FOOD and WINE PAIRING—Chinese Food

2 December 2010 11:25 am | Posted by siteadmin

 FOOD and WINE PAIRING—Chinese Food (continuation from blog  “ Food and Wine Pairing”  dated 24 October  2010)

 INTRODUCTION:—–this blog and the many more following will examine the pleasurable and often complex relationship between good food and wine, with the ultimate aim to assist our many discerning customers evolve the convivial bonding of good food and wine.

 
FOOD BEING FEATURED:—–CHINESE FOOD, Cuisine that encompasses many different styles of cooking -noodles,dumplings and the sizzling meats of North China, lightly spiced seafood dishes of the eastern coastal regions, very hot and spicy dishes from Sichuan and then the huge variety of stir-fries which are popular in and around Canton.

 
CHALLENGES:—–The common perception is that Chinese Foods pair better with beer than wine -this is not true. With such a variety of tastes and flavours as highlighted above, the challenge is tricky, but certainly not impossible. We do need to consider wines that are all rounders, wines that pair well with the delicate dim sum dishes as well as sharp and spicy dishes which utilize much pepper and chilli. 

 
RECOMMENDATIONS:—–There are a number of wines that work well with most Chinese dishes – the conventional wisdom of matching a medium bodied Gewurztraminer W. Gisselbrecht with either light fish dishes or hot Sichuan dishes does work very well. A German Riesling of Kabinett quality such as Johannisberger Erntebringer has similar attributes in pairing with the variety of tastes and flavours of Chinese food. For lovers of red wines, try a New World full bodied Merlot from Santa Cecilia Chile, the wine has a good balance of fruit and tannins which will compliment light dishes of the South and the more robust and spicy dishes of Northern China.

A little tip – similar to Indian or Thai food, sip a little water between different wines and different courses. It helps a lot in introducing a new wine or changing from a spicy to more delicate dish.

 
MAIN DIRECTORY:—–click on The Marriage of Food and Wine to access our quick search facility to locate hundreds of other food/wine/food pairing options, including hors-d’oeuvres, starters, soups, main courses and deserts. Also view Great Friends-Cheese and Wine for cheese and wine pairing.

 

NEXT ARTICLE:—–White Fish
 

HAPPY CHINESE FOOD and WINE PAIRING DAYS

Graham D

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CONNEMARA IRISH WHISKEY FROM THE COOLEY DISTILLERY

24 November 2010 3:44 pm | Posted by siteadmin

Cooley Distillery is the only independently Irish-owned whiskey distillery in Ireland. It was founded in 1987 when John Teeling bought the former state-owned alcohol plant on the Cooley Peninsula and converted it into two distilleries – a pot still and a patent still operation. The company takes it name from the location of the distillery at the foothills of the Cooley Mountains in County Louth. Acquisitions included the assets of the old A.A. Watt Distillery in Co.Derry (established in 1762) and John Locke and Co.of Kilbeggan (established in 1757); the latter is the oldest licensed distillery in the world.
The company now produces three styles of single malt whiskey, several blends and a small batch single grain. Distillation continues to take place at the Cooley Distillery with the cooperage and ageing cellars in the John Locke’s Distillery in Kilbeggan.
Connemara is a wild, mountainous region on the west coast of Ireland with majestic mountains, lakes, streams, glens and rain-soaked peat bogs creating a landscape of unique natural beauty. The bogs are major fuel sources to the region and have played an important role throughout Irish history, cottage distillers used the bog peat to dry the cereal.

 img_1401_edited-1Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey is a tribute to this region and to its grassroots culture. Its complex characters and peaty taste revive a tradition that in recent years has been forgotten by Irish distillers throughout the country.
Connemara’s strength is the balance of peat with sweet malt and oak. Double distillation retains the flavours which are in perfect balance with the phenol levels of 15 parts per million – far less than the 50 parts per million for most heavily peated whiskies.

