The idea is to compare, without prejudice, the attractiveness of English
Sparkling Wines with that of Champagnes, and to see if people can tell the
different types apart. The wines will be served blind in pairs, each pair consisting
of one English wine and one Champagne of a similar style, with members voting
after each pair for which they preferred and – if they wish – guessing which wine
was which. The wines shown below are not necessarily in tasting order. The
wines are roughly matched overall for price.
The Champagnes chosen by Jeffrey Benson are:
Heidseick Monopole NV
Taittinger NV
Pol Roger NV
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
Devaux Oeil de Perdrix Rosé NV
The English Sparkling Wines chosen by Bernard Lamb are:
Furleigh Estate Classic Cuvée 2009 Brut, from Dorset
Hattingley Valley Classic Cuvée 2011 Brut, from Hampshire
Ridgeview Grosvenor Blanc de Blancs 2009 Brut, from Sussex
Camel Valley Pinot Noir Brut 2010 Brut, from Cornwall
Nyetimber Rosé 2009 Brut, from Sussex
Brenda Lamb will provide a light supper, including puddings, after the tasting.