When Bollinger's British agent had to name the house's non-vintage brut in 1911, he found the term far too dull for a champagne of this calibre. Special Cuvee became the name - and it remains the house's best-selling champagne more than a hundred years on.

Expert's Description

Bollinger Special Cuvee is a Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France, made from 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier with an alcohol content of 12%. The Bollinger champagne house was founded in 1829 in Ay by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Renaudin and Jacques Bollinger, and the Bollinger family still runs the house today. Over 85% of the grapes for Special Cuvee come from Grand Cru and Premier Cru-classified plots, and the champagne is cellar-aged for twice as long as the appellation rules require, giving it extra depth and complexity compared to many other non-vintage champagnes.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Powerful on the nose, with notes of ripe apples, brioche and a touch of nuttiness.

Palate

Full and rich on the palate, with good structure, a creamy texture and a fine balance between fruit and acidity.

Finish

The finish is long and complex, with a last note of toasted nuts.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at 8-10°C in a champagne flute or white wine glass. Decanting is not needed. Special Cuvee pairs with grilled fish, white sauces, or works as a robust aperitif.

Specifications

Name: Special Cuvee
Producer/Winery: Bollinger
Region/Country: Ay, Champagne, France
Appellation/Classification: AOC Champagne
Grape variety: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 12%
Size: 75 CL
Method: Traditional Method
EAN: 3052853075909
Serving temperature: 8-10°C
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Champagne flute

Flavour Profile

Full-bodied · Creamy · Complex · Nutty

Did You Know?

The name Special Cuvee was coined by Bollinger's British agent in 1911, who felt the standard term non-vintage brut did not do the champagne justice.

See our full range of Bollinger

In the village of Janvry, half an hour's drive west of Reims, 60 growers work together to farm the grapes that become Ch. de l'Auche. It's not a single château with one plot, but a cooperative - and this rosé is one of the house's best-known styles.

Expert's Description

Ch. de l'Auche Rosé Brut is a Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France made from 75% Pinot Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir, bottled at 12.5% ABV.

Château de l'Auche farms 115 hectares across 40 plots around Janvry, several of which are classified Premier Cru. For this rosé, a portion of the Pinot Noir is vinified as red wine and blended into the cuvée - the classic assemblage method. After the second fermentation in bottle, the wine rests on its lees for 2.5 years, and following disgorgement it rests a further 6 months before release.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Strawberry and cherry, alongside a biscuity aroma that after a few minutes in the glass recalls the pink biscuits of Reims.

Palate

Round and harmonious, with concentrated red fruit supported by good structure and an energetic mousse.

Finish

The fruit lingers long, soft and well rounded.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at 8-10°C in a champagne glass or tulip. The rosé pairs well with light starters, shellfish and strawberries for dessert - or enjoy it as an aperitif.

Specifications

Producer/Champagne House: Château de l'Auche
Region/Country: Champagne, France
Appellation/Classification: Champagne AOC
Grape Variety(ies): Pinot Meunier 75%, Pinot Noir 25%
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 12.5%
Size: 75 CL
Dosage: Brut
Method: Traditional Method
Vegan: No
Serving Temperature: 8-10°C
Decanting Recommended: No
Glass Type: Champagne Glass

Flavour Profile

Fruity · Red Fruit · Creamy · Energetic Mousse

Did You Know?

The biscuity notes on the nose are a classic signature of Champagne from the Reims area - often described as a touch of the city's famous pink biscuits, biscuits roses de Reims.

See our full range of Champagne

The same cooperative in Janvry, west of Reims, is behind this Sélection - but the mood here differs from the rosé. Golden in the glass, with a fine, persistent stream of bubbles and a maturity that comes from years spent in the cellar.

Expert's Description

Ch. de l'Auche Sélection Brut is a Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France made from 85% Pinot Meunier and 15% Pinot Noir, bottled at 12% ABV.

The cuvée is built on around 60% of the current vintage, supplemented with reserve wines from the previous three years, all given time to mature in the house's cellars. That gives a Champagne with immediate freshness from the youngest wines and depth and complexity from the older ones - two layers meeting in the same glass. The dosage sits at the fuller end of the Brut category, giving a round, generous style.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Open and aromatic, with generous, juicy aromas of pear and apricot.

Palate

Full and pleasant at first, before the Champagne takes on a broader, rounder dimension - big vinosity, yet still light on the tongue.

