ON THE GRAPEVINE
SAM WYLIE-HARRIS ON... HOMEGROWN FINE FIZZES
WHETHER you’re filling your glass outdoors or in, here are some superb sparklers worthy of celebration...
1 CHAPEL DOWN BRUT NV KENT, ENGLAND, £135 for 6 bottle case (was £162), Chapel Down MARK HARVEY, managing director at Chapel Down, England’s leading wine producer says: “We have some pretty nice deals across the range – this hits the sweet spot, still premium, but feels affordable, and we’re supporting offers with some online activity.”
With hints of red apple combined with peachy aromas and flavours, and crisp, fresh palate that leaves you looking forward to the next glass, this one’s a perennial favourite.
2 LYME BAY BRUT RESERVE SPARKLING, DEVON, ENGLAND, £22.99, Lyme Bay Winery “WE’RE thrilled to see people supporting English wine at this time and receiving lots of wonderful feedback from customers trying it for the first time,” says James Lambert, managing director at Lyme Bay Winery.
He says their small team has risen to the challenge since lockdown and they’re continuing to offer free delivery across the UK on orders more than £20.
3 RATHFINNY CLASSIC CUVEE 2016, SUSSEX, £28.95, Lea & Sandeman (available from May 29) AN eagerly anticipated new release, Rathfinny is adding a classic cuvee to its line-up of other sparklers – and the future looks bright.
“We’ve taken our time as we wanted to get it right and we’re very happy with the final product,” says Mark Driver, co-owner of Rathfinny Wine Estate.
“2016 was such an exceptional year to grow grapes in England. We enjoyed above average summer temperatures and were able to harvest late into October. This delivered fruit with rich acidity but with ripe phenolics [deliciously rounded fruit] that has translated into wines of exceptional quality.”
4 DIGBY LEANDER PINK NV, SUSSEX, £34.99, Virgin Wines ANOTHER fine fizz with excellent credentials, Digby’s Leander is the official sparkling wine of Leander Rowing Club in Henley-on-Thames. And while spectator sports have been postponed this year, we can still up our game with this beauty of a rose – a glorious glass of summer fruit notes, vibrant red berries and delightful creamy fruitiness.