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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Before I came to India I, like many people, had preconceptions and misconceptions about Indian wine. I love bubbly so the idea of Indian sparkling wine definitely did intrigue me. The Nashik Valley is developing a reputation for sparkling wine production and that reputation now seems sealed with the entry of one of the biggest...
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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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Prosecco is now the best selling sparkling wine in the UK and for good reason. It’s fresh and bubbly without having to break the bank. A drink that can be enjoyed in celebration, whether it’s a job promotion, birthday or just because it’s the weekend. Prosecco is made from the Glera grape and all quality Prosecco hails from either...
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Yesterday I visited cava producer Vilarnau in Penedes, Spain (post here). After my tour of the grounds and winery, it was time for a tasting of their cavas. As we were walking through the cellar to the tasting room, we passed by a collection of clay vases that were sitting under a set of spotlights. Curious, I asked my guide,...
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The last days of summer are upon us but that doesn’t mean you have to automatically switch to red wine. As they say, it’s ok to drink white after Labor Day (well, that’s what they say in the States). Earlier this summer I visited the Vinho Verde region in the north east of Portugal where they make great wines,...
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