028 793 95144        Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm

BLOG

Cross-channel winery offers challenge to champagne

YOU CAN’T BEAT A BUBBLY, OR CAN YOU?...Champagne not your thing? Then, why not cast your eye across The Channel and try the awesome award-winning Albury Estate Classic Cuvee at HOME DELIVERY WINE.

If the fizz of Champagne doesn’t tickle your fancy at Christmas or the New Year, then how about an alternative from the other side of the English Channel?

Nestled on the southern slopes of the Surrey Hills, Albury Vineyard is the manifestation of a lifelong dream. Having retired from the IT industry, Nick Wenman planted his first vines in 2009, traditional Champagne varietals of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, together with some Seyval and Pinot Gris.

The result of this labour of love was the Albury Estate Classic Cuvee, a stunning sparkling wine that currently features on the wine list at several Michelin Star eateries, including Tom Kerridge’s The Hand and Flowers in the centre of Marlow, Raymond Blanc’s Le Maoir Aux Quat’Saisons near Oxford, Tommy Banks’ The Black Swan at Oldstead, and Chez Bruce in Wandsworth.

Since going into production, the Albury Classic has also wowed the critics, securing Gold at the International Organisation Wine Awards (2017), and Silver at the International Wine Challenge, the 2017 UK Wine Awards, and 2016 Sommelier Awards.

So, what’s all the fuss about? Well, the Albury Estate Classic Cuvee provides subtle fruit on the nose, with predominantly red berries from the Pinot and the Chardonnay’s light citrus dovetailing perfectly to create a mouth-filling palate that lingers and satisfies.

In short, this is a fresh, intensely lively sparkling wine with an acidity that is complimented by a subtle, yet key sweetness. Light, clean, and oh so drinkable…what’s not to like?

QUALITY

Albury may indeed be a relatively new name to the industry, but it’s clear that Ben’s passion for winemaking and organic philosophy has proved a winning combination with everyone…including the Royal family.

Albury Estate is the ancestral home of the Duke of Northumberland and the family-owned company (Ben’s daughter Lucy is a key part of the team) was privileged to have their still rose wine served on the Royal Barge during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Now, the estate’s classic cuvee is taking the fight to the established Champagne houses. A wonderful alternative to champers at Christmas, or to toast the New Year, this top quality sparkling wine should be top of your shopping list.

There’s a French saying: “Tout arrive en France”, roughly translating as ‘Everything happens in France’. It now appears that when it comes to a drink with real sparkle, the English also know a thing or two.

Albury Estate Classic Cuvee is NOW AVAILABLE in store or on our website.