A Champagne Perfect for a Celebration...

After waiting in anticipation for four months to receive my University results, the day finally came and it was worth the wait...

Last Thursday, the day finally arrived. The last four years of study have presented many opportunities, experiences and struggles. You can read more about my educational journey on the 'about me' section of the website. I have enjoyed studying International Hospitality Management greatly, in my final year I wrote my dissertation on climate change and how the wine industry is going to be impacted if steps aren't taken to develop and implement sustainable practices. Over the next few weeks I'm going to write a blog post concentrating on this!

I am delighted to say I got an 'A' in this dissertation and will graduate from University with a First-Class BA Hons. To say I am thrilled is an understatement. Unfortunately due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic my University is not hosting a formal graduation ceremony. However, I was surprised with a small family gathering to mark the occasion. In order to celebrate this accomplishment in style my mum treated me to my favourite Champagne - Taittinger.

Of the main Champagne houses, Moet Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Laurent Perrier Dom Péringnon and Taittinger, Taittinger is definitely my favourite. Although these are some of the main houses, the region is home to 1,500 smaller producers and approximately 350 houses (larger firms) which make up 10% of vineyard space. This indulgent sparkling wine comes from the Champagne region in France. Located in the North East of the country this region is only 45 minutes from Paris by train. The vineyards in this region are the most expensive in the world, the rich history and UNESCO world heritage site status contribute to Champagnes prestige, excellence and legacy.

The name Champagne originates from Latin and can be traced back to the sixth century but it was not until the 17th century that the wine we recognise today was in production. The cool climate of the region contributed to this. The region has an average temperature of 10°C, this along with altitude, limestone and soft chalk terroir and fermentation style, bubbles are produced. In simple terms, harvesting the grapes in the autumn and leaving the juice sitting over winter, causes the yeasts present to temporarily stop fermentation before all sugar has been converted to alcohol. Once summer returns the following year and the yeast strains have had the opportunity to warm up, small gentle bubbles will emerge.

Obviously, this process is more complex and is completed over years however, all wines in Champagne will be produced using the 'traditional method.' This process sees the wine undergo a second fermentation in the bottle after the base wine is produced (a simple dry wine with little flavour and high acidity). Sugar and yeast are added to the base wine and bottled, creating carbon dioxide and consequently bubbles!

These golden bubbles are adored by many, Champagne is a treat and is the image of celebration. Winston Churchill famously said "It's not just France we are fighting for, it's Champagne!"

"It's not just France we are fighting for, it's Champagne!"

Last Thursday I celebrated my achievement with this hallmark bottle. I prefer Taittinger for a few reasons. There are three grapes that will be used to make Champagne, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Chardonnay is the predominate component in Taittinger making up 40% of the Brut Reserve, enabling the constant signature style to be achieved. The grapes are grown in 35 different vineyards over Champagne and blended to create the elegant, light and balanced style which is so recognisable as Taittinger. I prefer this lighter style as the delicate bubbles, light peach aroma with honey, brioche, white flowers and vanilla are gentle on the palate and not overpowering in comparison to other styles.

Achieving a 4.2 rating on Vivino this bottle is perfect for any celebration or life achievement. Once you hear the psst of the popping cork, you can ensure all your family and friends will surround you ready to toast to your success...

Cheers!

English White for Curry Night...

After lazing beside a Scottish Loch on a sunny Sunday, my perfect evening finished with a homemade dinner and wine produced a littler closer to home...

We have recently been blessed with glorious sunshine in Scotland, something we are not quite used to. Taking advantage of the rare heat my boyfriend decided to drive out to the countryside and sunbathe on the banks of a local loch. To get to this particular spot you have to walk through fields filled with Highland Cows. After braving the beasts, we were able to spend an afternoon paddling in the crystal clear water and sunbathing whilst listening to the lapping loch and the distant 'moo' from our ginger friends.

After a successful sunburn we decided to return home. Requesting his favourite dinner I got to work making Katsu Curry, a thick sweet sauce made with honey, soy, bay leaves and a multitude of spices poured over sticky rice and served with crispy fried chicken.

The sweet nature of this sauce with the spice and savoury chicken can be a daunting pairing. However, when in doubt, peruse the aisle and read the back of a bottle. Here you will normally find ideal pairings and you can select what you are looking for.

