Nothing enlivens the palate or the soul quite as well as bubbles. A love of fizz is a love of effervescence, both in drinking and in life. We admit that there is something magical about Champagne, a sensation of elegance and indulgence that is a genuine treat. But there is a world of alternatives that will keep your interest alive and your pockets fuller. At JN Wine, we have always sought out interesting, quality wines and we have compiled this selection of the three best alternatives to Champagne:
JN Sparkling NV – As you can probably tell by the name, this is our house fizz and it is a real cracker. Made from Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc in the Loire valley by the respected producer Bouvet-Ladubay at their winery in St-Hilaire-St-Florent, JN Sparkling offers a lighter alternative to Champagne. The Chardonnay brings the Champagne influence whilst also providing structure, but the decent amount of Chenin, one of the celebrated grape varieties of the Loire, really sets it apart. Aromas of white flowers and apple lead to crisp, white fruit and honey flavours. The bubbles are fine, lending themselves to a soft mousse and a creaminess to the mouthfeel that brings everything together into a wonderful whole.
Quinta Soalheiro Espumante Alvarinho 2014 – Soalheiro produce one of the most popular wines from JN Wine, their classic Alvarinho, and fans won’t be disappointed with their sparkling offering. Made in the traditional method which entails a second fermentation in bottle followed by the various procedures that are followed in Champagne production, it’s the grape that sets this wine apart. Aromas of lychees, passionfruit, peaches and apricot burst forth with underlying bakery notes reminiscent of the best Champagne has to offer with a crisp acidity and alcohol balanced on the palate. It has a richness you would associate with a good Champagne but flavours that will set it apart.
Sartarelli Brut Spumante NV – Sartarelli are dedicated to Verdicchio. In fact, they make their wines from no other grape variety. The still wines are some of the most popular with JN Wine customers but this sparkler will still come as a pleasant surprise. The Charmat produced wine that is fermented in pressurised steel tanks makes this lighter and fresher in style than a Champagne. It is dryer and more elegant than that other Italian sparkling, Prosecco. This wine makes a great, classic style of aperitif, but works incredibly well with food, such as goat’s cheese due to the added richness from lees ageing.