Finish

Complex, with an interplay between young, fresh tones and the more mature nuances from the reserve wines.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at 8-10°C in a champagne glass or tulip. Sélection Brut works well as an aperitif, but also has enough body to accompany a main course of white meat or fish in sauce.

Specifications

Name: Sélection
Producer/Champagne House: Château de l'Auche
Region/Country: Champagne, France
Appellation/Classification: Champagne AOC
Grape Variety(ies): Pinot Meunier 85%, Pinot Noir 15%
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 12%
Size: 75 CL
Dosage: Brut
Method: Traditional Method
Vegan: No
Serving Temperature: 8-10°C
Decanting Recommended: No
Glass Type: Champagne Glass
EAN No.: 3445240318305

Flavour Profile

Full-bodied · Fruity · Round · Complex

Did You Know?

Behind the name Château de l'Auche is actually a cooperative of 60 growers who together farm 115 hectares around the village of Janvry.

See our full range of Champagne

The same Sélection as the house's 75 cl bottle - but in magnum format, where the Champagne matures more slowly and gently. The larger volume relative to the cork means less oxygen exposure over time, and many find the wine simply stays fresher for longer at this size.

Expert's Description

Ch. de l'Auche Sélection Brut Magnum is a Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France made from 85% Pinot Meunier and 15% Pinot Noir, bottled at 12% ABV.

The cuvée is the same as the standard bottle - around 60% of the current vintage supplemented with reserve wines from previous years - but in magnum the Champagne matures more slowly in the cellar. That often results in an even more rounded, integrated wine once it's finally disgorged. The magnum format is also a natural choice when several guests are sharing a bottle at the table.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Open and aromatic, with generous aromas of pear and apricot.

Palate

Full and round, with a dimension that feels a touch more integrated than in the standard bottle.

Finish

Complex and long, with an interplay of fresh and mature tones.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at 8-10°C in champagne glasses. The magnum is a natural choice for parties and celebrations where the Champagne is shared - serve it as an aperitif or with a main course of white meat or fish in sauce.

Specifications

Name: Sélection Magnum
Producer/Champagne House: Château de l'Auche
Region/Country: Champagne, France
Appellation/Classification: Champagne AOC
Grape Variety(ies): Pinot Meunier 85%, Pinot Noir 15%
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 12%
Size: 150 CL
Dosage: Brut
Method: Traditional Method
Vegan: No
Serving Temperature: 8-10°C
Decanting Recommended: No
Glass Type: Champagne Glass
EAN No.: 3445240338303

Flavour Profile

Full-bodied · Fruity · Round · Complex

Did You Know?

Champagne generally matures more slowly in magnum than in a standard bottle, because the ratio of the air pocket under the cork to the volume of wine is smaller - something many collectors and sommeliers prefer.

See our full range of Champagne

Deutz Brut Classic is the house's signature cuvée - a lively, mineral-driven Champagne that stands among the most consistently praised non-vintage cuvées in the region.

Expert's Description

Deutz Brut Classic AOP is a French Champagne made from 38% Pinot Noir, 32% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay with an alcohol content of 12%. Champagne house Deutz, located in Aÿ, insists on using only first-pressing juice and blending in 25-40% reserve wines, which sets Brut Classic apart from the crowded field of non-vintage Brut Champagnes. The freshness of the Chardonnay and the richness of the Pinot Noir give a full-bodied elegance with finely tuned aromas and a silky texture.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The nose offers creamy pear, white cherry and toasted bread.

Palate

Lively and mineral-driven on the palate with crisp acidity and preserved lemon.

Finish

The finish is long and silky with a hint of toast.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve chilled at 8-10°C in a Champagne glass. Pairs well with oysters, white fish or as an elegant aperitif.

Specifications

Name: Brut Classic AOP
Producer/Winery: Champagne Deutz
Region/Country: Champagne, France
Appellation/Classification: AOP Champagne
Grape variety: Pinot Noir 38%, Pinot Meunier 32%, Chardonnay 30%
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 12%
Size: 37.5 CL
Dosage: Brut
Method: Traditional Method
Serving temperature: 8-10°C
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Champagne glass
EAN no.: 3359952001007

Flavour Profile

Mineral · Crisp · Elegant · Silky

Did You Know?

