A fizz-filled Christmas
Hampshire has become recognised globally as a leading wine making region. With chalky soil of the same acidity as France’s champagne region the quality of the wines being produced here have already proven to be award-winning.
Add a talking point and support your local vineyard this Christmas and New Year and serve Hampshire bubbles at your table or give as a gift.
Classic Cuvée 2013
From Hattingley Valley Wines in Lower Wield, £29.95
This wine is a testament to Hattingley’s signature style. After the grapes were harvested, 25% of the total blend was barrel fermented in three-to-four year old white Burgundy giving the wine lovely texture and richness. An elegant, svelte and super pure wine with delicate nose of hedgerow flowers, it has finesse, vibrant green fruit and a characteristic toasty flavour.
Order online at www.hattingleyvalley.co.uk
Exton Park Rose NV
From Exton Park Vineyard in Exton, £29.95
A sparkling pale pink, delicate yet with a surprising depth of fruit, this wine is made by pressing 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier grapes, and leaving the juice in contact with the red skins for just the right amount of time to achieve the subtle colour. An ideal aperitif or celebration drink.
Visit www.extonparkvineyard.com for stockists and online ordering.
Blanc de Noirs 2013
From Raimes Vineyard in Tichborne, £29.95
The newest wine from Hampshire released last month. Made with three classic champagne grapes; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The result is an elegant, pale gold, fresh and well balanced sparkling wine, bottle fermented in the traditional method.
Order online (free delivery in Hampshire) at www.raimes.co.uk
Blanc de Noir 2010
From Jenkyn Place Vineyard in Bentley, £35
And the Blanc de Noir makes an interesting alternative to your usual Classic Cuvée with a savoury notes alongside ripe pear and golden apples. Its structure and length make it a perfect partner to food, rather than just as an aperitif. For a limited time only customers can benefit from 25% off for orders by the case. To receive this discount contact the vineyard directly on 01420 481580.
Discover more at www.jenkynplace.com with 25% off until Christmas.
Cossack
From Danebury Vineyard near Stockbridge.
Made from a blend of the Auxerrois Blanc and Rulander grapes Gris) using the traditional bottle fermentation method and aged for at least five years on its lees. The nose has fragrant charm orange blossom the palate starts with fresh fruit lime and slightly richer grapefruit. Mid depth white peach, pear a complex mix of flavours but there is underlying freshness pink grapefruit and apple the finish long mineral and flinty.
Discover more at www.danebury.com
Sparkling Rosé
From Cottonworth Vineyard near Andover, £28.
An excellent clean and fresh rosé with a refreshing finish. A blend of Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The wine is a very pale pink colour with vivid aromas of apple and blackberry which lead to a restrained, elegant palate with tiny bubbles and an excellent long finish.
Order online at www.cottonworth.co.uk
Classic Cuvée Rose
From Hambledon Vineyard, £35
Released in November 2016 the Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rose is fermented 96% in tank and 4% in French oak barrels. A whiff of magnolia blossom followed stridently by perfumed wild-strawberry compote with a hints of buttered white sourdough toast. Rich mouth-filling flavours of strawberry balanced by zingy tart cranberry and pithy Amalfi lemon notes. The texture is creamy with a clean, crisp, yeasty finish.
Order online at www.hambledonvineyard.co.uk