Glass of Bubbly issue #21

Champagne Cremant Cava Espumate Asti Prosecco Sekt English Sparkling Wine

Stefania’s picks

Liberté, égalité, Prosecco?

Join a cellar raid

The fizz from the depths of the sea

NO 21 june/july 2020 £5 / S$5 / €5

GLASS of BUBBLY

Glass of Bubbly goes to Champagne

ICONIC WINES www.iconicwines.co.uk

Welcome to ICONIC WINES, where a passionate team of wine lovers are serving up the most iconic wines at iconic prices, all by the case.

Based in London, we have a combined 75 years of experience in the wine industry so allow us to quickly

show you around.

Our wines are categorised

by Iconic Styles as well as Iconic Countries - this should make it really easy for you to find the wines you love already, plus maybe discover something new.

We are proud to be working with some of the

most iconic names in the wine industry including Louis Latour, Louis Vuitton MoĂŤt Hennessy, Pol Roger, Nyetimber, Liberty Wines, Hallgarten and Novum, Cloudy Bay and many many more...

NATHAN & THE TEAM

+44 (0) 7538404670 office hours / sales@iconicwines.co.uk COVID-19 STATUS: WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS 2

GLASS of BUBBLY - JUNE 2020

inside

contacts AD SALES

james.graham@glassofbubbly.com 07443 598925

EDITORIAL

james.graham@glassofbubbly.com 07443 598925

PRODUCTION Alex Brown

PRESS RELEASES

james.graham@glassofbubbly.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

james.graham@glassofbubbly.com 07443 598925

CONTRIBUTORS Fabio Adler Jiles Halling Nathan Meyer Stefania Ruffo Christopher Walkey Oliver Walkey

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ON THE ROAD THE FIZZ FROM THE DEEP DEVON IN THE PINK! STEFANIA’S P[ICKS LIBERTE, EGALITE, PROSECCO 16 CELLAR RAID 18 WAITROSE 19 PROSECCO’S GREEN LIGHT FOR PINK 20 A SPLASH OF SLOVENIA 22 WHAT’S IN A NAME 28 HATTINGLEY ON THE SCREEN 29 #RAISEAGLASS

DO YOU WANT TO WRITE FOR GLASS OF BUBBLY? GET IN TOUCH james.graham@glassofbubbly.com

SAMPLES

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

COVER: Voted the best UK Traditional Method Sparkling Wine at a prestigious Italian international competition earlier this year, Sharpham Sparkling Pink wine is 100% Pinot Noir.

Did you read

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h t i w d a y o l r b e b h u t on ass of b cl

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n July, the Glass of Bubbly website will be visiting the Champagne region looking to report on the wonderful wines of the region and take a look at the overnight accommodation options offered by wineries.

Following two previous packed-out visits we are again looking to report on wineries, wines and tourism of #Champagne. If you are a Champagne winery or you are a marketing / PR team representing one and would like to get exposure, then get in touch with Glass of Bubbly founder Christopher Walkey directly via christopher@glassofbubbly.com. The dates, to be confirmed, are from July 20th to July 25th, 2020. hristopher says: “he idea behind the project is to show the world, and especially following the unfortunate negative global effect that COVID-19 has had on the wine trade, the beauty of

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Champagne both as a wine and as a wine tourism destination. We are looking to visit wineries and carry out tastings and site visits.

We are also looking to review over night accommodation. e will be carrying out photo shoots, reviews, tasting notes, interviews and more to include: live filming of visits and tastings on to Facebook / Twitter / Instagram; interviews and reviews for the Glass of Bubbly website; photoshoots for Instagram; video footage for Youtube; and tasting and reviews for Vivino.

Once again we are doing this totally free of charge so please do get in touch if you would like us to consider a visit to your / your clients winery. We are focusing this visit on the Northern areas of Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne,” says Christopher.