Deutz Brut Classic has earned 92 points from Wine Spectator plus Gold and Double Gold medals at the New Zealand International Wine Show, placing it among the top-scoring non-vintage cuvées from any major Champagne house.

See our full range of Champagne Deutz

In the 3-kilometre cellar galleries beneath the chalk hills of Ay, Champagne house Deutz has aged its cuvees since 1838. Demi Sec is the house's take on a sweeter style, made for those who want champagne's finesse without the biting dryness.

Expert's Description

Deutz Demi Sec is a Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France, made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with an alcohol content of 12%. Champagne house Deutz was founded in 1838 by William Deutz and Pierre-Hubert Geldermann in the town of Ay, one of Champagne's most respected Grand Cru villages. Demi Sec carries a higher dosage than the house's Brut wines, giving a noticeable but balanced sweetness still carried by champagne's natural acidity. The bubbles are formed through the Traditional Method, with a second fermentation in bottle to the house's usual high standard.

Tasting Notes

Nose

A soft, inviting nose of ripe apples, honey and a touch of brioche.

Palate

Clean and round on the palate with a noticeable, well-balanced sweetness, lifted by fresh acidity and a hint of citrus peel.

Finish

The finish is soft and lingering, with a last touch of honey.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at 8-10°C in a champagne flute or tulip glass. Decanting is not needed. Demi Sec pairs nicely with fruit-based desserts, foie gras or a simple apple tart.

Specifications

Name: Deutz Demi Sec
Producer/Winery: Champagne Deutz
Region/Country: Champagne, France
Appellation/Classification: AOC Champagne
Grape variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 12%
Size: 70 CL
Method: Traditional Method
Serving temperature: 8-10°C
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Champagne flute

Flavour Profile

Sweet · Creamy · Fruity · Elegant

Did You Know?

Champagne house Deutz has cellars stretching 3 kilometres beneath the hills of Ay, dug between 1887 and 1892 and later expanded - the deepest parts lie 65 metres underground.

See our full range of Champagne Deutz

La Folie means "the madness" - a fitting name for a pet-nat, where the grape juice is left to keep fermenting straight in the bottle, with little control over exactly how the bubbles turn out.

Expert's Description

Domaine Begude Pet-Nat La Folie de Begude 2021 is a Sparkling Wine from Limoux, France made from 100% Chenin Blanc, bottled at 11.5% ABV.

Pet-nat, short for pétillant naturel, is an old method where the wine is bottled while still fermenting, so the carbon dioxide is captured naturally without added sugar or yeast. This edition is made without added sulphur and may therefore appear slightly hazy, with the odd natural tartrate crystal at the bottom.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Fresh apple, pear and citrus with light floral and yeasty notes.

Palate

Crisp acidity and a gentle mousse give a lively, playful and slightly rustic experience.

Finish

Clean and refreshing with a hint of white peach.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve well chilled at 6-8°C in a white wine glass. Pairs as an aperitif or with light tapas and fresh shellfish.

Specifications

Name: Pet-Nat La Folie de Begude
Producer/Winery: Domaine Begude
Region/Country: Limoux, France
Appellation/Classification: Vin de France
Grape Variety(ies): Chenin Blanc
Vintage: 2021
ABV: 11.5%
Size: 75 CL
Method: Pétillant Naturel
Organic/Biodynamic: Organic
Vegan: Yes
Serving Temperature: 6-8°C
Decanting Recommended: No
Glass Type: White Wine Glass

Flavour Profile

Crisp · Lively · Fruity · Rustic

Did You Know?

Pet-nat is the oldest sparkling wine style in the world, older even than Champagne - the method was originally used long before anyone understood why the wine began bubbling again in the bottle.

See our full range of Domaine Begude

Fiocco di Vite is Italian wine producer Toso's sweet interpretation of Piedmont's classic Moscato - a lightly sparkling wine full of summer fruit.

Expert's Description

Fiocco di Vite Moscato is a Sparkling Wine from Italy made from Moscato Bianco, bottled at 5.5% ABV.

The wine comes from Piedmont and is produced by the Toso winery. It is lightly sparkling and sweet, with a low alcohol content that makes it an approachable, festive wine for many occasions.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Pineapple, peach and mandarin.

Palate

Sweet with upfront notes of apricot and tropical fruit.