Connemara is also available in img_1406_edited-1

12 Years Old,

 img_1400_edited-1Single Cask

connemara-caskand Cask Strength.

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Food and Wine Pairing – Spanish Tapas

24 October 2010 2:09 pm | Posted by siteadmin

FOOD AND WINE PAIRINGSPANISH TAPAS (continuation from BLOG “FOOD AND WINE PAIRING” dated 5th June 2010

INTRODUCTION:- This blog and the many more following will examine the pleasurable and often complex relationship between good food and wine, with the ultimate aim to assist our many discerning customers evolve the convivial bonding of good food and wine

FOOD BEING FEATURED:- SPANISH TAPAS, delicious small dishes most suitable for sharing, often early evening at a bar before a late dinner. A good range of tapas would probably include red and white meats, seafood, egg and cheese dishes and many vegetable delights.

CHALLENGES:- The big challenge is the vast range of different dishes and flavours that can be consumed in just one or two hours. In a short period of time, one could have enjoyed dishes made from red meat, white meat, shellfish, grilled oily fish, cheese and eggs, and a mixture of light to strong tasting vegetables. These dishes will be paired with sauces of many flavours and textures with examples being Tomato and Garlic sauce, white wine sauce, sweet and chilli sauces, and citrus sauces just a few to mention.

RECOMMENDATIONS:- Tradition suggests sherry was served with Tapas originally in bars througout Andalusia. So why not enjoy your tapas with a good Manzanilla sherry such as Las Medallas de Argueso Manzanilla Half Bottle      or a dry Oloroso sherry like Williams & Humbert 12 years old Dry Oloroso Sherry      . But, if you prefer wine, then the challenge is pairing wines with so many varying tastes and flavours e.g. Potato or Chicken Croquettes, Lamb Meatballs, Deep Fried Squid, Prawns in Garlic, Artichoke Hearts with garlic mayonnaise, slices of spanish omlette and also the many different olive dishes. A fruity and tasty rose wine from Marques de Caceres, Rioja     might just cover all permentations. If that is not your preference and there are more than four in your party, then select a quality medium bodied white wine from Mallorca  such as  L’Antull, Vins de Mortitx  and a quality medium bodied red wine from  Rioja  such as  Anares Reserva Rioja, Bodegas Olarra  .  Neither of these wines will let you down.

MAIN DIRECTORY:- click on THE MARRIAGE OF FOOD AND WINE to access our quick search facility to locate hundreds of other food/wine/food pairing options, including hors-d’Oeuvres, starters, soups, main courses, and desserts. Also view GREAT FRIENDS-CHEESE AND WINE for cheese and wine PAIRING.

NEXT ARTICLE:– CHINESE FOOD

HAPPY SPANISH TAPAS AND WINE PAIRING DAYS

GRAHAM D

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Offley Porto Wine

19 October 2010 5:01 pm | Posted by siteadmin

OFFLEY PORTO WINE

A brand with a prestigious heritage in the making of great ports, OFFLEY today adjusts yesterday’s experience to tomorrows challenges. OFFLEY makes ports of all four main categories : white,rose, ruby and tawny, as well as Late Bottled Vintage Port and classic Vintage Port.

OFFLEY’S history goes back to 1737, the year in which the Englishman William Offley founded the company to which he gave his own name. It is however from the 19th century onwards that the company acquired a new dynamism. In 1831, Joseph James Forrester, a newphew of the founder, joined the company. An academic and an artist, James Forrester was the first person to map the River Douro and its region, as well as to draw maps that became works of reference. He also undertook numerous wine-growing studies and left important graphical works – paintings, drawings and sketches – in which he shows all his passion for the Douro. James Forrester’s contribution to the development of the region where Port Wine is made, as well as to its trade, earned him the title of Baron given to him by the King of Portugal.