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“

The fizz from th THE sea and its creatures offer astounding wonders that the human being can partially admire by remaining on its surface. But how many treasures can be revealed to us if diving in its depths? Stefania Ruffo goes under the surface.

JUST a few metres under its surface, colourful seaweeds paint corals in multiple shapes whilst cheerful fish swim around its rocks all creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Going down metre after metre its shimmering reflections begin to fade, and darkness takes over.

But are we really sure that even without the sunlight there is nothing capable of sparkling by itself? A man-made treasure and rocked by the waves of the sea at a depth of 60 metres? Something fruit of the roots of the ground, aged in the sea to gain all its enchantment to come back in the mainland bringing us its unique flavours?

It is not a mermaid’s trick, it is real, and it is called: Abissi, the fizz from the depths of the sea, and it is my pleasure to reveal its charm to you.

This is a story where past meets present evoking that magic finding of ancient amphoras carried from the Roman ships and lost in the sea as a consequence of shipwrecks.

Those recipients settled in the depths, cradled by water and covered by marine 6

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sediments appear different as enriched by the sea that marks its presence on them. An enchantment to inspire the generations to come, particularly a person with a great love for sea and vineyards.

Piero Lugano, ex-teacher of history and art with a great passion for wine since his childhood, combined all of them in producing a sparkling wine unique in all its features: grapes, location, ageing method and bottle look. He really wanted to create a fizz like never before and so he began experimenting and quickly realized that he needed an underground cellar in semidarkness with a constant temperature. And it was right here that he had an inspiration.

What about an underwater cellar? Thinking of the wrecks of Roman ships, in which amphoras containing wine were often found unspoiled, he proved to himself that a marine environment would be perfect for preservation: an ideal place to dream up the first fizz from the depths of the sea.

But like every story in which Nature is challenged, he had to face many obstacles to come through with flying colours, but he wasn’t afraid of having a hard row to hoe.

In fact, as History teaches us, often the solution is right in front of us: The “Baia del Silenzio” in Sestri Levante in the province of Genova, a cosy and peaceful bay turned out to be the natural cradle to welcome and embrace his wines.

he depths of the sea It was in 2008 when he summoned an operating team to organize diving operations, and site inspections needed to be skilfully performed in order to assess all the risks, with the aid of sophisticated equipment and the collaboration of the Drafinsub of Genova. Luckily everything seemed to be going alright.

It was time to take action. No sooner said than done, the first stainless steel cage of 500 bottles reached the seabed at a depth of 60 metres letting the sea now play its part.

In silence with little light, no oxygen and a constant temperature of 15° and a pressure of 7 bars from the sea toward the bottles, his wines aged for 18 months with a natural remuage due to gentle currents at that depth. Throughout all those months it looked like the powerful strength of the sea could be quieter to cradle wines and take care of them as being part of it. Even fish curious to see that mysterious cage seemed to have respect for it by wandering around it without annoying as guardians of a treasure to preserve.

Finally, on the 30th June 2010, Piero Lugano could uncork the first bottle resurfaced and each person who joined that experience could see the result of all efforts put in whilst enjoying a brand-new sparkling wine fruit of the magic spirits of the deep.

Furthermore, the formation of marine deposits on the bottles, thanks to the natural action of the sea, have created effects which would render each bottle totally unique and different from any other.

For those of you who love sea and wine as much as I do, I feel honoured to introduce you to Abissi, a surprising fizz produced JUNE 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 7

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.

www.glassofbubbly.com 14 GLASS of BUBBLY - APRIL 2020

You will be captured by its dazzling light shining right in front of you.

Its perlage will let you feel the sound of those water drops that have been caressing Abissi bottles for months.

Abissi Bisson sparkling wine Pas Dosé, Portofino DOC 2016

Neptune and its creatures have certainly kept watch over it to give us the key to enter his world: you’ll be transported back to the past into an underwater blue world where you are about to see incredible surprises and be prepared for the unexpected cause you never know what’s around every corner.

