Other Sparkling Rosé
2019 GOLD: 3 SILVER: 3 BRONZE: 2 COMMENDED: 4
2018 GOLD: 1 SILVER: 5 BRONZE: 1 COMMENDED: 6
If you’re a venue with a tight budget and parsimonious customers, this is the section for you. Without a ‘brand’ like prosecco, champagne or (increasingly) the UK behind them, these wines might not sell themselves, but my God you get some good stuff for the money.
A big shout-out to Pierre Jourdan and Graham Beck from the Cape, too. Both houses put in a really strong showing in this year’s competition, with both picking up Golds for their Brut and their rosé.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘Huge variety, and not reflective of price point at all. One of our favourites was the cheapest and we hated the most expensive.’ Sue Jones, The Harrow at Little Bedwyn
‘I definitely found some useful wines here. These can be good competitors for English sparkling and for lighter champagnes, too. At the higher prices they would have to be very strong to compete with champagne, and they’re not there yet.’ Alan Bednarski, Texture
‘Some went all the way up to £40, which is where it becomes difficult. Like any wine, you have to sell it – that’s your job.’ Laurent Richet MS, team leader
‘For a wine list these shouldn’t be too fruity, but rather be more complex and delicate; balanced, to go well with food.’ Pasquale Moschettieri, Benares Restaurant & Bar