morning tasting with owner and wine maker Philippe Brun.

The ever-engaging, entertaining and educational gentleman of Champagne, a chap who wears his heart on his sleeve and produces, for me, some of the best

the sweetness grower labels. A man who is not persuaded by the massive or the trends and indeed will seek to explore the opposite though still achieve remarkable results in aromas and flavours with successful recognition by way of gold medals, trophies and the title of The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly 2019.

During my morning tasting Philippe brought out a selection of his Champagne to taste. We were soon joined in the tasting room by a regular purchaser of Champagne Roger Brun who had that minute just arrived in Aÿ having driven from Denmark to purchase a few cases.

and just as Philippe said that wines are made to suit different reasons and times, for me the sweeter Champagne really excelled the classic Champagne flavours I adore rather than in any way diminish the excellence of the wine making flavours that Philippe aims for. The sweeter the better for me in this tasting.

Having had the most wonderful tasting chez Champagne Roger Brun, and a glimpse in to how sugar can genuinely improve the genuine flavours you get from the wine, I’m sure this will soon come back in to fashion as Champagne lovers seek to increase their tasting experiences.

To express the value and the how the flavours of his Champagne are enhanced with sugar we first tasted the Sec (20 grammes per litre) then the Brut.

What this tasting did was highlight the wonderful flavours first of Champagne that I personally prefer in we had ripe yellow stone fruits, pastry, honey, oak with a crisp citrus undertone. The aromas too were equally appealing and engaging throwing rich pastry and yellow fruits. These rich flavours from the Sec were soon toned down when we went on to the Brut which although carried a similar nose and taste it did not jump out at you. Both wines are excellent

Brut Nature (no added sugars) Extra Brut (0-6 grams per litre) Brut (less than 12 grams per litre) Extra-Dry / Extra-Sec (12 – 17 grams per litre) Dry / Sec (17 – 32 grams per litre) Demi/ Sec (33 – 50 grams per litre) Doux (more than 50 grams per litre) FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 49

We the people ...

Mod Sélection Champagne releases Vintage 2008 Réserve & Rosé

C COUP Champagne, a San Francisco-based craft champagne brand, is turning the champagne world on its head with the launch of their COUP d'Etat Collection.

The limited-edition collection was created with two goals in mind: to make a statement and to spark a movement. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Founder Ryan Tu says:"I created this product in response to my increasing frustration with the President's sanctuary city, DACA, and border policies. We need the full firepower of the ACLU now more than ever. So this product is not only aimed at venting my frustration in a provocative way, but also supporting the only organization that can speak up for us." The administration announced it may levy 100% tariffs on champagne.

The COUP d'Etat Collection features the graphic design work of Charles Leazott, the artist behind the fake presidential seal icon that went viral in early 2019. "Napoleon both created champagne sabering and came to power by coup d'etat. I find it ironic that in our modern day coup to end the President's term in office, whether through impeachment or general election, we can celebrate by sabering a bottle of champagne," explains Tu. Some bottles are also sold with a saber engraved with "We the People" from the preamble of the Constitution.

The champagne is cellar-aged for 3-5 years longer and is collected from small-batch, craft producers in the Champagne region of France. The company ships direct from the cellars of producers, bypassing layers of middlemen, in order to offer better value.

COUP d'Etat Collection can be purchased online 50 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

ritically acclaimed Mod Sélection Champagne has released its highly allocated Vintage 2008 for both the Mod Sélection Réserve and Mod Sélection Rosé.

Mod Sélection Réserve Vintage 2008 exudes a noticeable elegance and finesse in the bead.

Aromas of rich, ripe fruit open beautifully in the glass. On the palate, orange peel, dried apricot and pineapple leave place for brioche, nutmeg and clove. Full bodied without heaviness, this is a vintage that proves the reward that comes from waiting.

Mod Sélection Rosé Vintage 2008 boasts a remarkable deep-salmon hue, emblematic of the rare Saignée method. On the palate, an immediate focus of concentrated and complex fresh red fruit – strawberry, blood orange and plum. Then, honey, ginger and sweet spice, true of such a vintage.

Perfectly balanced acidity results in a finish both graceful and opulent.

The combination of strict selection processes at harvest, the most delicate extraction of first press "coeur de cuvee," rigorous control of fermentations, and use of the rare Rosé de Saignée production method have come together to create the purest expression of balance and terroir found in Champagne today.