offley-whiteOFFLEY WHITE is a rich White Porto wine, full of freshness and youth, created for the enjoyment of many consumers worldwide by Offley, the prestigious brand that combines modernity with almost three centuries of experience.
TASTING NOTES: OFFLEY WHITE PORTO has an attractive yellow-straw hue and an intense aroma dominated by floral,apricot and peach, marmalade and dry fruit notes. The aging in oak wood has ennobled it, increasing its richness and complexity. In the mouth, the balance between acidity and sweetness stands out, culminating in a lingering and elegant finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: OFFLEY WHITE PORTO should be served chilled (about 10C -12C) with dry fruit or salted almonds,appetisers and varied starters. It is surprising also when served with fresh desserts (for instance, vanilla ice-cream with tropical fruits…) or in the Offley Tonic version (in a tall glass serve 1/2 of Offley White Porto, 1/2 of Tonic Water, ice and lemon). OFFLEY WHITE PORTO is ready for drinking and does not require decanting.

offley-roseOFFLEY ROSE is a young rose Porto wine, a fresh and light new flavour proposed by Offley. This new OFFLEY ROSE combines the freshness and delicacy sought in a rose wine with the elegance and charisma normally associated with Porto wine. OFFLEY ROSE is a versatile wine that takes Porto wine category into yet unexplored areas.
TASTING NOTES: OFFLEY ROSE has a light hue,with shades of violet and a fine bouquet of tropical fruits and exotic wood. In the mouth is quite balanced and fresh,with a flavour of tropical fruits and a long and elegant finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: OFFLEY ROSE PORTO is ready for drinking and does not require decanting.It should be served in a large glass, chilled or on the rocks, it makes an excellent aperitif. It may also be enjoyed in cocktails or with tonic water, ice and lemon in a long drink glass.

offley-ruby1OFFLEY RUBY is a young red Porto wine, an accessible classic created for the satisfaction of the many that enjoy this style by Offley.
TASTING NOTES: OFFLEY RUBY PORTO has an attractive and well defined red-ruby hue and lively aroma reminiscent of red fruit with some more complex notes arising from its aging in oak wood.In the mouth, it has a fine balance between sweetness and mature tannins, it is well structured and it has a long finish. Its elegance and liveliness make it the ideal option for those who enjoy young and accessible Porto wines.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: OFFLEY RUBY PORTO is a versatile wine that goes very well with cheese and assorted desserts, including fresh fruit tarts.Served on its own, chilled or with ice, it is also a surprising option as an aperitif or evening drink.

offley-tawnyOFFLEY TAWNY is an elegant red Porto wine, a tawny wine with a classic style, both with maturity and freshness, created for the satisfaction of the many that enjoy this style.
TASTING NOTES: OFFLEY TAWNY has an attractive red-tawny hue, typical of an older wine, a delicate aroma reminiscent of ripe red fruit and enhanced by dry fruit notes that provide it with an added complexity. In the mouth, there is a fine balance between soft tannins and natural sweetness which combine harmoniously towards an elegant and fine finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: OFFLEY TAWNY PORTO is a very versatile and attractive wine, ideal with traditional desserts, from creme caramel to apple, almond and cream tarts.Served chilled it is an excellent aperitif and goes well with some salted starters.

offley-lbvOFFLEY LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE 2004 is a top quality wine of single fine year, bottled between the 4th and 6th year following harvest in the traditional L.B.V. style.
TASTING NOTES: OFFLEY LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE 2004 shows a very deep, intense ruby red colour and full aromatic concentration. Its aromas are very elegant and complex with predominance of full ripe red black fruit as well as balsamic aromas and cinnamon. In the mouth, it has a very good balance between acidity and tannins that give great harmony and the complexity typical of the Offley style. This is a wine which can be enjoyed young and will age well for some years.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: OFFLEY LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE 2004 is a classic and powerful Porto wine ideal to serve at the end of a good meal, on its own, with cheese or intense desserts like chocolate. Serve in a good sized glass, slightly cold fo fuller appreciation. OFFLEY LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE 2004 may require decanting, following some years of ageing in bottle.