For this family meal, I decided to pair the Japanese curry with a Surrey wine. As a result of climate change Scotland finally has sun during the summer and the English wine trade is booming. Climate change and the impact on the wine industry is a topic I could discuss for hours, so you will need to wait for another post. As the years go on English wine is getting more impressive, this is clear when reading wine critic reviews who are giving English wine higher evaluations.

This particular wine from M&S was produced in Dorking Surrey, right down the South of England. Only 21 miles from London this area has seen a multitude of vineyards popping up over the past 10 years. If you think about this areas geographical plato, it is situated very similarity to Champagne, therefore the argument goes that English Sparkling could be considered just as exceptional with bottles such as Nyetimber coming to mind, but then comes the counter argument of practice, appellation laws, terroir and so on (again a subject that needs a whole other post!)

Now with approximately 7,200 acres of land down South being occupied by vineyards, we are seeing and hearing a lot more about English Wine. The most common grape varieties planted are the well known Chardonnays and Pinot Noir but also the less known Bacchus, Seyval Blanc, Solaris and Reichensteiner. The majority of English wines are made from blends, including this one.

White Lily is made up of Reichensteiner, Bacchus, Seyval Blanc, Müller-Thurgau and Ortega. These less known varietals create a beautifully balanced wine light in nature and exceptionally crisp. Notes of apple, citrus and subtle earthiness this wine is a perfect summer companion. A beautiful pairing for sushi, lightly spiced or tangy dishes and summer salads, this bottle went perfectly with the Katsu Curry. Achieving a score of 3.6/5 on Vivino this 'easy to drink' wine is a perfect accompaniment for an evening with friends or boyfriends after a busy day splashing in lochs and running from cows...

What Riesling to Choose From M&S?

With normality on the horizon as the days of lockdown ease, we must take a moment and appreciate the blessing of being able to enjoy quiet sunny Wednesday afternoons in our back gardens...

Whilst maintaining a two metre distance from an elderly couple when queuing the aisle in my local M&S, waiting to be called forward by the cashier, my eye caught this Riesling from Pfalz. The sun was shining and whilst perspiring in my facemark, gloves and coat, the possibility of having a chilled glass of wine while flicking through my magazines was irresistible.

Riesling, is a white wine grape famously planted in France and Germany. Although making appearances in new world territories such as Washington State U.S (one of the best I've tasted was from here) and Australia, this grape is Germany's favourite. Originating in the Rhine region, it has been widely planted and can produce a versatile range of styles. From sweet luscious wines with notes of tropical fruit, pineapple and nectarine to dry styles with citrus lemon and lime, green apple and mineral stone notes.

This wine was produced in Pfalz, Germany's second largest wine-growing region located on the West of the country. Just 80km across the boarder in France is Alsace, therefore there are stylistic similarities. Riesling is the most widely planted variety in this region and Pfalz has a reputation for high-quality products. Winemakers in this region have a inextinguishable creativity and spirit when it comes to producing their products. This individuality is prized among wine professionals as the passion is tangible within the wines produced.

The diverse terroir (the geographical make up of landscape, soils and climate) of this region allow for various flavours and characteristics. Due to the South West location of Pfalz the region is graced with glorious sunshine enabling wines rich with ripe fruit to be common. Due to this heat, Pfalz wines benefit from the harsh Germanic acidity often associated with wines from this country to be softened creating a well balanced 'Trocken' (bone dry) wine.

I started my lazy afternoon in the sun enjoying a pesto salad and a glass of this wine. Not the most likely paring, but I was in the mood for a slosh before my dinner. I sat and soaked up the sun reading my Condé Nast Traveller article encouraging travel to Armenia and highlighting the 'Hot List' of destinations this year...not that we will be going anywhere!

After successfully catching up with my subscriptions and building my summer tan I began making dinner. A easy quick tea for a sunny evening, haddock (I didn't have any sole) meunière with roasted Mediterranean veg. The Riesling was a perfect paring with this fish dish. The remaining Germanic acidity was beautifully balanced with the rich buttery sauce.

On Vivino, this wine receives a 3.6/5 star rating. Averaging at £6.64 a bottle this Riesling has notes of lemon and lime with undertones of peach and apples developed due to the warmer climate. Subtle earthy characteristics such as minerals and stone are also noted. Whether my enjoyment of this wine was influenced by my perfectly relaxing afternoon, delicious dinner or fresh tan, I cannot say. However, I would recommend this Pfalz Riesling to a friend and will be buying it again. Hopefully the sun will still be shining...