"The attention to detail in every aspect of our production process is what sets this Champagne

apart from all other 2008 vintages the industry has seen this year," says Brent Hocking, founder & CEO of Mod Sélection Champagne. "We have purposely waited to release these special blends to ensure optimum quality and purity - and we believe they're worth the wait."

In keeping with the brand's inaugural releases, the 2008 vintage varietals are packaged in rich brown metallic bottles, with avant-garde décor and adornment process. Delicate symbolized patterns and embellishments are handcrafted and applied by the finest artisans in Champagne, ensuring no two bottles are ever alike.

This announcement marks the third and fourth exclusive releases from the house of Mod Sélection, all of which have received 98 points by renowned wine critic, Anthony Dias Blue. Upcoming variants include NV Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs,Vintage 2008 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, NV Blanc de Noirs, and a uniquely styled single vineyard estate grown Tête de Cuvée.

Mod Sélection Réserve Vintage 2008: MSRP $480 12% ABV Mod Sélection Rosé Vintage 2008: MSRP $550 12% ABV

Charles Smith debuts POPUP CHARLES Smith, award-winning Washington State winemaker and founder of Wines of Substance, has launched POPUP – a sparkling wine perfect for any holiday gathering, and so much more. POPUP is designed to be enjoyed any day of the week regardless of the occasion.

Inspired by the great sparkling wine regions of the world, POPUP is the of-the-moment, approachable and inclusive wine for everyone, featuring an innovative pop-off bottle cap and a colorful pop-art inspired label – the first-ever wine from Charles Smith to feature a full colour label. Offering exceptional quality and value, POPUP will be available for a suggested retail price of $14.99 at US retailers nationwide.

"With POPUP, the goal was to make a delicious sparkling wine that was especially fresh, accessible and easy to drink," said Smith. "With a pop-off bottle cap top, contemporary label and affordable price point, POPUP is an unpretentious take on one of the world's most celebrated traditions: wine with bubbles."

POPUP marks the latest innovation from Smith as he celebrates his 20th anniversary in the wine industry and the growth of Wines of Substance, which is now the 33rd largest wine company in the United States. With roots in Washington state - the fastest growing wine region in the country – Smith's wines are distributed in all U.S. states and in multiple countries, and his Seattle winery, Jet City, is the largest urban winery on the West Coast.

"Thinking about where I was in my life and career 20 years ago, I have nothing but gratitude," said Smith. "Making delicious wines that people want to drink is something I will aspire to do for the rest of my life, and I look forward to what the next two decades hold in store."

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 51

Oastbrook unveils new sophisticated Sussex Sparkling Rosé 2015

O

astbrook Estate in Sussex has released its second vintage Sparkling Rosé from 2015, which joins the boutique producer’s Sparkling Rosé 2014 and its still Pinot Gris 2018.

The new 2015 is a red fruit dominated rosé made from a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier with pronounced strawberry and cream flavours on the finish.

Owner and winemaker America Brewer comments, “Our premium Oastbrook wines offer a special twist on classic blends.

“This latest English traditional method sparkling is another exceptionally refined rosé, which we are launching just in time for Christmas.

Oastbrook’s 2015 bubbles are sophisticated and elegant – perfect for toasting good times with great friends.”

Aged for seven months in stainless steel before being bottled in 2015, the first tranche of this wine was disgorged in September 2019 with only 8g of dosage per litre. Oastbrook Estate Sparkling Rosé 2015 has spent 40 months on 52 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

lees. The wine is a deep pink colour and has developed dense notes of a fresh bouquet of red fruit, peach and brioche. With a complex nose and palate, there is a smooth mouthfeel and a long, fresh finish that particularly echoes the red fruit and brioche.

A neighbour of Bodiam Castle in Sussex, Oastbrook Estate is run and managed by America Brewer.

In 2013, after returning to England following seven years in Hong Kong, she and her partner Nick bought the estate, which was formerly a Guinness hop farm. America studied Viticulture & Winemaking at Plumpton College and has planted 4.5 hectares of vineyards growing different varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meurnier, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.

Her first release was Oastbrook’s 2014 Sparkling Rosé.

Pair Oastbrook Estate Sparkling Rosé 2015 with pan-fried salmon steaks, juicy duck breasts, roast white meats including festive turkey, or a comforting pudding such as raspberry cobbler and lashings of creamy custard.