Finish

Short and fresh with a light perlage.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at 6-8°C in a flute glass. Pairs with fruit salad, light desserts and as an aperitif.

Specifications

Name: Fiocco di Vite Moscato
Producer/Winery: Toso
Region/Country: Piedmont, Italy
Appellation/Classification: D.O.C.G. Moscato d'Asti
Grape Variety(ies): Moscato Bianco
ABV: 5.5%
Size: 75 CL
Dosage: Sweet
Method: Tank Method
Vegan: No
Serving Temperature: 6-8°C
Decanting Recommended: No
Glass Type: Flute Glass

Flavour Profile

Sweet · Fruity · Light · Fresh

Did You Know?

The name Fiocco di Vite means "the vine's ribbon" in Italian and alludes to the delicate, floral character that defines the Moscato grape.

See our full range of Toso

G.D. Vajra is one of Barolo's most respected producers, and their Moscato d'Asti shows a completely different, playful side of Piedmont.

Expert's Description

G.D. Vajra Moscato d'Asti D.O.C.G. 2022 is a Sparkling Wine from Italy made from Moscato Bianco, bottled at 5.5% ABV.

Moscato d'Asti comes from Piedmont and is known for its light perlage and low alcohol content, making it one of Italy's most approachable sparkling wines. G.D. Vajra, best known for its Barolo wines, makes this Moscato with the same care for terroir and freshness that defines the house's other production.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Pear, apricot and orange blossom, lifted by elderflower and white flowers.

Palate

Creamy yet fresh, with a light, juicy perlage.

Finish

Long and creamy with a surprising savoury undertone.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at 6-8°C in a flute glass. Pairs with fruit tart, panna cotta and light desserts.

Specifications

Name: Moscato d'Asti D.O.C.G. 2022
Producer/Winery: G.D. Vajra
Region/Country: Piedmont, Italy
Appellation/Classification: D.O.C.G. Moscato d'Asti
Grape Variety(ies): Moscato Bianco
Vintage: 2022
ABV: 5.5%
Size: 75 CL
Dosage: Sweet
Method: Tank Method
Vegan: No
Serving Temperature: 6-8°C
Decanting Recommended: No
Glass Type: Flute Glass

Flavour Profile

Sweet · Floral · Creamy · Fresh

Did You Know?

Moscato d'Asti differs from regular Asti Spumante by having a lower pressure and therefore a more discreet perlage - it is classified as frizzante rather than fully sparkling.

See our full range of G.D. Vajra

At a vineyard near Kolding, where the Danish climate is far from ideal for growing grapes, Modavi makes something few other Danish producers attempt: a red sparkling wine from the hardy Rondo grape.

Expert's Description

Modavi Boblen Den Rode 2018 is a Danish Sparkling Wine from Kolding made from Rondo with an alcohol content of 12%. Modavi Vingaard was established in 2004 and today grows around 14,500 vines across 6 hectares, mainly the Solaris and Rondo varieties, both bred to handle Denmark's shorter season and lower average temperatures. Boblen Den Rode is made using the Traditional Method, the same technique used in Champagne, where the second fermentation happens in the bottle itself. The result is a rare Danish red sparkling wine, vintage 2018.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Fruity on the nose, with red berries and a touch of the freshness typical of Nordic viticulture.

Palate

Elegant and lively on the palate, with good acidity and a fine mousse that carries the fruit well.

Finish

The finish is long, with a last hint of dark berries.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at 8-10°C in a champagne flute. Decanting is not needed. The wine works well as a welcome drink or with small appetizers.

Specifications

Name: Boblen Den Rode 2018
Producer/Winery: Modavi
Region/Country: Kolding, Denmark
Grape variety: Rondo
Vintage: 2018
ABV: 12%
Size: 75 CL
Method: Traditional Method
EAN: 5712674051824
Serving temperature: 8-10°C
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Champagne flute

Flavour Profile

Fruity · Fresh · Lively · Light

Did You Know?

The Rondo grape was originally bred in Czechoslovakia in the 1960s specifically to withstand cold climates, which has made it one of the most widely planted red grape varieties in Danish viticulture.

See our full range of Modavi

The beautiful colour of Nitus Cava Rosé is pale pink with fine, persistent bubbles, and the nose has light notes of raspberry and strawberry with a subtle bready character.

