Global Masters Wine of the Week: English sparkling wine by… Louis Pommery

Every week we select a wine that picked up either a Gold or Master from our competition series, and tell you why the judges loved it. Enter the Global Masters and this could be your wine.

With the results of our Global Sparkling Masters 2019 out, we wanted to draw your attention to a curious, Anglo-French number from Louis Pommery that impressed the judges this year.

Pommery revealed its plans to put down roots in England in 2014, announcing a partnership with Hattingley Valley in Hampshire to use its facilities to produce the house’s first English sparkler.

It will be several years before the Pinglestone vineyard bears fruit, with the first harvest expected in 2021 and full production from 2024, but Pommery is taking a long-term view of the project.

In the meantime, this limited edition number has already proved what Pommery is capable of producing on British soil. A smooth mousse with aromas of citrus and apple, the wine is a marriage of quality reserve wines from Hattingley and the expert blending of Pommery’s winemaker.

It has that signature acidity and taut structure we’re starting to see as a hallmark of English fizz, as well as the toasty, brioche-like depth we know and love about Champagne. Alongside this, a fresh lemony flavour on the palate, hints of honeycomb and a long finish will have you reaching for another glass before long.

The wine: Louis Pommery Brut, England

The source: Hampshire, England

The grape(s): Chardonnay (55%), Pinot Noir (37%), Pinot Meunier (8%)

Vintage: NV

ABV: 12%

Dosage: 8g/l

The style: A juicy, brut, unoaked, traditional method fizz with fresh lemon, lime and apple, along with stone fruits, a hint of honey, and a slightly saline edge

The winemaker: Clément Pierlot

The price: £39.99

The medal: Gold – The Global Sparkling Masters, 2019

With high quality judges and a unique sampling process, the Global Wine Masters provides a chance for your wines to star, whether they hail from the great vineyards of Europe or lesser-known corners of the New World.

It’s a competition dedicated to making winners out of winemakers.

Please visit the Global Masters website for more information, or please call +44 (0)20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Raichura at: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com