SPARKLING ENGLISH
MORRISONS BEST ENGLISH SPARKLING BRUT VINTAGE
£25, Morrisons
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English sparkling wines are making their mark on the world of fizz. Most of them are made in the same way as champagne … a downside can be the price of these delicious sparklers. This English wine comes in at a super-value price in exchange for the quality. The wine is crisp with green apples, has a biscuity bite, and is supple with butteriness and vanilla. Perfect for a Christmas Day morning toast.
WYFOLD VINEYARD BRUT 2016 £33, laithwaites.co.uk HHHHI
This is a lush, soft wine, with a good depth of flavour. Chardonnay is at the heart of the blend; and in England chardonnay means lots of red and green apples. This wine would be excellent alongside any festive roast (or fish) with a creamy sauce.
JENKYN PLACE BLANC DE BLANCS 2015 £38, hic-winemerchants.com HHHHI
Apples, apples, apples. And that’s to be expected in a blanc de blancs wine as it’s all about chardonnay. I treasured each sip, it was so beautiful. Apple crumble, bruised apples, the crispy caramel crusty apple crunchiness you find on the edge of an apple pie. The flavours are wrapped in shortbread, vanilla and an edge of minerality. This is an aperitif wine to savour.
HAMBLEDON CLASSIC CUVEE ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE £27.90, thebottleclub.com HHHHI
The acidity of this wine keeps everything in line. It’s linear, tight, riveting and thrilling. There are apples, springtime grass, elderflower hedgerows and English spring blossom. Yes, I sensed a peep of red apple skin and raspberry. And as expected, fresh bread and a wave of vanilla. I’d bring in the New Year with a glass, as it speaks of spring and with it, new beginnings.
WINEMASTER’S LOT ENGLISH SPARKLING
£19.99, Aldi
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Scrummy baked apples, crunchy green Granny Smiths and sweet red apple skins party together on the palate in this refreshing wine. Acidity is high – as expected in an English sparkler – but it’s in balance with the flavours and the long-lasting finish. Grass, citrus and a hint of vanilla also play their part. At just under £20 it’s smashing value for this category and so is my Best Buy.