    
HAPPY OFFLEY PORTO WINE DAYS

Graham D

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FOOD and WINE PAIRING – TUNA, MARLIN and SWORDFISH

5 June 2010 4:28 pm | Posted by siteadmin

FOOD and WINE PAIRING—TUNA, MARLIN and SWORDFISH DISHES  (continuation from blog  “ Food and Wine pairing”  dated 11th May 2010)

INTRODUCTION:—–this blog and the many more following will examine the pleasurable and often complex relationship between good food and wine, with the ultimate aim to assist our many discerning customers evolve the convivial bonding of good food and wine.

FOOD BEING FEATURED:—–TUNA, MARLIN and SWORDFISH. The steaks being grilled, panfried or baked. Larding these type of fish steaks can also enhance the texture and flavour.

CHALLENGES:—–The three fish in question can be compared in a little way with the tender texture and delicate flavour of a top quality Sirloin, Wagyu or Kobe Steak. These three game fish have totally different flavours to the more widely available white seafish from the colder seas of Western Europe.

RECOMMENDATIONS:—–With intense flavoured fish like Tuna, Marlin and Swordfish our choice of wine is varied.
For all three fish we can recommend light red wines such as Julienas from the Beaujolais region of France,or Sangiovese Rosso Toscana from Tuscany in Italy.

For white wines we would suggest a full bodied wine such as Jane Hunters’s oaked Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and also a full flavoured Rhone white such as Pas de la Beaume Blanc from Cave de Cairanne.

A very good quality sparkling Rose such as Chateau Montgueret Saumur Brut Rose will be a superb pairing with either of the three fishes in question.   
 
MAIN DIRECTORY:—–click on The Marriage of Food and Wine to access our quick search facility to locate hundreds of other food/wine/food pairing options, including hors-d’oeuvres, starters, soups, main courses and deserts. Also Great Friends-Cheese and Wine for cheese and wine pairing.

 

NEXT ARTICLE:—–Spanish Tapas
HAPPY  TUNA, MARLIN,SWORDFISH AND WINE PAIRING DAYS

Graham D

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CALVADOS-DOMAINE DUPONT

31 May 2010 3:00 pm | Posted by siteadmin

Domaine Dupont is situated in the heart of the Pays d’Auge Calvados. This is a region which has long been considered as to adding a little extra to the finesse and delicacy of the calvados because it only permits the use of apples and insists on double pot distillation.

In 1980 Etienne Dupont took over from his father and has worked hard to improve the orchards and distillation methods.The orchard is now a mixture of old taller trees as well as small standard trees. Varieties such as Saint Martin, Doux Normandie and Noel des Champs have been specially cultivated to provide the maximum aromatic qualities from their small fruits.

Etienne studied the methods of distillation from Cognac. These techniques and his inherited knowledge combine to produce a spirit that represents the flavour and ripeness of the apple alongside the mellowness and warmth of a well aged spirit. He has also experimented with ageing in different cask sizes and oak types to ensure that the flavour extracted through distillation is further enhanced during maceration.

Domaine Dupont uses three types of apples in a set formula : 30% sweet, 30% bitter and 40% are apples with high acidity, this gives the correct balance of flavour.The apples are cropped manually and stored in open wooden crates to allow them to rest and mature for up to a month before fermentation.

We list these fine calvados from this prestigious producer.

calvados-dupont-vsop_edited-2Calvados Pays d’Auge VSOP
Aged for around six years in 400 litre oak casks. This oak comes from the Loire Valley and is lightly toasted to help the capture the subtle vanilla aroma.The nose has fine oaky spice , touch of vanilla and balsam with an abundance of fresh apple and touch of butterscotch on the palate finishing with a little kick from the spirit.