Bianchetta Genovese, Vermentino, Cimixià grapes.

It is up to you to take the plunge and enjoy all the wonders Abissi fizz has to offer.

The vineyards are located in Sestri Levante, Trigoso and Casarza Ligure.

Like any story worth this name there is always a happy ending: from the amphoras of the past lost in the depths of the sea many centuries ago to nowadays with Abissi sparkling wine, we may consider that

from the Bisson winery in Sestri Levante in the lovely Liguria Region.

Brilliant golden colour with vigorous perlage.

Rich and complex, it exudes distinctive saline notes with musky hues.

In the mouth, it is ample, full bodied yet crisp offering mineral flavours marvellously combined with aromatic herbs accents.

What is extra special about this wine…

nothing has completely changed: perhaps the protagonists of this adventure, from Romans to Piero Lugano, maybe the grapes used, but one protagonist still remains the same: the sea and its enchantment.

A special thanks to Piero Lugano for having given us this remarkable sparkling wine. fruit of his commitment letting us feel like part of a dream come true.

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devon IN THE PINK! T

o mark the occasion of English Wine Week, start with Sharpham Wine’s celebratory Sparkling Pink 2016. Voted the best UK Traditional Method Sparkling Wine at a prestigious international competition in Italy earlier this year, this stunning wine is 100% Pinot Noir from grapes grown at Sharpham Wine’s sister vineyard, Sandridge Barton, situated on the left bank of the River Dart. Crisp and delicate with aromas of fresh strawberry, tart raspberry and some floral notes, this wine pairs well with charcuterie, prawns, salmon or goats cheese. The palate is vibrant and fruity showing great balance and complexity. (RRP £27 per bottle).

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ineyards and wine lovers across the country will be celebrating English Wine Week from Saturday 20th June until Sunday 28th June.

Celebrate in style with outstanding still and sparkling wines produced

by Devon based Sharpham Wine on the banks of the River Dart.

Sharpham Wine’s head winemaker, Duncan Schwab comments: “Whether relishing the sunshine in the garden or nestled up indoors,

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our collection of wines will enliven the senses and hopefully send some cheer during English Wine Week. We offer nationwide delivery from our online shop so our customers can stay safe at home and enjoy a selection of beautiful wine.”

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or summer in a glass, sample Sharpham Estate Selection, an absolute classic in the portfolio.

This light, dry white wine shows aromas of green apple, gooseberry and elderflower. The palate is very fresh and clean with a citrus driven acidity which pairs extremely well with fresh grilled fish and crab (£15.20 per bottle).

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uring this time of year, opt for a lighter red such as Sharpham Pinot Noir. Ripe and youthful, this cool climate Pinot Noir is driven with wild strawberry and cherry with subtle spice. Full flavoured with juicy red berries and broad tannins, this wine is a great accompaniment to barbequed meat and mushroom dishes(£19.00 per bottle). One of the initial Devon wineries, Sharpham Wine has built an impressive reputation both nationally and increasingly internationally.

Stefania’s PICKS Sardinia

T

o the southwest of Italy’s mainland, there’s an enchanting island diffused by the scent of myrtle and juniper, where lush nature creates sensory emotions that you’ll never forget - welcome to the sunkissed land of Sardinia.

Can you imagine its incredibile torquoise sea shimmers and the orange tones of its amazing sunsets?

Here you’ll feel as if nature belongs to you like never before..

Birbante Brut Vermentino di Sardegna DOC

I

love this fizz for being captivating, pure and fresh.

Made from Vermentino grapes it offers fruity aromas of white peach and plum with flowery nuance of wildflower. On the palate it gives a distinctive saline tangue.

Exceptional length lying on vivid and fresh notes.

Birbante RosĂŠ Brut Isola dei Nuraghi IGT

I

love this fizz for being charismatic, crisp and lively.