The wine’s RRP is £38.00 from Oastbrook.com.

GH Mumm launches the Cloupe GH Mumm invites consumers to challenge convention and feel empowered to break with tradition, starting with the introduction of GH Mumm's newest disruptive innovation ‘The Cloupe'.

The trademarked Cloupe is an innovative hybrid between a flute and coupe glass, drawing from the Maison's rich, disruptive history.

Emblazoned with the iconic, indented red

sash, this innovative glassware boldly aims to modernise the Champagne drinking experience with the legendary liquid of GH Mumm.

To catch a thief JUST before Christmas, a brazen thief in England was caught trying to steal a trolley full of champagne worth more than £1,800.

Officers arrested the shoplifter trying to run away from Tesco in West Bromwich in the West Midfands with a trolley filled to the brim with 50 bottles of Veuve Clicquot.

Photo: West Midlands Police

Croatia’s 2019 sparkling wine exports exceeded 2018

I

n the first nine months of 2019, Croatia exported €683 million of sparkling wine.

The production and export of Croatian sparkling wine is on the rise and exports within first nine months of this year have also exceeded that of 2018. That is the conclusion of a report

from Croatian Chamber of Commerce (CCE) report4ed in the Croatiabn media in December.

From January to September of 2019, Croatia exported 476 hectoliters of sparkling wine up from 441 hectoliters in 2018.

The production of Croatian

sparkling wines is constantly growing, as is its export volumes.

More volumes of sparkling wines are increasingly being made from indigenous Croatian grape varieties.

Traditionally, most sparkling wine is exported from the small country to the Netherlands (€346,500), followed by Italy (€178,100) and Germany (€140,300).

The largest export market is Singapore, which received sparkling wine imports totalling €136,000 in 2018.

On the other hand, sparkling wine imports have increased in quantity and value. In 2018 sparkling wine imports exceeded €9 million.

Most of the sparkling wine was imported from France (€3.3 million), Italy (€2.8 million) and Germany (€1.1 million).

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 53

on the

IN this decade, it is not uncommon for vineyards and wine sellers to obtain and decorate all manner of road vehicles to promote their brands. Thirty years ago, a Champagne house, arguably one of the most famous, took charge of a car made by surely the world’s most famous carmaker. In 1984, the world had not quite turned out as British writer George Orwell had predicted.

That year, Krug Champagne commissioned 54 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

e drive

coachbuilders to create a promotional vehicle based on a left-hand drive 1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II. With two seats up front for driver and passenger and a pair of refrigerators in the back, it was adorned with special Krug livery in white and burgundy with acres of chrome.

It was later sold by the vineyard but was bought back and returned to the House of Krug in Reims, Champagne-Ardenne where it became a museum piece.

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 55

TRAVEL

California Wine Country beckons for Winter getaways W

hen temperatures plummet in other parts of the United State, it’s time to warm up to a winter getaway in California wine country. Not only does the Golden State enjoy sunny skies and comparatively mild temperatures year ‘round, California’s distinctive wine regions offer a host of seasonal activities and events, from food festivals to barrel tastings. For those who prefer hands-on pursuits, many California wineries offer wine-

blending workshops, cooking classes that focus on seasonal ingredients and in-depth, educational tastings.

Here are just some of the activities and events happening in California wine regions this season.

For great wine tasting deals in Napa Valley, pick up the Winter in the Wineries Passport ($60), which includes tastings at 16 Calistoga wineries, or St. Helena’s Little Book of Big Experiences

56 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

passport ($75), which offers enhanced wine experiences and curated pairings at 15 wineries throughout the season.

This year, Sonoma County extends its Restaurant Week celebration from February 21 to March 1.

Sweet treats abound at two February events: the Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend (February 7 - 9), and the Madera Wine Trail Wine & Chocolate Weekend (February

8 - 9), held at multiple wineries. The Presidents’ Wine Weekend (February 15 - 16) in Calaveras County presents wine experiences and special events throughout the weekend in the Gold Rush town of Murphys.

The Garagiste Festival: Northern Exposure (February 15) in Sonoma gives tasters access to under-the-radar, micro-production wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, the Santa Cruz Mountains and more.

