On the commercial growing side, there are now approximately 500 vineyards across the country each producing improving in quality wines (mostly sparkling) with many located in southern counties. There are countless fields full of grapevines across the country with highly experienced winemakers giving us medal winning wines to choose from.

Potted Vines in your Garden

When it comes to growing grapevines at home then we can be quite confident that we can likewise be as successful as the professionals. If it is simply grape harvesting then yes we can grow grapes in our gardens when we follow some basic guidelines:

• Can I plant grape seeds? Well yes you can and if you grow them indoors or within a greenhouse initially then there is no reason why you can not plant a grape seed and see the fruits of your green finger labour.
• What grapes (grapevine) can I plant in England? We can split grapevines in to two sections which as ‘wine grapes’ and ‘dessert grapes’. There are many varieties you can choose from that will be white (light green) or black (very dark red) and it is advisable that you check which will suit your climate (location) then best. Many garden centres will stock grapevines so it is best to ask their advice for your location.
• Where to plant grapevines? Outdoors is the most popular location and this can be either in large pots or in the ground. You can also plant vines in greenhouse / conservatory. A well drained soil is the best place to plant them and during the dormant months for the grapevine (October to March). Choose a spot that is warm, sheltered, and receives good sunlight – avoid windy locations.
• How to plant grapevines: They will ideally already be of around 30cm in height and the stem at least pencil size thickness. The best months for planting are February and March. Place them in to the ground (ideally with general purpose fertiliser) and be sure to unpack the roots when replacing back the soil. Have in place a support system for the vines so they can be trained. If planting multiple vines you should give them a spacing of 1 metre between each.
• How to maintain grapevines: As with many plants, it is all about the maintenance from watering to pruning. Though grapevines are known for being quite robust plants and perform better when challenged, they do require care and attention as they are also quite vulnerable. Some grapevines are known to live up to 100 years or more though most cases will see them with a lifetime of 25-35 years (especially for harvesting of grapes). Make sure that you train your grapevine upwards initially and then how you wish from there (always remember that the more stems / leaves you have then the more energy the vine will have to distribute to them over your grapes). Pruning is important as the vine grows so that you can steer the vine in the direction you require (removing unwanted shoots) and removal of a % of leaves will also put attention / energy to growth. Water at least weekly and especially during dry months.  Keep a watch out for fungal diseases and insects which will mostly be evident on the leaves and grapes.

Common Problems – From RHS.org.uk

“Grapevines are prone to fungal diseases including powdery mildew (especially in hot, dry weather or in crowded sites with poor air circulation), grey mould (Botrytis) and downy mildew.

Birds and wasps can severely damage crops. Other potential pests include brown scale, woolly vine or currant scale and the fruit fly spotted wing drosophila (SWD).

Vines are also susceptible to nutrient deficiencies, particularly magnesium deficiency, and the physiological disorder shanking.”

Think now of setting off on a journey to visit two of the most romantic cities in the world: from Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, to Paris. Imagine a train’s black carriages waiting for you on the tracks: you may feel a biting wind blowing mingled with smoky gust. There are distinguished businessmen from different countries, accompanied by sophisticated women wearing white ermine fur on their shoulders and intoxicating perfume. The restaurant coach offers fine porcelain and silver cutlery on the table, velvet chairs and exquisite art deco furniture. There is no doubt that an unforgettable travel experience is going to win you over.

And what is that wine flowing with sparkling glamour that lifts everyone’s spirits? “Madame et Monsieur, bienvenue à bord du Venice Simplon-Orient Express, nous sommes heureux de vous accueillir à bord avec une flûte de Champagne…”
Of course, it’s Champagne! The symbol of France and the most appreciated wine in Paris in the 20’s.

Along the way from Verona to Paris, while drinking Champagne on board, you’ll better understand the reason why Champagne was as deeply loved at that time as it is nowadays: it’s not only because of its sparkling joy due to the vivacious bubbles or the brilliant colour and its golden nuances, but most of all, it’s because of its allure and ability to create a cheerful mood. Over the years, Champagne has never stopped making people fall in love with its elegance and intrigue. And this is thanks to the passion and commitment of the winemakers who have made it.

