{"title":"Sparkling wines","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"single-bottle-of-flint-charmat-nv","title":"England: Flint Vineyards - Charmat (Incl Sustainable Disease-Resistant Varieties)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRead \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wineobsessed.co.uk\/pages\/flint\" title=\"Alex's notes on Flint\"\u003eAlex's Producer Profile on Flint\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc (26%), Reichensteiner (21%), Bacchus (16%), Auxerrois (14%) and the remainder a blend of super aromatic varieties, all of which are disease-resistant meaning a great deal less sprays in the vineyard and a great deal less emissions. 11.5% alcohol. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis wine therefore significantly ups the dial on environmental sustainability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you like your fizz fruit-forward, crisp, citrusy, and lean rather than rich and biscuity, this is the wine for you!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDry - in Brut territory - and 11.5% alcohol, without chaptalisation (the addition of sugar to increase alcohol) meaning the alcohol comes 100% from natural sugars. The bubbles are lively, but they are delicate and caressing rather than prickly, and they don’t dominate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Flint describe it as \"fresh, fruit-forward fizz made for pure, uncomplicated enjoyment.\" 'Pure' was one word I jotted down when I first tasted this wine: \"lovely lightness, pure, texture, refreshing, balance, sherberty.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGiven its unusual blend of varieties, this is a genuinely distinctive wine. Some wine anoraks describe certain sparkling wines as \"vinous\" - odd, since they’re all made from grapes, but I get it, and this one is most certainly vinous. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheaper fizz can taste a little industrial, with aggressive bubbles and little character. Not this one. Here, the bubbles resolve, and you can simply enjoy it for what it is — a delicious wine. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd, referring again to my tasting note, there is texture here too, as a proportion of the wine is fermented in neutral oak which lends roundness and a subtle depth, enhancing its quality. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuality that London's L'Escargot restaurant charges £69 a bottle for! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou may notice it’s missing a foil - a conscious decision as foils are incredibly wasteful things.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn Flint’s own words: this is \"all about freshness and vibrancy. Fizzing with bright citrus, orchard fruit and floral notes, it’s crisp, clean, and beautifully balanced. A perfect aperitif, but just as happy accompanying seafood or salads.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI can vouch for the fact that this wine is a wonder with anything from the sea - especially crab, for some reason. Try with crab linguine. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the critics say: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eMatthew Jukes, Renowned Wine Writer \u0026amp; Critic:\u003c\/em\u003e \"This is by far and away the most thoughtful and enticing Charmat in the land. And before you cock a snook at this style of sparkler, this beauty tramples over a wagonload of Champagne styles, too, with its perfume, palate and lip-smacking finish... Ben Witchell is a balance maestro\". \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"#WineObsessed","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51854926315867,"sku":null,"price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/7741\/7819\/files\/Case2-18.png?v=1769778333"},{"product_id":"single-bottle-of-flint-charmat-rose","title":"England: Flint Vineyards - Charmat Pink (Incl Sustainable Disease-Resistant Varieties)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRead \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wineobsessed.co.uk\/pages\/flint\"\u003eAlex's Producer Profile on Flint\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape varieties: Rondo (31%), Pinot Noir (24%), Bacchus (13%), Cabernet Cortis (12%), Reichensteiner (10%), Dunklefelder, (5%), Pinot Blanc (5%). 11.5% alcohol.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMatthew Jukes, World Renowned Wine Writer \u0026amp; Critic:\u003c\/em\u003e \"A dreamy stunner, the best wine in the world made by this method\".\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeveral of these varieties are disease-resistant, meaning a great deal less vineyard applications and emissions, and therefore this wine significantly ups the dial on sustainability. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDry - in Brut territory - and 11.5% alcohol, without chaptalisation (the addition of sugar to increase alcohol), meaning the alcohol comes 100% from natural sugars. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen I first tasted this wine the red fruit was so immediate and enticing it was like putting your nose in a large vat of crushed strawberries, raspberries and cherries. It reminded me of my grandmother’s summer pudding!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlint themselves describe it as \"super pink and like summer in a glass\" which is ultimately all you need to know, although perhaps this makes it sound like a basic quaffer, which it isn’t. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's fun and easy drinking, yes, yet it’s structured and serious enough to make a fine aperitif, and to please even a wine obsessive like me. When the bubbles resolve and it warms up, it almost has the texture and flavours of a light red. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's a great pick-me-up drink at any time of the year, perhaps even better in the winter months to remind us of long, sunny days; but it’s also brilliantly well-made. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile energetic, tangy and mouth-watering, it is not without texture and there’s a lovely faint whisper of creaminess and nuttiness on the finish. I have witnessed it going down like a storm at a party with people asking \"what is this delicious wine\"! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou may notice it’s missing a foil - a conscious decision as foils are incredibly wasteful things.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn Flint’s own words: \"matches up perfectly with light, vibrant, flavour-filled foods - so think zesty salads, seafood platters, or charcuterie boards. Ideal for picnics in any weather, late lunches, spontaneous celebrations, or laid-back evenings.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the critics say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eSam Caporn, Master Of Wine:\u003c\/em\u003e \"Incredible fruit purity. This is clever winemaking to get something so good from the simpler tank method\". \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eMatthew Jukes, World Renowned Wine Writer \u0026amp; Critic:\u003c\/em\u003e \"A dreamy stunner, the best wine in the world made by this method\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Jamie Goode, Wine Scientist, Wine Anorak.com:\u003c\/em\u003e \"So vivid, pure and juicy, with true vinosity - deeply impressive\". \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"#WineObsessed","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51854928118107,"sku":null,"price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/7741\/7819\/files\/Untitled-14_3_9fa10a10-947b-4045-8808-1ebc72cea2d1.png?v=1765008353"},{"product_id":"rathfinny-blanc-de-noirs-2020","title":"England: Rathfinny Estate - Blanc de Noirs 2020, Sussex Sparkling (BCorp Sustainable)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRead Alex's Producer Profile on \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wineobsessed.co.uk\/pages\/rathfinny\"\u003eRathfinny\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is a vintage sparkling wine, made from 86% Pinot Noir and 14% Pinot Meunier. 12% alcohol. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"The quality of flavours is excellent, and it has the savoury weight of Pinot Noir rather than the flesh of Chardonnay\"\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eJancis Robinson, Master of Wine.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"A glorious wine that sits alongside any overseas creation\", \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMatthew Jukes, World Renowned Wine Writer \u0026amp; Critic:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt has \u003cem\u003ethree years\u003c\/em\u003e of ageing on its lees; lees being dead yeast cells formed by the second fermentation in the bottle which impart yeasty, toasty, bready flavours before being removed or \"disgorged\". \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRathfinny's style across the board aims for very dry, pure, refreshing wines with a very lively fruit character, with complexity imparted by the lees ageing rather than by oak barrels - indeed one thing you notice when visiting the winery is how few oak barrels they have (no more than a handful of them for ageing red wine destined for their pink sparkling and for their occasional still red). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is drinking very nicely now but also has considerable ageing potential (2030+). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDosage is always very low at Rathfinny, thanks to their later harvests and long lees ageing, dosage being the addition of sugar (and often aged reserve wine) to fill the space left by the removal of the lees (disgorging) and to ensure the wine is balanced. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis wine has just 3 grams of sugar per litre - it's \"bone dry\" and low in calories.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI live around 30 minutes away from the out-of-this-world beautiful Rathfinny Estate, and worked there for some months during my winemaking studies. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe estate is just three miles from the sea and overlooks the Cuckmere Valley with the Seven Sisters cliffs in the distance, hence the outline of the cliffs appearing on the label. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll of their grapes come from the estate's single-site vineyard which runs almost continuously down the Cradle Valley, with 385,000 vines across 93 hectares (230 acres). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTopsoils are incredibly thin, and then it's all about the chalk - the same chalk that runs through northern France (throughout parts of Champagne \u0026amp; Burgundy) into England. The oldest vines are now 14 years old. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's an interesting site with pros and cons (like all vineyard sites!): being so close to the coast it's frequently windy, thus the growing season here is longer than most other producers (though slow ripening is what you want for concentrated flavour precursors), while the overriding benefit is that disease pressure and especially frost risk is low. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYields are very low - windy sites do compromise the rate of photosynthesis - while the grapes are intentionally small, ideal for high quality sparkling in achieving fruit with low phenolics (e.g. bitter tannins), moderate sugar, and high acidity for freshness, longevity, and balance. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRathfinny is a hugely ambitious producer with a very long-term vision; the owners - the Driver family - talk in generations, not years, which I greatly admire and respect, and is a line I have heard repeated time and again by many if not all of the world's most lauded wine producers i.e. it's a marathon, not a sprint. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs wine writer Henry Jeffreys affirms, there can be no doubt that they have proven all naysayers wrong with the quality produced here - the quality they are achieving is undeniable - albeit they are certainly playing a long-game financially. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut you don't go into quality wine production - anywhere in the world - for instant gratification and to make a quick return, and especially not when it comes to long-aged bottle-fermented sparkling wine. When you start out, it can take the best part of a decade just to get product to market! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe takeaway for me here? Pay no heed to naysayers and keep doing what you have set out to do. If all pioneers in all walks of life had listened to naysayers, then where would be?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese wines are poured in many of the finest hotels and restaurants, as well as being exported to Asia, Europe and the US. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChef Michel Roux Jr is a huge fan and pairs dishes with their wines (previously at Le Gavroche and now at the Langham Hotel); Rathfinny's classic and pink are the house pour sparkling wines at the hotel's Wigmore restaurant. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is no wonder given several of Rathfinny's wines have in blind tastings trounced longer-established and much more expensive sparkling wines from elsewhere - blind tastings are always the true test, given any label bias is eliminated (this bias having proved to be highly significant).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRathfinny is a family-owned and run business with a major focus on sustainability, being BCorp Certified. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoast duck, venison, Asian-style crab cakes, pork belly or roast pork with apple, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, aged cheeses, umami-rich dishes. Also of course with smoked salmon or trout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the critics say \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eMatthew Jukes: \u003c\/em\u003e\"A glorious wine that sits alongside any overseas creation. It is plush, silky, layered and effortlessly classy while maintaining a freshness and crunch\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eJancis Robinson, Master of Wine:\u003c\/em\u003e \"Disgorged 8 May 2024, after at least 36 months on lees. Mid-gold colour, toasted sesame, baked apple, white chocolate, sea salt and lemon sherbet. The quality of flavours is excellent, and it has the savoury weight of Pinot Noir rather than the flesh of Chardonnay. Fluffy, frothy bubbles. Long, classic length with dried apple, spice, elderflower and lots of yeasty complexity. I appreciate how the Brut dosage and the high acid soften each other out. Beats many a champagne\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94\/100 (Outstanding: elegance, resonance, ageing potential)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Anne Krebiehl, Master of Wine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"#WineObsessed","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52139163976027,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/7741\/7819\/files\/RathfinnyBlancdeNoirs.png?v=1759761601"},{"product_id":"danbury-ridge-solstice-nv","title":"England: Danbury Ridge - Solstice Multi-Vintage, Crouch Valley, Essex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlex's Producer Profile on \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wineobsessed.co.uk\/pages\/danbury_ridge\"\u003eDanbury Ridge.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn astonishing multi-vintage blend of Pinot Noir (70%), Chardonnay (20%) and Pinot Meunier (10%).\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e12.5% alcohol.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Simply stunning. It's rich and golden and just insanely complex. It’s irresistibly drinkable...a new dimension for English sparkling.\" - Masters of Wine Susie Barrie \u0026amp; Peter Richards, The Wine Blast Podcast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94\/100 (Classic, benchmark, truly exceptional) - Dr Jamie Goode, Wine Scientist, Wine Anorak.com\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI was a member of the team that disgorged some bottles of this. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt was then given another full year of ageing in bottle after disgorging! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt’s made up of barrel-fermented wines from the 2019 vintage (75%), along with reserve wines from 2018 and 2020 aged together in a large 2,500-litre wooden cask called a ‘foudre’. Only 3,000 bottles produced. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis long ageing has resulted in a textured, nutty, mature-tasting, smooth sparkling, made with considerably riper fruit than many sparkling wines. Solstice therefore isn’t your typical aperitif-style fizz, it’s full-bodied, refined and distinctive, and drinking beautifully right now. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou may notice it’s missing a foil - this is a conscious decision as foils are incredibly wasteful things. English producers are increasingly ditching foils, which is only to be applauded as there is simply no need for them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePossibly more suited to be drunk with food than on its own, with smoked fish canapes, mackerel p\u003cspan\u003eâté, \u003c\/span\u003elobster, crab, scallops, salmon or trout, or with aged soft cheeses. Wonderful, too, with Eggs Benedict!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the critics say: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Simply stunning. It's rich and golden and just insanely complex. It’s irresistibly drinkable...a new dimension for English sparkling.\" - Masters of Wine Susie Barrie \u0026amp; Peter Richards, The Wine Blast Podcast \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94\/100 (Classic, benchmark, truly exceptional)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Dr Jamie Goode, Wine Scientist, Wine Anorak.com\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94\/100\u003c\/strong\u003e \"a multi-vintage blend of barrel-fermented Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier. Complex notes of hay, lemon rind, honey-drizzled apples and decomposing autumn leaves. Luminous, vibrant and layered palate, with 4.8g\/L dosage balanced by bright acidity\" - Victoria Daskal, Decanter Magazine's \"Weekend Wines\", April 2026. See Photo Below.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92\/100 (\u003cspan class=\"Yjhzub\"\u003eOutstanding:\u003c\/span\u003e A wine of exceptional complexity and character) - \u003c\/strong\u003eTom Newson,\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eRobert Parker's Wine Advocate: \"\u003cspan\u003eA great deal of thought and patience went into Danbury Ridge’s first sparkling wine, largely due to Essex’s forward, ripe fruit profile compared to most fruit used for English sparkling. The end result is very much set apart in style from most of its peers. The NV Solstice (first edition) is based on the 2019 harvest, with 25% from a perpetual reserve kept in foudre. It sets the ripe apricot kernel, dried pear and lemon barley fruit against darker, spicier tones of plum and roasted nuts, playing on some oxidative savory and vinous, food-friendly flavor saturation while teasing out a subtle bittersweet length\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/7741\/7819\/files\/Decanter_Solstice.jpg?v=1780332943\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/7741\/7819\/files\/Danbury_Logo.png?v=1780344791\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/7741\/7819\/files\/Danbury_Barrel_Hall.jpg?v=1780344722\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"#WineObsessed","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52139181441371,"sku":null,"price":53.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/7741\/7819\/files\/DRSolstice.png?v=1759761521"},{"product_id":"bride-valley-brut-reserve-2018","title":"England: Bride Valley Estate - Brut Reserve 2018, Jurassic Coast, Dorset","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRead Alex's Producer Profile on \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wineobsessed.co.uk\/pages\/bride_valley\" title=\"Alex's notes on Bride Valley\"\u003eBride Valley\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape varieties: Pinot Noir 65%, Chardonnay 35%. 12% alcohol.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is Bride Valley's crowning glory, having earned both a WineGB Gold Medal and 96 points at the International Wine \u0026amp; Spirit Competition (IWSC), placing it among the top five sparkling wines from anywhere in the world assessed at the competition! Given how many producers worldwide enter this competition, this really is quite something, if by no means a first for an English Sparkling. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFounded in 2008 by the late Steven Spurrier, renowned for arranging the 1976 Judgement of Paris and for his work at Decanter Magazine (for whom I worked for several years), it is these very accolades and the quality that is being achieved at Bride Valley that Spurrier had long predicted. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBride Valley's vineyards are on Dorset's Jurassic Coast which benefit from the same chalk-rich soils that a certain sparkling wine region in northern France does (as well as areas of Burgundy and the Loire). It's rather fitting that these renowned vineyard soils (i.e. Kimmeridgian, Portlandian) take their names from areas of Dorset. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGiven ever-rising temperatures threatening sparkling wine in other regions, one major advantage these Dorset vineyards have is their maritime location, ensuring low pH and moderate alcohol is maintained in the wines, vital for high-quality traditional method sparkling. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2018 was famously warm and sunny, at the time it seemed like it might never end. For me, this wine wins with its elegance, balance, and texture. It's not particularly big or rich - it's even a little subdued, yet somehow it's better for it. Simply great balance and drinkability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect with gratinated seafood, lobster or crab, and also works beautifully with truffle chicken, potato gratin, soft cheeses like Camembert, or just as a fresh, elegant aperitif.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the critics say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWineGB Gold Medal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 points (Gold): International Wine \u0026amp; Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2025 - \u003c\/strong\u003e\"A gastronomic wine, opening with a plush bouquet of orchard fruits and a gentle nuttiness, complemented by a subtle reductive character. On the palate, vibrant citrus and green apple intertwine with brioche. The chalky texture leads to a long, delightful finish.\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"#WineObsessed","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52139282334043,"sku":null,"price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/7741\/7819\/files\/Case2-7_1.png?v=1769781019"},{"product_id":"va","title":"France: Valentin Leflaive - Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs CV1830, Champagne (Culture Raisonnée)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eGrape variety: 100% Chardonnay. 12.5% alcohol. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eClassified as Extra Brut, meaning this is drier than most Champagnes with only 3g\/L of sugar added in the dosage. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe fruit is sourced from the Côte des Blancs villages of Cramant and Vertus; the Côte des Blancs begins a few kilometres to the south of Epernay and is dedicated to growing Chardonnay due to its chalky soils, hence its name ('white slopes'). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eAs an aside, chalk is so highly prized as its high pH somewhat counter-intuitively results in low pH wines, and the lower the pH of a wine, the greater its acidity, vital for high-quality, refreshing and ageworthy sparkling. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eChalk also has the added benefit of being free-draining - crucial for vines as they don't like getting their 'feet' wet (and they will eventually die in waterlogged soils) - but akin to a sponge chalk also holds a good amount of water, meaning that during periods of drought the vines do not suffer excessive water stress and send their roots down deep into the soil in search of the stored water and other nutrients (which the vines have to work hard to access). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e Leflaive is a legendary name in the wine world, if more closely associated with nearby Burgundy. The family are famed for their mastery of Chardonnay and decided in 2015 to establish a boutique winery dug deep into the chalk in the celebrated village of Oger to produce it in sparkling form. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eChampagne is dominated by corporate behemoths but there are many fantastic boutique producers such as Leflaive that offer so much interest, with the many qualitative and sustainability benefits of small-scale winemaking. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eA proportion of this wine was aged in barrels previously used for ageing the family's Puligny-Montrachet \u0026amp; Montrachet wines. Already one of the area's most exciting producers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eLeflaive practice 'Culture Raisonnée' - meaning a strong focus on environmental stewardship and biodiversity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eOysters, seared scallops, lobster, firm-fleshed white fish, sushi and sashimi, caviar-topped canapés, crisp fried chicken, pork or mild, soft cheeses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e What the critics say: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e: \"elegant and invigorating, this is the perfect aperitif. Attractive notes of walnuts, pears, ginger, honey and apple crumble. Rich, round and delicious, with a medium body, fine bubbles and vibrant acidity cutting through the caressing pastry notes. Disgorged March 2023. 3g\/L dosage\". \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"#WineObsessed","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52139285741915,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/7741\/7819\/files\/Case2-8_1.png?v=1769782867"},{"product_id":"domaine-des-vaublins-cremant-de-loire","title":"France: Domaine des Vaublins - Crémant de Loire (Haute Valeur Environnementale)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape varieties: Chenin Blanc (80%) and Chardonnay (20%). 11% alcohol.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOwned by the Deniau family, Vaublins has been a family winery for several generations, with the domaine now in the hands of the current generation Nicolas and Alexandrine who - together with Cedric Allion - are making some excellent wines under his watchful eye. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir 16 hectares (40 acres) of vines are located on the clay and limestone hillsides on the banks of the river Cher near the city of Tours. The 227-mile long Cher is a tributary of the Loire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir Crémant spends as much as 60 months in the underground tuffeau caves before it is released for sale, an extensive underground network of caves in the Loire Valley. These were created by quarrying soft tuffeau limestone which was used for centuries to build the famous local châteaux, while they now offer ideal conditions for ageing wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Crémant is made in the same way as Champagne using only the traditional method (with the bubbles created from a second fermentation in each individual bottle), and is the name adopted by sparkling producers in eight regions across France, these being Alsace, Bourgogne, Jura, Loire, Savoie, Die, Limoux, and Bordeaux.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuality does vary widely but there are fantastic examples, in the main from smaller producers, this wine being one of them. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the grand scheme of things, Domaine des Vaublins is a tiny family producer with quality being their sole focus. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey hold the \"Issu d'Une Exploitation Haute Valeur Environnementale\" - meaning they are certified as an agricultural estate of having high environmental value. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA fine-textured, clean, poised wine, yet it's somehow effortless and a joy to drink. It isn't overly complex but it's so precise, balanced, refined and fine-bubbled! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt a recent tasting, someone said how \"mellow\" it was - an apt word for it! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis wine sells for around £80+ in restaurants, so drinking it at home is worthwhile.... \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn its own or with smoked fish such as mackerel, sushi, lobster, crab, salmon or trout, or with soft cheeses. Wonderful too with Eggs Benedict! \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"#WineObsessed","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52139300520283,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/7741\/7819\/files\/Case2-9.png?v=1769781618"},{"product_id":"von-buhl-estate-sparkling-sekt-2020-pfalz-organic","title":"Germany: Von Buhl Estate - Sparkling Sekt 2020, Pfalz (Organic)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape variety: 100% Riesling. Certified organic. 12% alcohol.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93\/100: Outstanding - highly recommended; excellent quality: \"finely detailed, with prominent bubbles energetically dancing on the palate\" - Wine Enthusiast \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e32 months lees ageing. Only the first 50% of the pressing - the Cuvée - is used. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFermentation and maturation is partially in stainless steel and partially in large double-pièce oak vats (2,400 litres). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGerman sparkling? Really? Yes, really! Germany makes a lot of fizz - what they call \"Sekt\" - and while plenty of it is cheap and tank rather than bottle-fermented , there are also some very fine examples such as this wine. In fact, this very fine producer is known to make amongst the very best. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNot content to rest on their laurels, Von Buhl hired an ex-Bollinger cellarmaster to ensure they continue to make the very best fizz possible, which is made in the same way and to the same exacting standards as producers like Bollinger. So....then look at the price of this wine! Bollinger's NON vintage is twice the price. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd Von Buhl's is a single vintage wine, not blended across different years. It expresses a single year and a single site; you tend to pay a lot more money for this when it comes to other traditional method fizz.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI have followed Von Buhl for a long time for their excellent still wines but hadn't tasted their sparkling until fairly recently and I was bowled over by the quality, and it differs from the norm thanks to being made from Riesling. It has great weight and texture in the mouth, and a lovely honeyed quality, yet is so refreshing. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo many winos, including Master of Wine Jancis Robinson, Riesling is the greatest grape variety of them all; it has a remarkable capacity to age a very long time. In the right hands, it certainly has the acidity and mineral extract to make beautiful fizz, clearly evidenced in this wine. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVon Buhl is one of Germany's most prestigious wine estates, with a history dating back to 1849, and is certified organic. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnbelievably, given the quality, this is their \"entry-level\" fizz - they make twelve sparkling wines in total and several of them are routinely scored up to 97-98 points by wine critics. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93\/100: Outstanding - highly recommended; excellent quality\u003c\/strong\u003e: \"finely detailed, with prominent bubbles energetically dancing on the palate\" - Wine Enthusiast \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"#WineObsessed","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52842217275739,"sku":null,"price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/7741\/7819\/files\/VonBuhlFizz.png?v=1776693880"}],"url":"https:\/\/wineobsessed.co.uk\/collections\/sparkling-wines.oembed","provider":"#WineObsessed","version":"1.0","type":"link"}