Central Coast winemakers show off their blending expertise at BlendFest on the Coast in Paso Robles (February 20 - 23), a tribute to the region’s rule-breaking wines. This year’s Anderson Valley Winter White Wine Festival (February 22 - 23) highlights Riesling and other Alsace varietals with seminars, a grand tasting featuring local and international vintners and winery open house events.

Amador County wineries

present educational seminars, food pairings and hard-tofind wines at Behind the Cellar Door (March 7). Taste barrel samples and meet the winemakers behind them at the WineRoad Barrel Tasting (March 6 - 8 and 13 -15), a tasting tour of the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys in Sonoma County.

six chocolate selections.

Reservations must be made online or by phone 72 hours in advance.

Sip some of Mendocino County's finest wines in shops and galleries throughout Mendocino village while scouting the coastline for giant aquatic mammals at the Mendocino Whale Festival (March 7).

On President's Day Weekend, Black Stallion Winery in Napa is celebrating with a wine and oysters event February 15. No reservations needed.

On the state’s northern coast, Acumen in the Napa Valley now offers Wine and Chocolate Tasting Thursdays through Sundays in partnership with Napa’s Annette’s Chocolates.

Learn about chocolate production while sampling three PEAK Cabernet Sauvignons paired with

Every Friday through April, Long Meadow Ranch in St Helena hosts a Winter Farmers Market featuring organic produce, beef, honey and other farm-grown goodies.

For more fun winter experiences and events around the state, visit DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.

Wine Institute is the public policy association of California wineries producing 80% of US wine. As the nation's number one state for wine and food tourism with 3,900 wineries, California attracts 24 million visitors to its wine regions each year.

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 57

TRAVEL

prosecco’s girl power The ProseccoGirls want to share their love and passion for the area, its food and, of course, Prosecco

A

round four years ago, two Italian women with background in travel and hospitality, Anita and Silvia, came together to create a bespoke travel company supporting visitors to the Prosecco region.

They set up ProseccoGirls to offer a “personal selection of wineries and restaurants, personally tasted and our continuous research on what this area can offer in terms of food and wine as well as our enthusiasm in welcoming our guests with warmth and making them feel at home.”

They are said to have dubbed the large area spanning nine provinces in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions, an hour from Venice, named after the village of Prosecco – Proseccoshire.

Tours planned and hosted by the ProseccoGirls are available all year around, with Spring until Autumn the most popular and busy times.

Guests come from around the world, with visitors from Poland, Hungary, Australia, the US, the UK and Italy the most numerous.

A

ll tours are bespoke, tailored for each visitor’s interests. The ProseccoGirls say: “We pride ourselves in providing bespoke tours; for us a tour must be a memorable experience, a trip around Prosecco Land accompanied by locals not sitting in a bus from point A to point B. The range is from a minimum of €105 for a half day tour to €1,195 for a whole 58 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

weekend per person. This weekend price includes accommodation in a high-end hotel.

“We create the Prosecco experience based on our customer needs, depending on how much time they have available, what are there accommodation needs and how many wineries they want to visit.

“For example, if a guest choses just to visit one winery and a fast lunch in a typical osteria, the price will be less than a full day where we take them to visit more wineries and a long lunch sitting in the shade, as well as touring along the famous “Strada del Prosecco”.

“For those customers that choose a weekend tour, we offer excellent accommodation, lunches and dinners where they can have the local food, cooking lessons, a dinner in a family environment, visit to the wineries with Prosecco tasting and a trip to Venice where they can drink the original Spritz and Cicchetti.

“All in all our idea is to create bespoke experiences for our guests and to make them feel Italian for the length of their stay with us.”

The pair also offer tours to customers who are visiting the area to source Prosecco for a business back home.

“We take them to visit and taste Prosecco in different wineries where they can find the perfect ones for their market based on their pricing range.

All our tours, whatever the duration or motivation, are accompanied by our wish to make customers feel at home.

“Chiantishire is about four hours by car. However while Chianti, Montepulciano and so on are excellent wines, there are many other less wellknown wines and areas to explore in Italy. For example, Soave and Amarone from the Verona area, Verona as in Romeo and Giuletta. Raboso from the Treviso area. Italy is amazing, every town and even village has a different way of cooking food, a different wine.

This is the Italy we want to introduce to our guests.”