Made from Grenache, Syrah and Merlot grapes it recalls memories of strawberry and currant with salinity accents. On the palate, it is tart with a textbook combination of round and zesty flavours. Lasting length with a sharp ginger note.

Bisso Brut Sardegna DOC

I

appreciate this sparkling wine for being intense, elegant and totally unique. Made from Vermentino grapes, it gives off notes of ripe fruits such as melon and banana, flowery notes recalling mangnolia. In the mouth it is crisp yet robust with a lingering balsamic and pastry finish.

Stefania Ruffo is a wine educator at UniversitĂ del Gusto and owner and Founder at Enjoyourwine.com JUNE 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 13

Liberté, égalité, Prosecco?

A sparkling wine in France is to name itself as a Prosecco Subhash Arora, a good friend of GlassofBubbly.com, is reporting on the recent news that a sparkling wine in France is to name itself as a Prosecco. Subhash is a passionate wine journalist and frequent guest to judge at wine awards internationally. He is president of the Indian Wine Academy website and is also a popular and helpful character to be found on social media – If you are passionate about wine then connect with him via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/subhash.arora.39

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any wine regions with unique names concentrate much effort to protect their ‘name’ from being misused. This includes not only guarding against the usage in the wine sector, but also any other items such as foods products, health and beauty items and so on. Champagne usually gets much of the headlines on the subject of protecting their name as they are usually the most likely name to be misused, though it would appear Prosecco can also hit the headlines.

I could not take my eyes off the news report from Vitisphere yesterday when I read that the Luberon Estate owned by the hotel chain ‘Domaine de Fontenille is proud to present Les Impatients, the first Prosecco from Provence, 2019 vintage’.

It was apparently a press release from the Luberon estate that also owns 40 hectares of vineyards, according to Vitisphere.

Interestingly, the management has given it a serious thought before launching the Prosecco Project based on their sparkling wine with no geographical indication. Joan Poillet,

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sales manager for Fontenille estates, recognises it is illegal to call it Prosecco.

He says: “We have no right to call it this legally, we know that. The aim is to conjure up an atmosphere and a spirit.”

The production lot is quite small, mostly for consumption by hotel clients.

There will be only about 200 cases each of white and rosé each made.

‘The sparkling wine label is as much about drawing on Italian inspiration as diversifying production in a region where sparkling wines are not very common.

The Les Impatients range, which is designed as an aperitif and for cocktails, will supply Fontenille Hotels and restaurants as well as other stockists in France and overseas, he says. The hotel group has five properties in Hossegor, Marseilles and Minorca in the South of France.

For Joan Poillet, the aim of the range extension is to strengthen the brand and improve price points, particularly for rosé wines. “Over the past 10 to 15 years, Provence rosé has been increasingly exported and promoted. Although consumer perception has evolved, few

consumers are aware that there are age-worthy rosés. It is still an occasiondriven wine. The best way to enhance the value of rosé is to associate it with other labels,” he says.

As written in another article in delWine, the Consorzio of Prosecco DOC announced that Rosé Prosecco will be introduced from 2020 with a minimum of 85% Glera grapes and a maximum of 15% of Pinot Nero (Noir). The French Rosé version will have 60% Grenache and 40% Cinsault while the white will have 90% Rolle (Vermentino) and 10% Viognier-all local varieties. Les Impatients range has a recommended retail price of €14, higher than a majority of the Italian equivalent Prosecco DOC.

bubbly as Prosecco, elsewhere in the world. Australia is the only country where they lost the legal bottle but are fighting tooth and nail through the government which is currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement and has insisted that the producers change the label from Prosecco to something else.

They say bad publicity can also at times be good publicity and profitable for a business. This seems to be the case with Luberon Estate which has decided to take the short route to court popularity by being controversial. This could prove costly to them if the EU stops them and also fines them for knowingly breaking the law for illegal business gains.

It is possible to sell a Prosecco with one’s own label provided it is produced in the designated areas and packaged within the nine provinces in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia for DOC wines.

