Moscato d’Asti – A Masterclass

Nov 02, 21 Moscato d’Asti – A Masterclass

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Last week I went to the Simply Italian Great Wines tasting at the Westminster Church Halls. I went not only to taste some great wines but also to attend the Moscato d’Asti masterclass presented by Italian wine expert Walter Speller and the Consorzio Asti Director Giacomo Pondini. The producers were also present and were more...

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A visit to English Vineyard, Albourne Estate

Jun 05, 17 A visit to English Vineyard, Albourne Estate

Posted by in All, Sparkling Wine

One unusually bright and sunny Sunday in May, I went down to Sussex to visit Albourne Estate. Situated  about an hour’s drive from London, the vineyards are in an idyllic setting amongst the green and rolling hills of southern England. The estate was founded  and is run by winemaker and co-owner Alison Nightingale. Alison...

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Bellavista Franciacorta, Italian sparkling with dinner

May 19, 17 Bellavista Franciacorta, Italian sparkling with dinner

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I recently attended a dinner hosted by Franciacorta producer Bellavista. We met at Italian restaurant Margot in Covent Garden for what promised to be an enlightening wine and food matching occasion. Franciacorta is often said to be Italy’s answer to Champagne and, while it is made using the same method and uses chardonnay as it’s...

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An Indian tasting room with a view, York Winery, Nasik Valley

Apr 02, 17 An Indian tasting room with a view, York Winery, Nasik Valley

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York Winery is situated on the banks of the Godavari River, which makes for a lovely view from the tasting room. Grapes always pick good locations with fantastic views, funny that, anyway… York Winery, while it may have lovely views is most probably better known for its wines. They specialize in white and sparkling wine but...

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Grover Zampa Sparkling Wine – A Bubbly Delight

Mar 13, 17 Grover Zampa Sparkling Wine – A Bubbly Delight

Posted by in All, Sparkling Wine

While I was at Grover Zampa, I also got the opportunity to try their sparkling wine. Having spoken to quite a few producers now, the consensus is that sparkling wine definitely has a place here in the Nasik Valley. However, apart from Chandon (more on them later), the grape of choice for sparking NV is Chenin Blanc and for rosé,...

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