T

he pair handle all business personally. Their philosophy is not to work with big tourist groups: “We think it is important to have a personal approach with our guests and that would be impossible with big groups. We aim to provide impeccable service to our guests and to provide a unique experience.”

It is not just foreigners who have a love of Prosecco it seems. “Italians love Prosecco, from young adults to the old, it is an easy and young sparkling white wine to drink for every occasion. Glera is a variety of grape that has been used in this area for a long time. People from this region have been drinking this wine for ages. We like to provide tastes of still wine made from Glera grapes also to our guests!”

On their website, they offer “Good food, good wine, good company perfetto!!” So exactly what is the perfect food, perfect wine, perfect company to make a perfect time?

The pair say: “Perfect Time! Well, we believe that a perfect time is when you are with friends, sharing for example a local fish dish, for example “Baccalà Mantecato” accompanied by a glass of Prosecco Brut, or some local salami and cheese with home-made bread pair very well with a Prosecco “col fondo”.

“The perfect time is not due to a what type of Prosecco you drink or what type of food you eat but, from personal experience, we know that drinking a glass of Prosecco wine that you like creates a warmth atmosphere with the other people.”

L

ast year, the region was given international recognition by the United Nations.

The pair say: “Since Prosecco Land became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is even more visible worldwide. Many more people are interested in visiting this area and tasting Prosecco.”

The women do not undertake all the work of The ProseccoGirls, it seems. “It is 90% about girl power, but [husbands] Tim and Antonio love helping us to taste new sparkling white wines and enjoy trying new restaurants and wines. They both believe in our business.”

They are also promoting cycling/ walking tours with professional guides and can also organise tours visiting organic wineries, say the pair.

Glass of Bubbly kept the killer question to last: If you could only drink Prosecco or Champagne for the rest of your life, which one would you choose?

The women thought: “That’s a difficult question, for the rest of our lives is a long time… we love both really, but if we had to choose in the end we would choose Prosecco.”

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 59

TRAVEL

Date Nights in the Dales WHILE film crews transform the local villages to recall those bygone days it’s an exciting time to experience first-hand the wild, unique Yorkshire Dales scenery, famous for its crumbling barns and dry stone walls creating a patchwork of the rolling hills. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, and traditional 17th century inn The Tennants Arms Hotel has created the perfect winter break for couples with its new ‘Date Nights’ experience.

60 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

The Tenants Arms Hotel is a traditional country inn with 10 luxury boutique hotel rooms, situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Nestled beneath the iconic Kilnsey Crag, the setting means guests can revel in stunning vistas across Wharfedale from the comfort of boutique rooms dressed for romance and with champagne and chocolate truffles included – best shared in a deep, relaxing slipper bath or a comfy

four poster bed.

The experience also i gastro treat with dinner a duo of talented chefs have previously worked starred establishments.

By day there are plen and fascinating walks to appetite around the hot the ancient monastic dr Mastiles Lane; a long an lane forging its way to n Malhamdale, the fishing

The Yorkshire Dales is about to be thrust back into the British national consciousness with a new incarnation of the muchloved series All Creatures Great and Small featuring vintage vet ‘James Herriot’ hitting the small screens this year.

nature trails of Kilnsey Park Estate, the hidden Iron Age settlements of includes a r prepared by Lea Green and the ancient native both of whom limestone woodland of Grass Wood alongside the meandering River d in Michelin Wharfe.

Return to the hotel and warm up nty of stunning by the open fire in the bar. o build up an tel, such as The Date Night experience starts rovers road, from £340 for two nights, including nd steep green breakfast, a two-course meal on neighbouring the first evening with prosecco and lakes and truffles on arrival in the room.

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 61

TRAVEL

A charming guest

Belmond Splendido Mare set for a major renovation; opening Summ Paris-based designers FESTEN Architecture have been appointed to lead the design for a major renovation plan for the 14-room Belmond Splendido Mare in the heart of Portofino.

Re-opening is set for June 2020.

Set within the beating heart of the harbour town, down the hill from the iconic Belmond Hotel Splendido which overlooks the bay, the renovation of Splendido Mare and Chuflay restaurant will reinvigorate this hot spot on the Italian Riviera.

“We like to work on a transformation of classical space, delving into a storied past to conceptualise its future. Our work for Belmond Splendido Mare cherishes its humble beginning and a cinematic setting of Portofino.