Madames and Monsieurs, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Laurent Lequart Champagne, a family estate located in Passy-Grigny, in the heart of the beautiful Vallée de la Marne. This vineyard has been cultivated in clay-limestone and clay-sandstone soils, with love and great respect for the environment, for five generations. Since 1988, Laurent has cultivated wine sustainably and his engagement has been rewarded with two important certifications: HVE (high environmental value) and VDC (sustainable viticulture in Champagne). They work 11,400 hectares, mainly focused on the typical grape variety of the Vallée de la Marne: the Pinot Meunier, a fruity and elegant variety with its delicious flavours and bouquet of citrus fruits.

And here are two magnificent Champagnes that will transport you to Paris in a second with their vibrant bubbles!

Champagne Laurent Lequart – Blanc de Meunier 

100% Pinot Meunier
This wine opens with fine fruity aromas such as peach and plum, embellished by cedar peel.
It’s refined with embracing notes of butter and brioche. In the mouth, accents of pear and balsamic nuances. The flavour is creamy yet crisp, citrus fruits on the finish which conquer the palate with its undeniable elegance.

This Champagne won a Gold Medal in the Sea Breeze category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2021.

Champagne Laurent Lequart – Réserve 

100% Pinot Meunier
This Champagne is designed to age beautifully. With a beautiful golden colour, it is rich yet complex, it exudes white stone fruity notes with a touch of citrus. In the mouth it offers the freshness of a fruit salad, juicy apples and buttery flavours, marvellously combined with creamy hues.

This Champagne won a Gold Medal in the Gastronomic category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2021.

Having a glass of Champagne while listening to good music is always an excellent choice, especially if the wine and the music chosen for the occasion match nicely. Charleston, the music that evokes Champagne’s liveliness due to its sparkling rhythm, was certainly the soundtrack that accompanied la joie de vivre in Paris in the 20’s, marking people’s life with a touch of craziness. But suddenly, I can hear another sound… the unmistakable ‘choo-choo’ sound of a train’s locomotive! Hurry up, the Orient Express is going to leave… allez allez, on y va, Paris nous attend!

The Venice Simplon Orient Express passing through the Brenner Pass, Austria

My dear fizz lover, I hope my story has transported you to Paris in the 20’s, making you feel part of that marvellous world.

It only remains to me to wish you Joyeux Noël and bonne dégustation…

Merry Christmas!

Distributor of Laurent Lequart Champagne:
James Nicholson Wines
https://www.jnwine.com/

Find Stefania on Instagram:
@Stefania.wine
@Finefoodfizz

Photo credits:
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express photos: Martin Scott Powell
Featured & Champagne photos: Tania Volobueva

Sparkling Wine and sweet treats can go hand in hand, creating an even more delicious combination, bringing out hidden flavours which have just lingered in the background waiting to light up your taste buds with their hidden talents.

We have 5 different Christmas treats to enjoy and two different Sparkling Wines to see which work best with which, please join us on our venture to discover which will pair best and hopefully receive a place by your side this Christmas.

The Sweet Sparkling Wines

Heinz Theodor Schroeder settled down in Patagonia in 1927 and began working in the wine industry, their winery and vineyards are located in San Patricio del Chañar, Patagonia at the heart of the southernmost wine region of Argentina. Chief enologist Leonardo Puppato helped in the technical design of the winery and also conducts the winemaking practices.

During the construction of the winery’s building, fossilized bones of a large herbivorous dinosaur were discovered. This became a massive part of Familia Schroeder, with them specially designing a cellar house to showcase the original bones in the exact place they were discovered. After several years of study, the paleontologists concluded that the fossils belonged to a new species, so the dinosaur received a new name: Panamericansaurus Schroederi, in recognition of the family contribution to the excavation works.

