Sparkling White
Albury Estate, Blanc de Blancs, Biodynamic, Wild Ferment 2015 (Surrey)
Made with biodynamic methods and with natural yeasts, this is a rich and flavoursome, leesy little number with plenty of mouthfeel and lactic notes.
It’s a white that is bursting with character, from the creamy mousse to its nutty aromas and riched baked apple flavours.
Delicious alone, this would also be a fantastic match to hard, nutty cheeses. A fizz with a personality that you won’t forget in a hurry! Start your meal off with a glass of this and it will lead perfectly into the starter, especially if it’s fishy or cheesy.
Priced at £49.95 from alburyvineyard.com.
Roebuck Estate, Classic Cuvée 2014 (Sussex)
This Sussex vineyard burst onto the scene only recently but it has been turning heads from its very first vintage in 2013.
This 2014 Classic Cuvée made with all three Champagne varietals (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier) was voted ‘Best in Show’ and won a platinum medal at the Decanter awards this year for good reason.
With a nose of citrus peel and white flowers, it’s a wine that opens right up on the palate to toasty notes and flavours of baked apple pie with warm spices. Textural and refreshing, it’s well worth looking out for. Drink it alone as an aperitif to kick off festivities!
Priced at £35 and available from Roebuckestates.co.uk.
Simpsons Chalklands Classic Cuvée 2017 (Kent)
Another impressively, richly coloured and flavoursome sparkling wine, these golden bubbles carry layers upon layers of flavour with creamy bubbles and caramelized pear and pastry notes backed up by a mineral core that keeps everything fresh.
Made with 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, those red fruit flavours come to the fore.
It’s tarte Tatin in a glass and would be epic with your cheese course. Or tarte Tatin for that matter.
Simpsons Chalklands Classic Cuvée 2017 is priced at £32 and is available from Simpsonswine.com.
Henners Brut NV (Sussex)
Another relative newcomer to the scene, Henners has caught the eye of many sommeliers and drinks professionals over the last couple of years.
Made with all three Champagne grapes, this Brut NV is the quintessential English rose of a wine with its porcelain, citrusy purity, fabulous structure and creamy weight, all with understated notes of orchard fruit and a hint of pastry.
Another great option for your aperitif or a lighter fish or seafood starter.
£32 (on offer) from hennersvineyard.co.uk.
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