 

Calvados Hors d’Auge
This is aged for 12 years. A fresh and elegant nose with intense vanilla apple, some floral notes of jasmine and rose and touches of sturdy oak and dried fruit. A smooth palate with good persistence, fine fruit with complex oaky flavour showing baked apples, vanilla, spiced fruit and good structure with a long finish and some mouth-tingling grip. 

calvados-dupont-half_edited-1Calvados Vintage 1989 Half Bottle
A nose of dried fruits, apple and vanilla, preserved oranges and a little hint of rosewater. These aromas come back on the palate, baked apples and tarte tartin, a touch of raisins and spice with some classic oak structure and a fine layered finish.

 

Also Calvados Pays d’Auge, Vintage 1989 700ml and Calvados Reserve Pays d’Auge 1500ml
 

HAPPY CALVADOS DAYS

Del

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FOOD and WINE PAIRING -SMOKED FOODS

11 May 2010 11:29 am | Posted by siteadmin

FOOD and WINE PAIRING–SMOKED FOODS (continuation from blog ” Food and Wine Pairing ” dated 3rd April 2010

INTRODUCTION:—This blog and the many more following will examine the pleasurable and often complex relationship between good food and wine, with the ultimate aim to assist our many discerning customers evolve the convivial bonding of good food and wine.

FOOD BEING FEATURED:—SMOKED FOODS including SMOKED TROUT,SMOKED SALMON,SMOKED MACKEREL,SMOKED EEL,SMOKED HALIBUT,SMOKED HAM,SMOKED CHICKEN,SMOKED DUCK and SMOKED GOOSE.

CHALLENGES:—It is important that strong smoked foods are not fighting against the wine and vice versa . Fish and meat which have been smoked do have the same initial smoky taste and influence, but when moving further into the taste experience, the type of fish or meat you are eating should come through even though the overall smoky influence will still be there – this similar smoky taste generally allows you to choose similar wines for both fish and meat.

RECOMMENDATIONS:—Heavily oaked white wines can sometimes be a little overbearing, but they do have one good and most loyal friend, that being smoked fish. Good examples would be Wakefield Chardonnay from Australia or Hunter’s Chardonnay from New Zealand.

Smoked meats also go well with the two above mentioned Chardonnay’s and red wines well oaked with lots of vanilla flavours well support smoked meats, wines from  Riojas and Ribera del Duero such as Rioja Anares Tinto Crianza, Bodega Olarra and Portia Ribera del Duero Bodegas Portia do a grand job in matching smoked meats. These red wines also make an alternative and agreeable match with some fish dishes which include traditionally smoked eel and mackerel.

A very dry sherry like  Dry Sac Fino,Williams & Humbert  or a dry white port such as Sandeman White Apitiv  make a different and very interesting marriage and will certainly suit and match most smoked meats, fish and shellfish.

MAIN DIRECTORY:—click on The Marriage of Food and Wine to access our quick search facility to locate hundreds of other food/wine/food pairing options, including hors-d’oeuvres, starters,soups,main courses and desserts. Also Great Friends-Cheese and Wine for cheese and wine pairing.

NEXT ARTICLE:—Tuna, Marlin and Swordfish

 

 

HAPPY SMOKED FOODS AND WINE PAIRING DAYS

Graham D 

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Cognac Ragnaud-Sabourin

5 May 2010 8:59 am | Posted by siteadmin

” For many cognac connoisseurs,the Ragnaud-Sabourin estate is the mecca of the whole cognac region.The family’s fruity and well-balanced brandies remain a yardstick with which to judge the best products of the Grande Champagne” , Nicholas Faith, Classic Brandy

The Ragnaud-Sabourin family owns one of the most prestigious private estates in Grande Champagne and certainly have a grand history.The estate was established in 1850 by Gaston Briand, one of the first in the region to push for an establishment of recognised crus. In 1941 a spilt took place in the Ragnaud family and one brother,Raymond Ragnaud,set off on his own. The other brother, Marcel Ragnaud,went on to develop Ragnaud-Sabourin and establish the house as one of the finest in Cognac.