Expert's Description

Nitus Cava Rosé is a Sparkling Wine from Penedès, Catalonia, Spain, with an alcohol content of 11.5%. Nitus is a brand under Bodegas Sojosa, founded in 1985 by Arturo Ramos and Joseph M. Delgado Goma, and the rosé edition is made with brief skin contact from red grapes to achieve the characteristic pink colour. The cava is made using the Traditional Method with secondary fermentation in bottle, the same method used for Champagne.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Light notes of raspberry and strawberry with a subtle bready character.

Palate

Dry and crisp on the palate with medium acidity.

Finish

The finish is fresh with a hint of red berries.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve well chilled at 6-8°C in a Champagne glass. Perfect as an aperitif on a summer terrace and fantastic with white meat, such as chicken dishes.

Specifications

Name: Nitus Cava Rosé
Producer/Winery: Nitus Cava, Bodegas Sojosa
Region/Country: Penedès, Catalonia, Spain
Appellation/Classification: Cava DO
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 11.5%
Size: 75 CL
Method: Traditional Method
Serving temperature: 6-8°C
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Champagne glass
EAN no.: 8411833001379

Flavour Profile

Dry · Crisp · Red berries · Fine bubbles

Did You Know?

A rosé cava gets its colour from brief contact between the grape juice and the skins of dark grapes - the longer the contact, the deeper the colour, and the producer carefully controls the contact time to hit the desired shade of pink.

See our full range of Nitus Cava

The beautiful colour of Nitus Cava Brut Reserve is pale yellow with green tones and fine, persistent bubbles, and with good structure on the palate this is a cava that offers more complexity than the standard Brut level.

Expert's Description

Nitus Cava Brut Reserve is a Sparkling Wine from Penedès, Catalonia, Spain, with an alcohol content of 11.5%. Nitus is a brand under Bodegas Sojosa, founded in 1985 by Arturo Ramos and Joseph M. Delgado Goma, and the Reserve designation indicates a longer ageing period in bottle than a standard Brut cava, giving extra complexity and finesse in the bubbles. The cava is made using the Traditional Method with secondary fermentation in bottle, the same method used for Champagne.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Fresh and fruity on the nose with good intensity.

Palate

Warm, pleasant and round on the palate with a long finish and good structure.

Finish

The finish is clean, complex and dry.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve well chilled at 6-8°C in a Champagne glass. Perfect as an aperitif on a summer terrace and fantastic with salads, rice, shellfish and light fish dishes.

Specifications

Name: Nitus Cava Brut Reserve
Producer/Winery: Nitus Cava, Bodegas Sojosa
Region/Country: Penedès, Catalonia, Spain
Appellation/Classification: Cava DO Reserva
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 11.5%
Size: 75 CL
Method: Traditional Method
Serving temperature: 6-8°C
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Champagne glass
EAN no.: 8411833001317

Flavour Profile

Dry · Complex · Fruity · Fine bubbles

Did You Know?

Under Spanish regulations, Cava Reserva must age at least 15 months in bottle, significantly longer than the standard Cava category's minimum of 9 months, giving a more developed and complex flavour profile.

See our full range of Nitus Cava

The beautiful colour of Nitus Cava Semi Secco is pale yellow with green tones and fine, persistent bubbles - a lightly sweet cava made for long summer evenings.

Expert's Description

Nitus Cava Semi Secco is a Sparkling Wine from Penedès, Catalonia, Spain, with an alcohol content of 11.5%. Nitus is a brand under Bodegas Sojosa, founded in 1985 by Arturo Ramos and Joseph M. Delgado Goma, which today produces around 1.5 million bottles of cava annually from its 2,300 square metre cellars. The cava is made using the Traditional Method with secondary fermentation in bottle, just like Champagne, but from the classic Spanish grape varieties, and the Semi Secco edition has a noticeable residual sweetness that gives it a soft, inviting character.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Sweet-scented nose with subtle notes of florals and apples.

Palate

Pleasant and long on the palate with good balance between sweetness and acidity.

Finish

The finish is soft and lightly sweet.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve well chilled at 6-8°C in a Champagne glass. Perfect as an aperitif on a summer terrace or with fruit-based dessert.