Italians strongly protect the Prosecco GI as it translates to a sale of over 600 million bottles a year. They have prosecuted or used other persuasive means to stop anyone labelling their JUNE 2020 - GLASS of BUBBLY 15

Cellar raid LONDON food and drink retailer Sager + Wilde, with branches in East London, has decided to sell its wine cellar, “We have mmmaaaaaany sparkling wines too,� says Michael Sager.

This extensive collection includes

collectable and most drinkable wines.The cellar is being disposed of to allow the retailer to bridge the gap between now and when the retailer is allowed to reopen its doors post2 coronavirus.

Get to know Proseccoshire like a local

theproseccogirls.it WINE TOURS - FOOD & DRINK - BESPOKE VISITS 16 GLASS of BUBBLY - JUNE 2020

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

Waitrose celebrates English Wine Week 2020

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aitrose & Partners is celebrating English Wine Week (20th- 28th June) by launching five new and exclusive homegrown wines, including two from the Oxney Organic Estate in East Sussex. The supermarket is also hosting a free online tasting on Friday 26th June to educate customers and encourage them to try English wine.

Sales of English and Welsh wines at Waitrose are up 40% year on year, with sales of local and regional wines soaring, as shoppers look to support small scale wine producers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

With a range of over 110 English and Welsh wines - the biggest in the UK - Waitrose continues to showcase and champion the industry by introducing five new wines which have previously not been available at a national retailer. The Oxney Organic Estate Pinot Rosé and Brut Rosé NV will extend the supermarket’s already large organic wine range, and wines from Rathfinny and Beacon Down are both excellent additions from Sussex-based producers.

Oxney Organic Estate Brut Rosé NV Marien Rodriguez, Waitrose 18

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English & Welsh wine buyer says: ‘We are very passionate about supporting and showcasing small, often family-run wineries who sell their products via their local Waitrose shops.

The care and patience of the winemakers when producing these small batches results in excellent quality, special wines.’

‘I am extremely proud to launch two English organic wines from Oxney Estate, a Pinot Rosé and a Rosé Brut NV. This is an important milestone for the industry and a remarkable achievement for the growers, given the challenges of a cool and wet climate. Additionally, our new wines from Rathfinny and Beacon Down are important additions to an already versatile and exciting range of English & Welsh wines.’

Julia Trustram-Eve from Wines of Great Britain, who organise English Wine Week, says: ‘Waitrose is a true champion of English and Welsh wines, bringing producers from around Great Britain to their customers. In this English Wine Week, we’re putting a spotlight on all the fantastic wines produced on our doorstep and encouraging everyone to explore and discover them too!’

Prosecco DOC gives green light to Prosecco Roseé THE Prosecco DOC Consortium announces that the proposal to amend the disciplinary rules for the production of Prosecco DOC, which includes the introduction of Prosecco DOC Rosé, was unanimously approved by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies’ National Wine Committee.

The measure and the following Ministerial Decree are now awaiting to be published in the Official Gazette of the Italian

Republic.The decree will formalize the modification at national level by launching the community procedure which will end with the definitive publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Stefano Zanette, President of the Prosecco DOC Consortium thanked “all those who have contributed to obtaining this important result, in a moment particularly tough for the wine industry.”

In order to label Prosecco

DOC as Rosé, producers will have to follow specific rules such as the grape varieties: Glera and 10%-15% Pinot Nero.

The label will have to state the word “Millesimato” and the vintage (minimum of 85% of the grapes from that year) According to the Consortium’s estimates, the total production of Rosé could count up to 30 million bottles per year.

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

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By Oliver Walkey

A Splash of S

lovenia: a country you might not know the location of, but still holds a charming selection of Sparkling Wines to explore.

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lovenia is located in Europe, it borders with Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, their population is just over two million.

Slovenia is a country gifted with beaches of the Mediterranean on one side and snowy mountains with ski resorts on the other.

