Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV
Charles Heidsieck is one of the great names of Champagne and produces some of the finest of all champagnes. Founded in 1851 by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the original 'Champagne Charlie', the foundation of its modern fame rests on the unrivalled quality of its wines, which receive countless awards and accolades year after year.
The grapes for the Brut Réserve are sourced from 60 different ‘crus’ across the region; fermentation and ageing of the base wines takes place primarily in stainless steel to preserve freshness; it is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Meunier, including at least 40% reserve wines, the average age of which is 10 years; and finally, the Brut Réserve is aged in bottle on its lees for at least three years prior to release.This really is one of the best NV wines coming out of Champagne! Beautiful.
Harrow & Hope Brut Reserve NV
From Marlow, Henry & Kaye Laithwaite make some stunning sparkling wines. This Brut Reserve is a classic Champagne blend which has real elegance and balance. A seriously good fizz that is superior to most NV Grand Marques…and it’s from Buckinghamshire. We love this wine; the quality is amazing, the packaging is beautiful, it makes the perfect gift and is a local business doing a world class job!
‘Carte Noire’ NV, Champagne Jean-Paul Deville
JCB No21 Cremant de Bourgogne, J.C.Boisset
40% Pinot Noir , 35% Chardonnay, 20% Gamay, 5% AligotéJean-Charles Boisset was born into a winemaking family in Burgundy and now makes wine all over the World.
Pale and vibrant in colour, this Crémant boasts aromas of citrus fruits, almonds and white flowers on the nose. The palate has refreshing and lifted acidity, coupled with a lovely, rich texture from the lees ageing.
A great value alternative to Champagne, showing
Avus Garganega Frizzante, Tessari
Tessari is a great little winery in the Soave area, producing quality wines organically.
This wine is a single variety Garganega ‘col fondo’, the traditional way, used before sparkling modern techniques came along.
The wine was bottled by hand and kept in the cellar; it has not been filtered, so there is a slight deposit made from natural yeasts produced by fermentation.
If, you like, you can un-cap it gently and decant it off the sediment but like a bottle-fermented beer, there's no harm in it.
It has the typical almond notes of the Garganega grape, with a slight bready flavour. Light, refreshing and delicious.