The English Grape Fizz Cocktail

Over the past decade, the quality and quantity of English Sparkling Wine have massively increased, with fine English Winemakers bringing to market some delicious Sparkling Wines and outstanding vintages that have even yet to experience their best years.

This time we are exploring a Spirit made from English Sparkling Wine Grapes, let’s find out what this is and what it tastes like and see about placing it in an English Sparkling Wine Cocktail, to see if they just blend together or if they can really enhance the whole experience.

The Spirit of the Downs

This Spirit made using the English Sparkling Wine grapes Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier which are grown in and around the South Downs National Park in Sussex was made by wine merchant Michael Yeoman for the Spirit of the Downs, he used the traditional method with Champagne yeasts to make the Spirit, they are also proud to say that the Spirit of the Downs is a sustainable product.

This Handcrafted Artisan Sussex Spirit Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier Varietal Vintage 2019 is a limited edition with only 700 bottles made, so don’t wait too long if you want to try this English Sparkling Wine Grape Spirit.

Michael Yeoman, Founder, Spirit of the Downs, says; “I have been inspired by the quality of wines being produced here in the Sussex and along the South Coast to produce a range of fine spirits to complement the sophistication and quality coming out of the local area. Spirit of the Downs can be drunk on its own, over ice, with a good quality tonic as a long drink or to add complexity to a range of cocktails (as a cocktail ingredient). I am so proud of the quality that we have been able to produce, and even more proud that we have worked so closely in the traditional style with local vineyards. We are extremely excited about the future and establishing not only our brand, but a new style of drinking vintage spirits in the South of England.”

Aroma –“A delicate touch of melted dark chocolate with hints of freshly baked pastry reminding me of chocolate croissants, flakes of chocolate, apricot, and prunes on the aroma.”

Flavour – “Dry mince pie, spices, plum, raisins and apricot on the palate.”

The Sparkling Wine – Fitz

Fitz, a Sparkling Wine Made in England, but can’t be called English Fizz, a triumphant story of determination against a system, to be called English Sparkling Wine if has to be made with the Traditional (Champagne) Method, but Fitz wanted to use the Charmat (Prosecco) Method, so that’s why they say their Sparkling Wine is Made In England.

Everything about this bottle is about going against the tide and creating something new and unique, the label, with 9 crowns, but one upside down, and their name Fitz comes from Anglo‐Norman times, they found the name FitzRoy, this name in many cases was given to the illegitimate son or daughter of a king to mark their Royal parent, originally the name meant ‘Son of the king’.

If you want to find out more about this fascinating story, like the fact they’ve hidden a naughty word on their bottle, you can right here: Fitz – Sparkling Wine Made In England

Aroma – “Lemon, green apples, apple pie, and almond aromas.”

Taste – “Crunchy green apple flavour with lime and almonds.”

This Made In England Sparkling Wine Won a Gold Medal in the First Date Category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2020.

The English Grape Cocktail

Ingredients

• Sparkling Wine
• Spirit of the Downs Pinot Artisan Spirit
• Grapes

How To Make

1. Crush a handful of grapes to extract 15mls of grape juice.
2. Pour in 20mls of Spirit of the Downs Pinot Artisan Spirit.
3. Top up with 100mls of Sparkling Wine.
4. Then add a stem of grapes to your glass for a garnish.

Tasting Notes

Aroma –“Fizzy, freshly squeezed grapes juice, red apple, grape candy floss and hints of sweet ginger on the aroma.”

Flavour – “A delightful combination of red grape juice, garden herbs and green apples on the palate.”