The redesign will evoke a stylish home where contemporary and vintage pieces co-exist to provide a timeless feel,” says Charlotte de Tonnac, Co-Founder of FESTEN Architecture.

A HUMBLE HERITAGE Belmond Splendido Mare, is set within the beating heart of Portofino Harbour, benefiting from an unsurpassed location in the Piazza. This is where Portofinese life revolves around the pastel-painted villas and fishing vil62 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

lage and is the place to enjoy an Aperitivo as the sun sets over the Ligurian sea.

Once a haven for fisherman, the converted townhouse features 14 guestrooms, including four suites, secluded behind characterful corridors, with views over Portofino Harbour, where from hidden terraces guests have a sense of being in their own private residence.

STYLISH ALLURE The new design draws inspiration from nautical traditions and the hotel’s modest past. Each guestroom references interiors of a typical Italian fishing boat, drawing on aesthetics of natural wood, ropes and brass. Bespoke wooden latticed flooring in square patterns further reflect Portofino’s culture. Door archways and ceilings are accented by tra-

house reimangined

mer 2020

ditional Ligurian colours; amber, sea green and terracotta, complemented by the use of crisp black lines typically seen in the traditional painted doorframes.

Finer décor details such as soft throws and chair covers highlight the elegant monotone aesthetic of the space.

The bathrooms are designed

to create a calming sanctuary, inspired by the neighbouring ‘Santa Margherita’ beach cabins, white and yellow geometric tiles form bold striped walls enhanced against a pure white marble floor.

Individual pieces of furniture have been selected for their impeccable craftsmanship; carefully curated to showcase the best of

mid-century Italian design, each guestroom features authentic antiques including fruitwood armchairs by Paolo Buffa, and fabric from Italian producers such as Loro Piana and Rubelli.

These are complemented by wall lamps made from Murano Glass and original art sourced from Italian artists.

This year, fall in love with Proseccoshire!

The area is full of rolling hills, vineyards and good places to eat. Discover the wonderful land that is home to Prosecco, see another side of Italian cooking and maybe fit in a trip to Venice!

We think that the best way to explore and understand this area is to become Italians for a weekend.

theproseccogirls.it WINE TOURS - FOOD & DRINK - BESPOKE VISITS

FEBRUARY 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 63

The last drop

The night they invented champagne WHEN asked ‘who invented Champagne’, many will say Dom Pierre Pérignon, a French monk. Clever sorts would add it was August 4, 1693.

These people would also say that as Pérignon lived at the Benedictine abbey in Hautvillers at the time of his “invention,” the village in France’s Champagne region, not far from Èpernay, is generally regarded as the birthplace of the bubbly.

What is fair to say is that Pérignon established the principles of modern champagne making that are still in use today.

Alas, attractive as all these facts appear to be, the truth is they are what we would now call an urban myth. Even the famous quotation attributed to him: “Come quickly, I am drinking the stars,” appears to be apocryphal. The evocative declaration is plastered on a champagne ad from the 1880s, but is hard to trace back any further, certainly not to the 17th century.

By the time he arrived at the abbey in 1668 to serve as cellar master, Champagne was already a major wine-producing region. In fact, it had a bitter rivalry for viticultural primacy with its southern neighbor, Burgundy.

In truth, there was sparkling wine when Pérignon arrived on the scene, although it would be unrecognizable today as champagne.

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64 GLASS of BUBBLY - FEBRUARY 2020

Vineyards had existed in the Champagne region since Roman times. The name comes from the Latin campania, which refers to the province’s physical resemblance to Campania, south of Rome.

The night they invented champagne It's plain as it can be They thought of you and me The night they invented champagne From "Gigi" (1958) (Lyrics: Alan Jay Lerner Music: Frederick Loewe)

Champagne aside, Dom Pérignon proved a very able cellar master. Under his stewardship, the abbey more than doubled the size of its vineyards, earning him a burial, following his death in 1715, in a section of the abbey church usually reserved for abbots.

Of course, in the last issue, we took a long look at the life of Christopher Merritt, the Englishman also credited with ‘inventing’ Champagne. His contribution was inventing glassware that could withstand the pressures of the bubble trying to get out without exploding.

In truth, neither men can be said to have invented something already in existence. They are two individuals who happened to move the wine forward, creating vital foundations for the bubbles we enjoy today.

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