Name: Panamericansaurus Schroederi
Age: 75 million years (Campanian – Maastrichtian). Late Cretaceous.
Systematics: Sauropoda. Titanosauridae.
Environment: Coastal plain of shallow seas.
Length: 10 to 12 meters.
Diet: Herbivore.

Familia Schroeder – Deseado – Tasting Notes

Aroma “Mango, apricot, peach, hints of tropical fruits. A lovely array of ripe fruits on the aroma.”

Flavour “A sweet burst of fruity flavours, including peach, apricot, tropical, apricot in syrup and more on the palate.”

This Argentinian Sparkling Wine Won a Gold Medal in the Dessert Category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2021

Familia Schroeder – Deseado Rosé – Tasting Notes

Aroma “Raspberry cheesecake, raspberries, cream, pink floral and more on the palate.”

Flavour “A similar taste of raspberries, cheese, cream and floral notes on the palate.”

This Argentinian Sparkling Wine Won a Gold Medal in the Dessert Category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2021

Now it’s time to enjoy the treats and pair these two Sparkling Wines with each to find the best pairing results, you can watch our tasting right here or continue reading for the results.

Mince Pies

Deseado and Mince Pies Pairing  – “A ripe tropical burst turns this mince pie into a tropical holiday treat, the sparkling wine is prominent but not overpowering, lovely, peach, apricot and mango flavours.”

Deseado Rosé and Mince Pies Pairing – “A subtle burst of red berries, nicely combine with the mince pie.”

Stollen

Deseado and Stollen Pairing  – “A delicate burst of ripe fruits from the Sparkling Wine, its a much welcomed guest which doesn’t stay long, leaving you with the full flavours of the stollen at the end.”

Deseado Rosé and Stollen Pairing – “Red berries take over the stollen flavours, these leave halfway through ending up with the stollen at the end.”

Profiteroles

Deseado and Profiteroles Pairing – “The soft delicate pastry, cream and chocolate are better enjoyed on their own, the sparkling wine comes in awkwardly, not the best combination.”

Deseado Rosé and Profiteroles Pairing – “The Profiteroles are a delicate delight and for this combination, the sparkling wine isn’t delicate enough.”

Gingerbread and Butterscotch Bombe

Deseado and  Bombe Pairing – “The Sparkling Wine comes in subtlety but leaves all the flavours enhanced, you feel its unlocked hidden flavours.”

Deseado Rosé and Bombe Pairing – “The spice flavours take on a red berries note, still delivering the gingerbread and butterscotch, but with a red berry touch.”

Christmas Cake & Chocolate Bites

Deseado and Christmas Cake – “As long as you don’t get too much icing, there’s a lively touch of tropical ripe fruits added into this Christmas cake.”

Deseado Rosé and Christmas Cake – “The Sparkling Wine adds a layer of red berries to the icing sugar, giving it a slightly more Christmas flavour, it’s an OK combination, but not perfect.”

Deseado and Chocolate Bites  – “The Sparkling Wine is immediately lost to the power of the chocolate.”

Deseado Rosé and Chocolate Bites – “The chocolate again overpowers the Sparkling Wine.”

Sparkling Wine is made to be enjoyed and what better time to enjoy it, than on and around Christmas, the time where smiles are on everyone’s faces, bellies are waiting to be filled and glasses should never be empty. If you’re also looking for the perfect Champagne or Sparkling Wine to enjoy with your roast dinner, then check out these two articles that may help you: 10 Champagnes & Sparkling Wines to put in your Christmas Trolley and The Best Wine For Your Turkey Dinner.

When judges are deciding which wines to add to the Winter Warmer they have the following description to guide them:

“This wine will be of a fuller flavoured character. Perfect for a winter’s evening sat in front of the fire.“

The Glass of Bubbly Awards, aided by countless recommendations from top wine professionals and the guidance from Tatiana Mann (Diploma in Level IV WSET) sees a unique way to judge wines so that not only medals can be achieved, but categories in which consumers can relate to thus making labels easier to understand.

