Mostly Champagne and sparkling wines (plus other things that catch my eye), by Heather Dougherty
Reflections following the annual Vineyards of Hampshire tasting Quality was certainly on display at the annual gathering of the leading producers of Hampshire this week, but it seems that winemaking still trumps terroir here, as I struggled to discern an imprint that unites them all. This was the first time I had got to this … Continue reading Fruits of Hampshire’s vines
Languedoc Roussillon must be a contender I've done quite a few tastings from this swath of French vineyard that stretches from the edge of the Rhône Valley to the Spanish border recently. For wines under £25 a bottle, it's hard to think of anywhere that offers the same pure drinking enjoyment as Languedoc Roussillon. And … Continue reading Which region gives most pleasure for your pound?
This November, Champagne co-operative Jacquart launched the new edition of its prestige cuvée - Alpha 2012. The co-operative's member growers draw on fruit from 300ha of vines across 60 villages in the appellation. 2012 is a good quality vintage with a charming combination of ripeness and freshness. While 2012's will undoubtedly age well (and of … Continue reading The new vintage of Champagne Jacquart’s Cuvée Alpha
Everyone loves a bargain, and consumers' lasting infatuation with the wine ranges of discounters Lidl and Aldi is now well established. Lidl's next Wine Tour - a "when it's gone it's gone" selection of wines that will be available for just a couple of months - features wines for Christmas. And Christmas, of course, means … Continue reading Pick of the Christmas fizz at Lidl
There is a host of under the radar Champagne producers and Castelnau is one of my favourites. I recently had the chance to taste a few of their cuvées and here's what I thought. Things you need to know: Champagne Castelnau is a co-operative, making Champagne on behalf of its grower members. They are known … Continue reading Champagne Castelnau
Like many fizz drinkers, I thought I knew quite enough about Cava and felt little need to revisit it after some underwhelming encounters back in the nineties (I know, it's a long time to hold a grudge). Well, breaking news, lots has changed in the meantime and Cava has a story to tell, if only … Continue reading When did you last see a Cava?
Here's a quick round-up of my favourite sparkling wines and Champagnes from a recent Waitrose tasting. Cave de Turckheim Crémant d'Alsace Cuvée Brut NV - £13.49 Crémant is the name for traditional method fizz made outside the Champagne region in France. Each producing region's crémant has its own character, thanks to the use of local … Continue reading Top picks from Waitrose
We've got fairly used to the idea that Lidl is a good source of well-priced wines for everyday enjoyment. Their Wine Tours especially offer up some good value, and often interesting , bottles in the £7-10 bracket. But when it comes to a bottle of Champagne, that signifier of celebration, would your thoughts immediately turn … Continue reading A Lidl Champagne?
A treat for both the wine anorak and the hedonist You might know the name Loimer from their still wines, and their labels with the distinctive little (clearly male) figure on them. Fred Loimer, whose production has long been organic and, since 2006, also certified biodynamic, presented his new range of quality sparkling wines to … Continue reading Fine Austrian fizz from Fred Loimer
Fizzicality 