Today the Domain La Voute is run by three descendants, from grandmother to granddaughter: Denise, Annie and Patricia Ragnaud-Sabourin.Together they oversee the vines, which stretch across the chalky slopes of Ambleville in the heart of Cognac’s premier cru region, Grande Champagne.They are also wholly responsible for all aspects of production and ageing, always determined to produce limited quantities of the highest quality.

All their cognacs are matured as vintages;there is no blending between years,no sweetening and no colouring. The name of each in the Alliance range illustrates the minimum age of the cognac contained in the bottle.

Our selection includes 

                ragnaud-xo                

  XO Decanter which has an elegant finish with much finesse and just a tickle of spirit

       ragnaud-floreige                   

Florilege with complex dried fruit character with a sweet spiciness and slightly dry but very long finish.

  

              ragnauld-sabourin-35 

 Fontvieille No35 has a quintessential Grande Champagne cognac   nose, delicate  and elegant with a subtle  mix of oak spice and balsam, complex finish.

                       sabourin-901  

   Vintage 1990 , double distilled and matured in Limousin cask, rich oily unctuous notes and the famed rancio charentais clearly discernible

 

   alliance20          

Alliance No20 Special Reserve has a deep, golden amber colour with spice, vanilla, citrus oil and a little  expresso coffee on the nose,light toffee undertones, oak and a dry long finish.

 

 

Others in the selection are Alliance No10 VSOP, Alliance No 4,Ragnaud-Sabourin VSOP

HAPPY COGNAC DAYS

DEL

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FOOD and WINE PAIRING—SHELLFISH

3 April 2010 4:20 pm | Posted by siteadmin

FOOD and WINE PAIRING—SHELLFISH (continuation from blog 

 “ Food and Wine pairing”  dated 4th February 2010 )

 

INTRODUCTION:—–this blog and the many more following will examine the pleasurable and often complex relationship between good food and wine, with the ultimate aim to assist our many discerning customers evolve the convivial bonding of good food and wine.

FOOD BEING FEATURED:—–SHELLFISH including PRAWNS, LANGOSTINE, OYSTERS, CLAMS, MUSSELS, SCALLOPS, CRAB and LOBSTER

 

CHALLENGES:—–Delicate shellfish need due care and attention, beware and stay away from strongly oaked wines. You should seek out crisp dry white wines, new world sauvignon blancs, dry champagne or a quality sparkling wine will do the job very well. Shellfish cooked with, cheese, cream or herbs do support a much broader range of wines.

 
RECOMMENDATIONS:—–When eating live shellfish try a very dry and crisp Muscadet  or a more up market Pouilly-Fume, both from the Loire Valley.

When enjoying rich dishes like Devilled Crab, Lobster Newburgh or Lobster Thermidor, then you could choose from all three colours and good recommendations would be a light red from the Loire—Saumur Champigny, a fine and sturdy rose from Australia—Willowglen Rose  or a buttery Chardonnay from New Zealand— Hunter’s of Marlborough.

Lightly cooked Scallops, Clams or Mussels in a white wine sauce go exceedingly well with New World Sauvignon Blancs or a Mortitx Blanc from the island of Mallorca.

Prawns, Shrimp and Langostine dishes cooked in richer style sauces (not curry spices) are very well suited to more full bodied whites like Chateaunuef du Pape  from the Rhone Valley and a rich Chilean Chardonnay from Millaman.

 

MAIN DIRECTORY:—–click on The Marriage of Food and Wine  to access our quick search facility to locate hundreds of other food/wine/food pairing options, including hors-d’oeuvres, starters, soups, main courses and desserts. Also  Great Friends-Cheese and Wine  for cheese and wine pairing.

 

NEXT ARTICLE:—–Smoked food including,  smoked trout, smoked salmon, smoked mackerel, smoked eel, smoked halibut, smoked ham, smoked chicken , smoked duck and smoked goose.
 