Radgonske Gorice

Radgonske Gorice – Zlata Radgonska Penina Selection Sans Dosage – Tasting Notes Aroma – “It has a sweet expression on the aroma, almost like candy and ripe yellow fruits.”

Flavours – “A dryer taste than expected, but one that doesn’t disappoint, it starts off small and ends large with flavours that live on in the mouth with green apple skins.”

This Slovenian Sparkling Wine won a Silver Medal in the Zesty & Zingy Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

Radgonske Gorice is the oldest Sparkling Wine producer in Slovenia. Planting was started over 160 years ago in 1852,. It produces 4,500,000 litres of wine every year, with a production that high, it makes sense that Radgonske Gorice is the largest producer of Sparkling Wine in Slovenia 20

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Martinčič Plus Polsuha Penina Aroma – “Honeydew melon and olive oil on the aroma.”

Flavours – “Green fruits and a hint of zestiness with a dry ending, great to pair with food.”

This Slovenian Sparkling Wine won a Bronze Medal in the First Date Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

f Slovenia

Žaren – Albiana

Žaren Albiana Brut – Tasting Notes Aroma – “Soft Champagne aromas of toast and melted butter.”

Flavours – “Your mouth is filled with popping bubbles, a zestiness bounces of the tongue up to the roof of the mouth with green fruit flavours.”

This Slovenian Sparkling Wine won a Highly Commended Medal in the Spring Fling Category at The World’s Finest

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What’s in a sparkling THERE are few Sparkling Wines that put names on their labels, so when you find one that matches your name, you are automatically going to want to taste it.

These bottles can come from all over the world, for example, Jordan has come here from Austria, Claudia has traveled all the way from South Africa and Victoria is visiting from Slovenia.

I remember enjoying a bottle of Victoria with a friend of the same name, it was a wonderful surprise to her and made the moment that much more memorable, it’s just like listening to a song with your name in it, like Jolene by Dolly Parton, Hey Jude

by The Beatles and Oliver’s Army by Elvis Costello & The Attractions.

Victoria This 2010 Sparkling Wine is from the region of Podravje in Slovenia and was brought to us by the Vina Kauran winery.

Victoria is a name known by many, especially in England, with a queen bearing the name with honour; it only makes sense when you find out what the name means.

Coming from the Latin language,Victoria in Latin translates to Victory, and to add even more to this great name,Victoria was also the name of the Roman Goddess of Victory.

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Vina Kauran – Victoria 2010 Tasting Notes – “Alive with flavours of yellow stone fruits, prune, floral and a touch of sweet citrus.”

This Slovenian Sparkling Wine won a Silver Medal in the Fireworks Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

Jordan This Sparkling Wine is from Austria, run

by Simone Jordan, the Jordan Wine Estate create a range of wines, from whites, reds,

g wine name? sparklings and rosés to indulge in.

Jordan is not just a name, it is also a country in the Middle East and a shoe brand, but what’s the meaning behind the name?

The name comes from the Hebrew

language and there are two meanings behind it, the first is ‘one who descends’ and the second is ‘to flow down’, it is nice to find out what a name can mean, this is something that can really help in choosing a name for a newborn.

It is possible that the first person to be called Jordan lived in Italy during the Roman Empire.

Jordan is now a unisex name, meaning that it can be given to either a boy or a girl, it originally started out as a male name but has grown in popularity as a girl’s name as well.

By Oliver Walkey Claudia

This Sparkling Wine is from South Africa, and the winery that created this bottle is Domaine Des Dieux.

Started by ‘two wine lovers with a dream’ in 2002, it was with hard work and dedication that in 2006 their vines were ready and then in 2010 they released the first bottle of their Claudia Sparkling Wine after 3 and a half years on the lees and 1 year on the cork, I have the 2013 bottle here.