Trophy Winner ‘Winter Warmer’

Fox & Fox – Mosaic 2015: Tasting Notes: “Apricot, peach skin, dry white cheese, red berry cheesecake on the nose. Dry crisp flavours showing gooseberry, peach skin, apricot, dry white cheese.” Available to purchase here

Gold Medal Winners ‘Winter Warmer’

Champagne Roger-Constant Lemaire – Rosé de Saignée: Tasting Notes: “Wonderful warm rosé colour from the Saignée blend. I have seen this winery producing the Saignee blend at their winery when Gilles was still the main winemaker. Creamy cranberry, red current, soft pastry, touch of asparagus and silky garden mint on the nose. Red berry fruit flavours.” Available to purchase here

Cantina Ventiventi Il Borghetto – Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce: Tasting Notes: “Dark berries on the nose with silky blueberry cheesecake. Also a smoky edge showing. Dry black berry fruits with a good mouth watering length. Added saline, herbaceous and smoky notes.” Available to purchase here

Vinarstvo Zalatel – de Onesti: Tasting Notes: “Green apple, smoky herbs, creamy herbaceous on the nose. Dry flavours. Citrus, chalky, apricot and peach skin, saline.” Available to purchase here

This is a perfect selection to get for Christmas, there’s something for everyone inside unless you’re having 11 people coming over, in that case, you’ll have to share.

With such a fine selection of cakes to enjoy, it’s only right to call on a Sparkling Wine that has the power to stand up to that level of delicate, creamy sweetness. This Sparkling Wine won the Trophy in the Dessert Category, our Judges thought it best fit the category against Champagnes, Argentinan and Slovenian Sparkling Wines.

Dessert
A wine that will likely be sweeter in taste and pairs well with desserts.

Let’s first taste this English Sparkling Wine to see if it’s the perfect match for the Dessert Category

Biddenden

Biddenden Vineyards – Gribble Bridge Ortega Demi-Sec 2019 Tasting Notes

Aroma “Green apples, green pears, green grapes, green apple glazed tart aromas.”

Flavour “Orchard fruits, green apples, green pears, tastes like a natural sweetness from the fruits rather than added sugar.”

The Trophy Winner in the Dessert Category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2021.

Wow, what a treat, defiantly in the right category, there are many sweet Sparkling Wines available to buy, but not that many produced in England.

Kent’s original vineyard, the Barnes family has owned and managed Biddenden Vineyards since 1969, but vines weren’t the first things planted there, there were originally over 40 acres of apple orchard, but in the late 60’s apple prices began to decline, and in 1969, they decided to turn 1/3 of their acres into vines, that’s when Biddenden Vineyards was born.

They currently have 12 different grape varieties planted over 23 acres of south-facing slopes. It’s interesting to know that their first wine was bottled in 1973, it would be amazing if you have that bottle safely stored somewhere, today they produce around 80,000 bottles per year, the vineyard is currently being run by the second & third generations of the Barnes family.

There are many wonderful and award winning English Sparkling Wines on the market today, I think it would be a nice idea to enjoy a bottle of English Sparkling Wine on Christmas Day, to show our support for the industry, maybe you might end up trying something new, Glass of Bubbly can definitely help you find the perfect bottle for you and your family

The Pairing – Christmas Pastry Desserts and Sparkling Wine

Biddenden and Cherry Chocolate Chip Gateau Slice Pairing: “The Sparkling wine intensifies the cherry along with the chocolate flavours.”

Biddenden and Marzipan Gateau Slice Pairing: “The Sparkling Wine comes in and cleanses the palate, then allows the marzipan flavour to come alive again for a second wind in the same bite.”

Biddenden and Almond Cream Cake Pairing: “The Sparkling Wine comes in and cleanses5the palate, but leaves some of the almond flavours, giving you a single expression of delicate almond.”

Biddenden and Strawberry Vanilla Cream Gateau Slice Pairing: “A nice balance of white chocolate, strawberries, cream and pastry, the sparkling wine comes in and cleanses the palate leaving you wanting another bite.”

Biddenden and Cherry Cream Slice Pairing: “The chocolate leads the flavour, cherry takes second place and takes on a slight bitter taste.”