HAPPY  SHELLFISH AND WINE PAIRING DAYS

Graham D

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ARMAND DE BRIGNAC BRUT GOLD CHAMPAGNE

15 February 2010 3:34 pm | Posted by siteadmin

THE WORLD’S GREATEST CHAMPAGNE  
A little story about a very big  champagne born out of passion and imagination, handmade in the traditional way by the Cattier family and now voted the world’s number one champagne. brignac11

 First a little about the champagne itself and secondly some important comments on its recent status as the world’s number one.

This great champagne uses only the first pressing of harvested grapes and is thus classified as a ‘Prestige Cuvee’. A prestige cuvee contains only the richest wine from each harvest, enabling the champagne to become much more complex and delicate as it ages. Armand de Brignac owes its light, racy effervescence to the quality of its chardonnay grapes, these grapes come only from villages rated Grand Cru and Premier Cru. The berry driven pinot noir adds strength and boldness and is responsible for the depth of the Armand de Brignac palate and Pinot Meunier brings to the  champagne roundness, nuance and fruitiness to the bouquet and taste.

After the grapes are pressed, the Chateau’s oenologues Jean-Jacques and Alexander Cattier create the signature cuvee blend that embodies the quality and uncompromised individuality of Amand de Brignac. A percentage of the finest harvests stored from prior years is added to the newly harvested juice to ensure consistency between bottlings. This blending of top vintages preserves the Chateau’s character and brings the vivacity and excellence of the champagne art to the front.

When the champagne has been bottled and sealed the bottles are stored over 30 metres underground in cellars considered among the deepest in Champagne, these cellars maintain a constant cool temperature conducive to the slow natural aging process that enhances the classical character of Armand de Brignac. The remuage and degorgement process is again traditional, every operation is done by hand with no use of mechanized riddling devices—-uncompromised quality can only be guaranteed by time-honored techniques

Following remuage and degorgement, the blend of wine ia augmented with a special liqueur de dosage, a liqueur made from a secret formula passed down through the family. The liqueur is created from fine cane sugar and a blend of the very best still wines from prior harvests and is aged in oaken casks, which impart subtle accents to the champagne. This step is especially important in maintaining the unique nature of Armand de Brignac, as no other wine in the world includes the same combination of meticulously selected wine vintages from the Chateau’s private terroir. The end result of this long drawn out process is a cuvee of great distinction, a singular example of French Champagne Tradition.

This marvellously complex and full bodied champagne has a bouquet that is both fresh and lively, with light floral notes. On the palate Armand de Brignac has a sumptuous, racy fruit character that is perfectly integrated with the wine’s subtle brioche accents. The champagne’s texture is deliciously creamy, pairing rich depth with a long silky finish.

                   

Yes the world’s number one—-2009 saw the world’s most respected wine critics and sommeliers conduct a rigorous blind tasting of more than 1000 brands of champagne. The results were published in ‘Fine Champagne Magazine’, the only international publication devoted to champagne and an authority on the industry.

Each champagne was rated on a 100 point scale. The process was so strict that, if judges’ scores were more than four points apart, the champagne would be re-tested and re-assessed. When the final results were presented, Armand de Brignac was ranked number one among the world’s best champagnes.brignac15

 

THE WORLD’S BEST CHAMPAGNES   

1.   96 points—Armand de Brignac Brut Gold
2.   95 points—2000 Dom Perignon
3.   94 points—1998 Mumm R. Lalou
4.   94 points—2002 Roederer Cristal
5.   94 points—2000 Egerier de Pannier
6.   94 points—1998 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill
7.   93 points—1998 Dom Perignon Rose
8.   93 points—1999 Jacquart Blanc de Blancs
9.   93 points—2002 Roederer Cristal Rose
10. 93 points—Chartogne-Taillet Fiacre

             The world is now aware of Armand de Brignac

                    

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