In my opinion, Claudia is a lovely name,

with there also being a song called Claudia, which was a song by FINNEAS just last year (2019), but the meaning behind the name is not so lovely, Claudia in Latin means Lame.

Weingut Jordan – Black Edition VeltinerSekt Brut Tasting Notes Aroma – “A light, fresh aroma of green fruits.”

Taste – “Light green fruits with a touch of citrus on the palate.”

Domaine Des Dieux – Claudia Brut MCC 2013 Tasting Notes Aroma – “Ever so slight burnt toast, melted (anchor) butter with oaky and brioche notes.”

Taste – “An elegant expression of well aged bubbles, including yeasty, yellow stone fruits with slightly burnt toast and citrus in the length. A lovely 2013 Vintage.”

This Austrian Sparkling Wine won a Bronze Medal in the Light & Fruity Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

This South African Sparkling Wine won a Silver Medal in the Vintage Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

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My Desert Island Michael Edwards

Great Champagnes from We ask well-known wine professionals to choose, instead of music, their three favourite sparkling wines to take with them if ever they find themselves ‘Robinson Crusoe’d‘ We start with our good friend and most well-respected sparkling wine author, Michael Edwards, who shares with us the the hree labels that he’d have accompany him on that lonely imaginary island: 24 GLASS of BUBBLY - JUNE 2020

Fizz

latest available vintages Hommage à William Deutz Meurtet and La Glacière 2012 Since the arrival in 2003 of Michel Davesnes as cellar master, quality is surging, based on a new ultra-modern cuverie, where non oxidative wine making in stainless steel allows for ultimate fruit expression.

Last year, 2019, saw the launch of two 2012 parcels of Aÿ single- vineyard Pinot Noir for what is said by certain authorities to be the best year for Pinot since 1952. Meurtet is delicate visually, especially the finesse of its tiny filigreed bubbles.There’s substance and

structure behind the discretion, bolstering a top Champagne that nonetheless speaks gently.

Yellow fruits,& Bigareau cherries beguile the nose; racy mineral tension frame texture and mouthfeel. A gastronomic wine for tuna steaks & lightly hung game. Despite its name, La Glacire is actually a warmer site – shimmering golden yellow hue, reflections of copper: ripe fruits aromas, warm and immediate, reflecting a superb harvest at perfect maturity. An opulent classic to come. Drink 2020 – 2035.

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Michael Edwards and Claude Giraud at 2017 Glass of Bubbly Awards

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Champagne Roger Brun La Pelle Vignerons since before the French Revolution, the Bruns are a wellknown family in Aÿ with a visceral love for the little town that was a cradle for the original sparkling Champagne, then made purely from Pinot Noir. The great great grandfather of Roger Brun, was a cooper and red-wine maker while working for Moët & Chandon during the phylloxera crisis of the early 1900s. Philippe Brun, Roger’s son, has been in charge of the business & winemaking at the house since I first met him 14 years ago, the start of a

personal friendship still very warm today.

A charismatic largerthan- life figure and former rugby player, he is one of the most generous producers I know, generous with inside information about what is going on in Champagne; he’s an invaluable source of the truth about the most recent harvest in Champagne, where his vat House presses the grapes for such giants as The LVMH titans. Behind his bluff muscular frame is a fine engineer’s mind, who worked in California before returning to the family Domaine.

Besides a full range of classic Champagnes,

the pride of place must go to his slice of the superb early ripening site of La Pelle in the best hillsides southfacing slopes above the village cemetery.

A usually powerful Blanc de Noirs, it was subtle and complete in the excellent slightly cooler 2013 Vintage.

Deep burnished gold, profoundly scented, its aromatic fruitiness tinged with the voluptuousness of the terroir, wondrous vinosity. Should be reserved for the greatest dishes, rich seafood or any sort of meat. Not a dancehall Champagne.

Outstanding.

