Harry Potter and the Glass of Bubbly

31st July 2020

Harrpy Potter Sparkling Wine

Pitch black living room, Hermione and Ron are waiting to surprise Harry.

Hermione – He’ll be here soon.

Ron – I know.

Hermione – Then stop eating.

Ron – I’m hungry… Did you just touch me?

Hermione – No.

Ron – Someone or something just touched me…. It did it again!

Hermione – Be quiet!

Ron – Right, who’s there?

Dobby – Hello Ron

Harry Potter Opens The Door

Ron –Ahhh! Hermione & Dobby – SURPRISE!!!

Happy Birthday Harry Potter

July 31st, 1980, I don’t know the exact hour or minute, but this is the day that the boy who lived, Harry James Potter was born, it’s amazing that a fictional character has created such a connection with so many people, that some people will celebrate his birthday, so whether you are dressing up, watching the movies, reading the books or just saying Expelliarmus!!!!!!!! enjoy the day with an English Sparkling Wine.

This year we are celebrating Harry’s 39th Birthday, along with Hermione and Ron, he will be celebrating his birthday with his wife Ginny Weasley and their three children, James Sirius Potter, Lily Luna Potter and Albus Severus Potter.

Harry Fact – On his 11th birthday, Harry Potter traveled to Hogwarts for the first time, where, well I don’t think I need to tell you what happens next.

The English Sparkling Wine

You just have to choose a bottle of English Sparkling Wine to enjoy on Harry Potter’s Birthday, although Harry Potter is enjoyed worldwide, it is one of England’s greatest Film franchises thanks to J.K. Rowling.

I have tried to colour coordinate these English Sparkling Wines with the Hogwarts Houses, the only trouble I had was I couldn’t find a green bottle for Slytherin, but the bottle I chose for them does have a sliver of turquoise around the neck.

Fox & Fox – Gryffindor

Fox & Fox Midnight Dark Dry Rosé Brut 2011

Fox & Fox – Midnight Dark Dry Rosé Brut 2011

The Fox & Fox winery started planting vines in 2004, just 1 year after Jonica & Gerard Fox decided they wanted to make sparkling wine. They first started producing their own sparkling wine in 2009 and in 2010 they had to expand to a larger vineyard, they currently have 30 acres.

Fox & Fox – Midnight Dark Dry Rosé Brut 2011 Tasting Notes

Aroma – “Red fruit aromas with lovely spices in the background.”

Flavour – “Dark cherries, red rose petals and redcurrant.”

This Fox & Fox won a Trophy in the Gastronomic Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

Woodchurch – Hufflepuff

Woodchurch Blanc de Blancs Brut 2014

Woodchurch Blanc de Blancs Brut 2014

Woodchurch Estate was Established in 2009 and is based on the edge of Kent, in the village of Woodchurch, they manage their vines by hand throughout the year to make sure they deliver the best quality English Sparkling Wines.

Woodchurch Blanc de Blancs Brut 2014 Tasting Notes

Aroma – “Yellow fruits and green fruits on aroma.”

Flavour – “Green fruit and lime flavours.”

This Woodchurch won a Silver Medal in the First Date Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

Denbies – Ravenclaw

Denbies Wine Estate Sparkling Bacchus 2016

Comprising of 627 acres, Denbies Wine Estate is the biggest in England, they have planted vines in 265 acres of their land and they have had two very special visitors, in 1851 Prince Albert visited the estate and then in 1986 Queen Elizabeth II graced them with her presence.

You can also Visit, Eat, Drink and Stay at Denbies Wine Estate, they have their own on-site hotel, so if you are traveling from far away you won’t have to feel rushed while exploring their vineyards and winery.

Tasting Notes – “Creamy aromas. Floral and light fruit flavours. A pleasing and memorable tasting experience.”

This Denbies won a Silver Medal in the Summer Days Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

Ridgeview – Slytherin

Ridgeview was founded in 1994 by Mike and Chris Roberts in the village of Ditchling in the South Downs of England and Mike and Christine planted the classic Champagne varieties.

Ridgeview’s trade mark MERRET™ is in honour of Englishman Christopher Merret. In 1662 he presented a paper to the Royal Society in London which documented the process of making traditional method sparkling wines. This was 30 years before the technique was documented in Champagne. To celebrate Merret’s achievements Ridgeview has kept a London connection when naming their range of wines.

Ridgeview Blanc de Noirs 2014 Tasting Notes

Aroma – “Honey and brioche with peach purée on the aroma.”

Flavour – “Zesty yellow stone fruit flavours, crisp with a creaminess in length, a melted butter feel on the palate with a hint of burnt toast.”

This Ridgeview won a Gold Medal in the Fireworks Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2018.

Ten minutes later 

Ron – How are you still alive?

Dobby – It’s just a movie Ron, tomato ketchup.

Oliver Walkey

Oliver Walkey

WSET 2 Journalist focused on sharing Champagne and Sparkling Wine reviews and cocktails to the world.