Specifications

Name: Nitus Cava Semi Secco
Producer/Winery: Nitus Cava, Bodegas Sojosa
Region/Country: Penedès, Catalonia, Spain
Appellation/Classification: Cava DO
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 11.5%
Size: 75 CL
Method: Traditional Method
Serving temperature: 6-8°C
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Champagne glass
EAN no.: 8411833001324

Flavour Profile

Sweet · Soft · Apple · Fine bubbles

Did You Know?

Bodegas Sojosa produced exclusively cava when it was founded in 1985, but has since expanded with a small production of still table wine from the Penedès region.

See our full range of Nitus Cava

Crémant de Bourgogne is Burgundy's answer to Champagne, made using the same method but from grapes grown further south in France, resulting in an accessible yet elegant sparkling wine.

Expert's Description

Paul Delane Blanc de Noirs is a Sparkling Wine from Burgundy, France, made from Pinot Noir with an alcohol content of 12%. The wine carries the designation Crémant de Bourgogne AOC and undergoes Traditional Method with secondary fermentation in bottle, just like Champagne. As a Blanc de Noirs, the dark Pinot Noir grapes are gently pressed to extract only the pale juice, giving a white sparkling wine with extra body and character compared to lighter grape varieties.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Red berries, brioche and a hint of hazelnut on the nose.

Palate

Fresh and round on the palate with fine bubbles and good body.

Finish

The finish is clean with a hint of red fruit.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve well chilled at 6-8°C in a Champagne glass. Pairs well as an aperitif, with charcuterie or light starters.

Specifications

Name: Blanc de Noirs
Producer/Winery: Paul Delane
Region/Country: Burgundy, France
Appellation/Classification: Crémant de Bourgogne AOC
Grape variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 12%
Size: 70 CL
Method: Traditional Method
Serving temperature: 6-8°C
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Champagne glass

Flavour Profile

Fresh · Round · Red berries · Fine bubbles

Did You Know?

Under the appellation rules, Crémant de Bourgogne must age at least 9 months in bottle before sale, the same minimum requirement that applies to Champagne, which ensures a certain quality and finesse in the bubbles.

See our full range of Paul Delane

Crémant de Bourgogne is Burgundy's answer to Champagne - made using the same method, but at a far more affordable price - and this edition from Paul Delane comes in the celebratory magnum format.

Expert's Description

Paul Delane MAGNUM Blanc de Noirs is a Sparkling Wine from Burgundy, France, made from Pinot Noir with an alcohol content of 12%. The wine carries the designation Crémant de Bourgogne AOC, an appellation that requires the same method as Champagne - Traditional Method with secondary fermentation in bottle - but from grapes grown in Burgundy. As a Blanc de Noirs, the dark Pinot Noir grapes are gently pressed to extract only the pale juice, and the 150cl magnum format gives the wine extra time to develop slowly and elegantly in bottle.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Red berries, brioche and a hint of hazelnut on the nose.

Palate

Fresh and round on the palate with fine bubbles and good body.

Finish

The finish is clean with a hint of red fruit.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve well chilled at 6-8°C in a Champagne glass. Pairs well as an aperitif, with charcuterie or light starters - ideal for celebrations, as the magnum stretches to many guests.

Specifications

Name: Blanc de Noirs MAGNUM
Producer/Winery: Paul Delane
Region/Country: Burgundy, France
Appellation/Classification: Crémant de Bourgogne AOC
Grape variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 12%
Size: 150 CL
Method: Traditional Method
Serving temperature: 6-8°C
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Champagne glass

Flavour Profile

Fresh · Round · Red berries · Fine bubbles

Did You Know?

A magnum bottle holds 1.5 litres, equivalent to two standard bottles, and many wine experts believe sparkling wine actually ages better and more slowly in the larger format, since the ratio of air to wine in the bottle is more favourable.

See our full range of Paul Delane

The Launois family calls Le Mesnil-sur-Oger home, the heart of the Côte des Blancs, where generations have grown Grand Cru Chardonnay. Contraste #1 is a deliberate break from that habit - a trip to the Ardre Valley west of Reims in search of something entirely different: Meunier.

Expert's Description

Paul Launois Contraste #1 is a Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France made from 100% Meunier, bottled at 12.5% ABV.