Henri Giraud Fût de Chêne multi vintage base 2013 plus a Solera of fine older vintages Claude Giraud ‘s family had been winemakers in and around Aÿ since the 17th century – today he owns some of the finest vineyards, spread across 30 parcels in 14 lieux-dits (named sites). With such fabulous grapes, Claude is a committed exponent of oak from the local Champenois forest of the Argonne, where the wood’s impact is gentle and less smothering of the wine. Here the grape mix is 75% Grand Cru Pinot Noir 30% Chardonnay. As a multi-vintage, the base wine is 2013, the Solera has manifold portions of fine vintages that include 2004 and 2002 + 1998 one of my favourites.The result is terrific complexity The oak gives deep gold hue and rich tones of patisserie and spices. Also, citrussy lighter fresh scents of lime & lemon from the Chardonnay as well as peach and quince from the Pinot. Gastronomic wine Drink 2020-2035

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‘UNAPOLAGETICALLY BRITISH’: HATTINGLEY VALLEY LEADS WITH FIRST UK VINEYARD TV CAMPAIGN

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ampshire-based Hattingley Valley has launched its first UK TV campaign, in partnership with SKY, becoming the first English wine producer to utilise the targeted advertising channel.

Following strong off-trade sales as a result of the pandemic, and a successful mixed anniversary case offer, increasing direct to consumer demand; the family-owned vineyard seized the opportunity to capitalise on affordable media options presented to them during this current time, by investing in its first ever TV advertising campaign in the UK with SKY. The 30-second commercial, entitled ‘C’est Anglais’ has been crafted to appeal to a broad audience that may not have considered English sparkling wine before and challenges the perception that it is only the French that make quality fizz.

The advert is on air on Sky News, Comedy Central, Sky Witness, Sky Documentaries, Sky 1,

Elegant sparkling wines.

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Food Network, Fox, Sky Arts and TLC. Hattingley Valley specialises in premium, awardwinning English sparkling wine. This year Hattingley celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Gareth Maxwell, commercial director at Hattingley Valley, said: “Working with VCCP Media, we agreed that our 10th anniversary was the right time to place a TV advert from a strategic and commercial perspective. We hope the campaign will challenge people’s perceptions of English sparkling wines and will encourage consumers to buy British.”

#raiseaglass campaign launched to support British drinks industry

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brand-new campaign has been launched to support the British brewing, distilling and winemaking sectors. Triggered by news of the industry facing difficulties following the closure of pubs, bars and restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic, the #RaiseAGlass campaign has been created to encourage UK drinkers to make local choices and discover the unique gems on their doorstep.

With the hospitality sector’s temporary closure accounting for just under half of typical UK drinks sales, British producers have been facing a surplus of stock levels with limited channels to sell.

However, with the innovation of the Great British drinks industry knowing no bounds, many breweries, distilleries and vineyards have taken to social media to offer customers new and safe ways to purchase their products – from online home deliveries to socially-distant pick up services.

It was this innovation which led Jim Rankin – Commercial Director and Co-Owner of cork and closures manufacturer Rankin Brothers & Sons and fierce and passionate supporter of the British drinks industry – to find ways to further help these businesses. Looking to raise awareness

and celebrate the wealth of unique local tastes and flavours available to British consumers, the #RaiseAGlass campaign was born.

“We are incredibly lucky in UK and Ireland to have access to such a brilliant range of drinks on our doorstep,” says Jim. “At times like these, we are undoubtedly strongest when we work together.

Supporting local businesses where we can is so incredibly important – for those who are able to, it would be wonderful to see people make the choice to spend mindfully and spend locally when it comes to choosing what to kick back with on a Friday night!”

As a celebration of our producers, the campaign will run on social media, encouraging businesses to highlight the easy ways to buy their products, and consumers to share which locally-produced drinks they are enjoying over the weekend. All instilling a sense of modest pride and utmost community spirit in raising a glass to our local producers.

For more information about the campaign, visit www.rankincork.co.uk/raise-a-glass.

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