Biddenden and Strawberry Cream Slice Pairing: “The Sparkling Wine cleanses the palate too early, leaving creamy strawberry flavours with hints of green apple skin.”

Biddenden and Mandarin Cream Tart Pairing: “Green citrus is added to the mandarin cream tart in a strong but not overpowering way.”

Biddenden and Chocolate Cream Tart Pairing: “A wonderful blend of chocolate, cream and pastry, the sparkling wine adds elements of English country gardens.”

Biddenden and Strawberry Cream Roll Pairing: “The strawberry is rather let go, the pastry takes on the green fruit flavours giving you a green fruit cream roll with hints of strawberries.”

Biddenden and Lemon cream Roll Pairing: “The lemon flavours stay with you throughout, even intensifying after the Sparkling Wine has been added, with hints of pastry.”

Merry Christmas Everyone

It is said that around 25% of all Champagne sold and consumed will be during the week of Christmas and New Year. Via a previous survey from ASDA supermarket results showed that the most popular food served / consumed at a Christmas dinner was roast potatoes with second place being carrots and third being Turkey.

Christmas dinner for many families across the UK will be that Turkey roast with all the trimmings, veg, sauces and more. Turkey meat is a particularly rich source of B vitamins, including B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) – It is high in protein and also a rich source of minerals. It is one of the most healthier meats (further facts via HealthLine.com).

Turkey Christmas Dinner with Cranberry Sauce

Pairing Champagne with Turkey

If you’re looking for a great wine to pair with turkey then Champagne is a perfect suggestion. Though of course wine is a personal choice regarding what you prefer in style, a wine with a medium to high level of acidity is great to pair with white meats (especially the Turkey leg which have higher levels of fat), it is advised though that you should avoid pairing with excessive tannins such as from red wines!

A Brut style of Champagne, so medium levels of sugar / sweetness is the better style to go for. Turkey will be less greasy and require less powerful acidity from the wine to cleanse the palate. A touch of fruity sweet flavours from the Champagne will be welcomed to go against the savoury flavours from the dish. If you have sweeter sauces on your plate, such as cranberry sauce, then you can also opt for a rosé Champagne which will usually have a touch more red fruity sweet flavours to balance the palate.

Champagne Chateau de Boursault

Located West of Epernay, in Boursault, the grower label ‘Château de Boursault‘ is home to the famous château built between 1843 and 1850 by Madame Clicquot Ponsardin, the Veuve Clicquot who owned the Veuve Clicquot Champagne House.

Château de Boursault is one of the few estates in Champagne to have an enclosed space in which you’ll find the vineyards, a wine press, a winery and cellars.

Champagnes in the video:

Champagne Château de Boursault – Brut Tradition: Find our more here

Champagne Château de Boursault – Brut Rosé de Saignée: Find out more here

“Tom Smith created the first Christmas cracker. He was a London-based confectioner who was inspired by the paper-wrapped sugared almonds he saw in France. Tom Smith invented a sweet-filled wrapper that could be pulled apart by two hands, an idea that his three sons continued to develop into an exciting new business venture later on.” source Royal Liver Building Venue

From a box of six mini crackers at your local pound store with plastic mini toys within to those luxurious options containing diamond rings and gold watches. Famous brands supply their own versions such as John Lewis, Selfridges and Swarovski® or themed ones containing just chocolate, alcohol or hand crafted gifts. Plus of course, we can not forget those sometimes terrible jokes to read out and lastly who will be wearing their paper hat other than grandad this year!?

“The world’s longest Christmas cracker measured 63.1 m (207 ft) long and 4 m (13 ft) in diameter and was made by the parents of children at Ley Hill School and Pre-School, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, UK on 20 December 2001.” source Guinness World Records

Surveys suggest that Brits will pull on average around 150 million crackers during the Christmas period!

The word cracker holds many meanings that include those thin savoury wafer biscuits (that might make an appearance during Christmas also when the cheese board graces the table), though also it can refer to an offensive term used to refer to a white person from rural parts of the southeastern U.S.

