Sparkling
While Champagne is the most famous region for sparkling wine, many other regions around the world produce high-quality sparkling wines using the traditional method, also known as the méthode champenoise.
One of the most famous of these regions is the Franciacorta region in Italy, which produces a range of high-quality sparkling wines using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc grape varieties. Franciacorta wines are known for their crisp acidity, fine bubbles, and complex flavours.
In Spain, the Cava region produces sparkling wines made primarily from the Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo grape varieties. Cava wines are known for their crisp acidity, citrus flavours, and minerality.
In Germany, the Sekt region produces sparkling wines made from a variety of grape varieties, including Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir. German Sekt wines are known for their crisp acidity, fine bubbles, and fruit-forward flavours.
In the United States, the Napa Valley region in California produces high-quality sparkling wines using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varieties. These wines are known for their rich, complex flavuors and aromas, with notes of citrus, apple, and toast.
Other regions around the world that produce high-quality sparkling wines include the Loire Valley in France, Tasmania in Australia, and the South of England.
Sparkling
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Decanter (97)
Platinum Medal Winner 60% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier Bold and opulent, with a plush nose of cinnamon-coated baked apples, spun sugar, oats and custard, then a soft yet crisp palate revealing layers of intense apricot, red apple, nuts and toast. Still retains plenty of age-worthy freshness.Inc. TAX€369.18 -
Inc. TAX€591.18
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Jancis Robinson (17+)
58% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir, 11% Pinot Meunier. Vintages: 70% 2014, 4% 2013, 6% 2011, 9% 2010, 10% 2009, 1% 2008. Four years on lees. Disgorged May 2019. Outstanding nose, with all the bready complexity of great sparkling. Saline and zippy, with excellent apple and lemon fruit on the palate. Not at all sharp, with excellent balance and flesh on the body. Mature, mushroomy character on the finish. Expertly done. (RH)Inc. TAX€319.79 -
Rathfinny Rosé Brut 2016 is the second vintage of Rathfinny's flagship sparkling wine, with an expressive red-fruit style that beautifully showcases the increased presence of Pinot Noir within the blend. Vivid coral in hue, it has a lifted nose of wild strawberries and mandarin zest, giving way to a rich mousse of Rainier cherries and candied red apple skin, and a silky, strawberry shortcake finish.Inc. TAX€240.85
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Falstaff (96)
An intriguing mix of cream, vanilla and smoke makes for a dramatic opening. Creamy mousse defines the palate, expressing salty oyster shell and preserved lemon, shortbread richness and subtle saltiness. The smoky echo returns on the finish which is of pristine lemon expressing depth and soaring freshness in equal measure. The finish is pure and lasting. Lay this down and you will have treasure. Drink by 2035.Inc. TAX€387.25 -
Vinous (91)
The 2015 The Trouble With Dreams was tasted twice. The first, disgorged in April 2020, exhibited a little sweet botrytis that Sugrue advised might have originated from a warm night in October. A later disgorgement is more nervy on the nose, displaying a distinct sea spray/oyster shell influence that translates across onto the palate. Taut and more linear, it has a strictness and stoicism that I admire. Brisk and mouthwateringly saline on the aftertaste. Certainly the second disgorgement is superior.Inc. TAX€359.65
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Decanter (97)
Platinum Medal Winner 60% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier Bold and opulent, with a plush nose of cinnamon-coated baked apples, spun sugar, oats and custard, then a soft yet crisp palate revealing layers of intense apricot, red apple, nuts and toast. Still retains plenty of age-worthy freshness.In Bond€289.00 -
In Bond€474.00
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Jancis Robinson (17+)
58% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir, 11% Pinot Meunier. Vintages: 70% 2014, 4% 2013, 6% 2011, 9% 2010, 10% 2009, 1% 2008. Four years on lees. Disgorged May 2019. Outstanding nose, with all the bready complexity of great sparkling. Saline and zippy, with excellent apple and lemon fruit on the palate. Not at all sharp, with excellent balance and flesh on the body. Mature, mushroomy character on the finish. Expertly done. (RH)In Bond€248.00 -
Rathfinny Rosé Brut 2016 is the second vintage of Rathfinny's flagship sparkling wine, with an expressive red-fruit style that beautifully showcases the increased presence of Pinot Noir within the blend. Vivid coral in hue, it has a lifted nose of wild strawberries and mandarin zest, giving way to a rich mousse of Rainier cherries and candied red apple skin, and a silky, strawberry shortcake finish.In Bond€182.00
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Falstaff (96)
An intriguing mix of cream, vanilla and smoke makes for a dramatic opening. Creamy mousse defines the palate, expressing salty oyster shell and preserved lemon, shortbread richness and subtle saltiness. The smoky echo returns on the finish which is of pristine lemon expressing depth and soaring freshness in equal measure. The finish is pure and lasting. Lay this down and you will have treasure. Drink by 2035.In Bond€304.00 -
Vinous (91)
The 2015 The Trouble With Dreams was tasted twice. The first, disgorged in April 2020, exhibited a little sweet botrytis that Sugrue advised might have originated from a warm night in October. A later disgorgement is more nervy on the nose, displaying a distinct sea spray/oyster shell influence that translates across onto the palate. Taut and more linear, it has a strictness and stoicism that I admire. Brisk and mouthwateringly saline on the aftertaste. Certainly the second disgorgement is superior.In Bond€281.00