Julien and Sarah Launois founded the house in 2015, naming it after their son Paul. The family's 6.5 hectares of Grand Cru vines lie in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, close to the famous Clos de Mesnil plots - but for the Contraste series they source grapes from a completely different place: the Ardre Valley, where Meunier grows on clay-limestone and clay-marl soils along the river. Contraste #1 is built on the 2019 harvest, fermented spontaneously with the wine's own wild yeasts and vinified 57% in steel and 43% in oak, before ageing 24 months on the lees. The low dosage - Extra Brut - lets the grape and the terroir speak for themselves.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Fresh and lively, with an elegant bouquet of yellow fruit and flowers.

Palate

Long and finely drawn, with a discreet, salty minerality that gives a refined, harmonious character.

Finish

Persistent, with the minerality the last thing to fade.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at 8-10°C in a champagne glass or tulip. Contraste #1 makes a natural aperitif, but also pairs nicely with shellfish, fish and white poultry.

Specifications

Name: Contraste #1
Producer/Champagne House: Paul Launois
Region/Country: Vallée de l'Ardre, Champagne, France
Appellation/Classification: Champagne AOC
Grape Variety(ies): Meunier 100%
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV), base vintage 2019
ABV: 12.5%
Size: 75 CL
Dosage: Extra Brut
Method: Traditional Method
Oak Ageing: Partial, 43% in oak
Vegan: No
Serving Temperature: 8-10°C
Decanting Recommended: No
Glass Type: Champagne Glass

Flavour Profile

Elegant · Mineral · Finely Drawn · Terroir-Driven

Did You Know?

Paul Launois is actually a Chardonnay specialist from the Côte des Blancs - the Contraste series is the house's deliberate experiment with Meunier from a completely different terroir, hence the name.

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San Martino Spumante Bianco Cuvée Extra Dry is a refreshing and elegant sparkling wine, crafted in the heart of Veneto with its bright, radiant colour and fine, persistent bubbles.

Expert's Description

San Martino Millesimato is a Sparkling Wine from Veneto, Italy, made from a blend of Glera and Pinot Grigio with an alcohol content of 11%. The wine is made from carefully selected grapes from the Veneto region, giving a light and inviting flavour profile with a perfect balance between fruit and acidity. It carries the same method and terroir that has made the region's spumante and Prosecco famous worldwide.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Fruity notes of pear, peach and a hint of citrus.

Palate

Light and inviting on the palate, rounded off with a pleasant softness.

Finish

The finish is fresh and clean.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve well chilled at 6-8°C in a Champagne glass. Perfect as an aperitif, for festive occasions or with fish, shellfish and salad.

Specifications

Name: Millesimato
Producer/Winery: San Martino
Region/Country: Veneto, Italy
Grape variety: Glera, Pinot Grigio
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 11%
Size: 75 CL
Serving temperature: 6-8°C
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Champagne glass
EAN no.: 8033102920220

Flavour Profile

Light · Elegant · Pear · Fine bubbles

Did You Know?

Glera is the name of the grape that used to be called Prosecco - the grape officially changed name in 2009, when Prosecco became a protected appellation designation instead of a grape name.

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A sweet, fresh and effervescent moscato with plenty of lovely body and convincing grape character - enjoy it with dessert, or chilled on a hot summer day.

Expert's Description

Val D'oca Mos Moscato Spumante Dolce is a Sparkling Wine from Italy with an alcohol content of 6.5%. Val D'oca traces its roots back to 1952, when 129 farmers in post-war Italy founded Cantina Produttori di Valdobbiadene, and the cooperative today counts around 600 members farming over 1,000 hectares across the hilly Prosecco landscapes between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene north of Venice. The Moscato grape naturally lends an aromatic, floral sweetness, and the low alcohol content makes this edition particularly light and refreshing.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Ripe peach, florals and a hint of honey on the nose.

Palate

Sweet and effervescent on the palate with lovely body and convincing grape character.

Finish

The finish is soft and aromatic.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve well chilled at 6-8°C in a Champagne glass. Pairs well with fruit-based dessert or enjoyed on its own on a hot summer day.

Specifications

Name: Mos Moscato Spumante Dolce
Producer/Winery: Val D'oca
Region/Country: Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy
Grape variety: Moscato
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 6.5%
Size: 75 CL
Serving temperature: 6-8°C
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Champagne glass

Flavour Profile

Sweet · Aromatic · Peach · Floral

Did You Know?

The cooperative behind Val D'oca was founded in 1952 by 129 farmers who wanted to rebuild both the land and the local community after the war - today it is one of the most respected names in Prosecco production.

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