Classic Cuvée 2019, our best selling, traditional method sparkling wine is now available here online and on our Guided Tours. With 6 years lees ageing, it's just perfect for celebrations.
This vintage is a little different to the ones that have gone before in that, like the No. 36, it is a blend of just Chardonnay (48%), Pinot Noir (43%) and Pinot Meunier (9%), no Pinot Gris this year.
The observant among you will notice that there is more Pinot Noir than usual, in fact nearly 50% more than the next highest vintage - the multi-award winning 2014. This means you can expect more red berry flavours coming through, especially as the wine breathes.
Dare we say it but it is also one that will last a day or two if you stopper it with more than half left - as if you would!!
Of course it's had the usual extra-ageing on lees, far beyond the norm that most producers apply, and it is so much better for that, offering a wealth of autolytic flavours such as pastry and croissant.The effect of all this on the overall flavour profile is distinctive:
Layers of pastry, croissant and lemon patisserie notes, alongside flavours of English apple turnover, honeysuckle and crushed wild strawberry as the wine opens up in glass.
That's what we think but everyone's palate is different so try for yourself!
Other nerdy / technical data:
ABV: 12.13%
Dosage: 5 g/l
Residual Sugar: 6.5 g/l
Total acidity: 9.2 g/l
Vegan
RRP: £42.00
So how does it differ from No. 36?
Classic Cuvée 2019 is the celebratory drink of choice, with the traditional elegant and fine yet vigorous bubbles and mousse. A slightly more vibrant - but still perfectly balanced - acidity than No. 36 makes this ideal for celebrations and cocktails. And by "cocktail", I am not for one minute suggesting using this as a mixer (although the Sparkling Rosé does make a damned good Sloegasm!).
For sure - or to use the vogue expression "100 per cent" - you can still drink this with a meal, pair it with canapés, sushi, seafood or goats cheese salads, or go to town with oysters and lightly buttered fish dishes.
Equally you can enjoy No. 36 for celebrations and as an aperitif, however it really comes into its own as the drink to enjoy throughout pretty much any meal. Its lower acidity and softer, more delicate bubbles and mousse means it complements most food styles. In addition the depth of autolytic flavours (those that come with age) in No. 36 really lend themselves to pairings with more intense flavours so it will seamlessly accompany starters such as buttered scallops or baked camembert, right through to roast chicken.
Where can we buy it?
Well, we have already sold a pallet of the Classic Cuvée 2019 to our restaurant friends in Norway but you don't have to go that far to buy a bottle!
Obviously, you can buy direct from us using the link below and at the Tours & Tastings Cellar Door.
Then again, you can try it at The Greyhound, Finchampstead, The White Oak, Cookham, Donnington Valley Hotel and in London at all of The Good Wine Shops. We expect to make an announcement shortly about where you can buy it more locally and I have no doubt that our friends at The Naked Grape in Hungerford will soon have some on their shelves.
And don't forget, we're always interested in your feedback. Get in touch and let us know what you think at info@allangels.com or through our Contact Us page.
