Miguel Torres Cordillera Pinot Noir Brut* 2013, Curicó, Chile (£13.49 Taurus Wines, Telford Wines Limited, Polygon Wine, Dronfield Wine World) Yes, it’s a bit of a crowd-pleaser this, but while the rounded, vanilla-tinged strawberry flavours are very much in evidence, and the rich toasty element isn’t shy in coming forward, […]
Pinot Noir
Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux Brut 2013, France (£11.99 Ocado) Curious but not unattractive mix of lush, sherbetty strawberry character with more bracing, pithy citrus acidity. Perhaps too sharp to drink by itself, but wouldn’t mind it with some seafood. B Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve NV, France (£26.99 widely available) Manages […]
Sparkling French wines from Bordeaux & Champagne
Goring Brut NV, Sussex, England (£31.45 Corking Wines) I love the gentle, ripe lime, apple and even raspberry flavours in this perky young wine. It’s crisp but never scrawny, and alongside the toasty notes, there’s a light hedgerow character to remind you of its origins. Good now but feels like […]
Assorted Sparklers from England & Italy
Would love to report that these were great, but they’re only OK… The Doctors’ Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough, New Zealand (£9-£10 Waitrose, Booths) Reasonable mix of citrus and passionfruit with a touch of rhubarb, slightly on the soft side, due perhaps to age (2016 is current vintage in NZ), or […]
The Doctors’ Lower Alcohol Duo from New Zealand
Sauvion Crémant de Loire NV, France (£13.99 Oxford Wine Company, Flagship Wines) Balances a bracing green apple tang against honeyed richness to good effect, crisp zesty finish. B(+) Terroir La Baume Saint Paul Crémant de Limoux Brut* NV, Languedoc, France (N/A in the UK) Quite a plush, rich style, with […]
Four sparkling French wines – but no Champagne…
Camel Valley Pinot Noir Rosé Brut 2013, Cornwall, England (£28.95 Booths) Very appealing forward style, with juicy strawberry (fresh and lightly cooked) fruit, hints of cream and vanilla, and a brisk finish. S Wiston Estate Sparkling Rosé 2011, South Downs, England (£36.00 Booths) Paler than the Camel Valley, and not […]