Among variables of ‘cracker’ is something positive that stands out and mostly visually – Going back to many older, especially comedy, movies a person can sometimes be referred to as a cracker thus being liked and admired.

A Cracker for your Christmas table this year in the world of wine is a fabulous English Bubbly that was voted the best for Winter time at the London Champagne & Sparkling Wine Awards 2021 – Fox & Fox Mosaic 2015

In amongst roast potatoes (the most popular item eaten at Christmas), slices of Turkey, the gravy, the mince pies and cream we must of course have a bottle of wine – Why not make it a trophy winning English Sparkling Wine that can easily be ordered online and ready for Christmas Day and at only £29.00 a bottle! Purchase today here: Mosaic 2015 £29.00

Fox & Fox Mosaic 2015 Vintage – Trophy Winner 2021 ‘Winter Warmer’ – Tasting Notes: “Sit back, de-stress and enjoy… Aromas offer yellow floral, salty crisps, orchard fruits, honeysuckle, glazed patisseries, touch of red berries. Full of English countryside in flavours with hay, orchard fruits, gooseberry, freshly baked bread.“

It might seem quite extravagant, posh or something for the bartender to prepare, but in fact, it is a very easy to prepare cocktail, one which looks very picturesque in the glass and certainly will raise an impressed eyebrow or two. A glass of Champagne is one thing, a Champagne cocktail is on another level!

How to Make a Traditional Champagne Cocktail:

Also known as the Classic Champagne Cocktail, the Traditional Champagne Cocktail is very easy to make. The following are the ingredients that you will need:

• A bottle of your favourite chilled Champagne.
• One mini bottle of Angostura Bitters.
• One Lemon.
• One brown sugar cube.

Tools to make this happen:

• Champagne Glass (ideally a flute)
• Spoon.
• Sharp knife.

There you have it – Basic ingredients and tools and yet you can dazzle all with a Traditional Champagne Cocktail.

Champagne used was from the winery Roger Constant Lemaire (Select Reserve).

Christmas time is the busiest time globally for sparkling wine sales thanks to the many festive get togethers we have planned both at home, work and in bars/restaurants and not forgetting New Years Eve celebrations as we welcome in the year 2022.

“It is said that we enjoy some 200 million glasses of Champagne at Christmas and this number is greatly added to as we lead up to and enjoy New Years Eve celebrations – Champagne (or any other sparkling wine) is the one wine that can identity mostly with celebrations so it is unexpected that sales peak each year over the Christmas period.”

We must not forget that sparkling wine is not purely Champagne, in fact, this small region of France (despite having global fame) is only a smaller percentage of the global sparkling wine production each year. We are all familiar with Prosecco (Italy) though we also are able to enjoy the fizzy delights from England, Spain (Cava), South Africa (Cap Classic), Slovenia, Cremant (France), Canada, USA, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and much more.

So, what about some fabulous sparkling wines for Christmas 2021? I say let’s rock & roll with some Trophy Winning English sparklers to get the mood firmly in the swing:

Voted the world’s best sparkling wine in 2021! Fox & Fox – 2015 Paxton & Whitfield Blend

Fox & Fox Paxton Whitfield 2015 Vintage

Where to purchase: (£35.00/75cl) and available online from www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk and from its three stores in Jermyn Street, London, Cale Street, London and Bath.

Camel Valley – 2019 Pinot Noir Rose Brut

Camel Valley Rosé Brut

Where to purchase: £36 a bottle from the Camel Valley website.

Bolney Wine Estate – Cuvée Rosé 2018

Bolney Rosé Cuvee

Where to purchase: £38 per bottle via the Bolney Wine Estate website.

Fox & Fox – Mosaic 2015

Fox & Fox Mosaic 2015

Where to purchase: £29 from the Fox & Fox website.

Biddenden Vineyards – Gribble Bridge Ortega Demi-Sec 2019

Biddenden Vineyards – Gribble Bridge Ortega Demi-Sec 2019

Where to purchase: £24.80 via the Biddenden Vineyards website.