Christopher Walkey
How to Spot Fake / Counterfeit Champagne
As with most expensive and desirable items, there is always the potential that counterfeits are floating about. I am sure we have all seen for ourselves fake products be it those Gucci shoes at the local market or we have tried to watch a copied DVD and regretted that purchase. The problem lays both in…
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A Brief History of English Sparkling Wine
English Sparkling Wine holds much of its history within the last 50 years whereas it’s close sparkling wine region neighbour, Champagne, can boost a history of centuries. Even though some would say that Fizz made in England is a modern phenomenon compared to other famous sparkling wine countries and regions, you could also say that…
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Avenue de Champagne
Not quite as famous as the Mall leading to Buckingham Palace or Sunset Boulevard taking in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, but nonetheless a most amazing avenue to walk or drive down – Avenue de Champagne is famous in the world of wine, a 1km stretch containing photogenic grand mansions and headquarters of legendary Champagne…
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What does Sans Dosage mean?
An important part in the making of sparkling wines globally is the sugar levels. We can today choose from those heavy in sweetness and then also the complete opposite with others being bone dry. From Champagne to Prosecco, we can select our sweetness levels to suit our preferences and requirements. In amongst the descriptions letting…
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In wine, what does Vintage mean?
Vintage will certainly seem to be a word associated with age and which can slot alongside the likes of retro, antique or even old fashioned. Yes? Well, if we are using the word generally then yes, I am sure we are all familiar with descriptives such as vintage clothing or vintage cars which usually tells…
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Salad and Prosecco. Really?
With a choice of 16 different lettuce types and a mixture of ways in which to prepare them and what ingredients to add, salads can never be seen as dull and boring. From seafood to mixed beans, with or without dressing and opting for tossed or not, salads are in fact a very popular dish…
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Enjoying Champagne in the Bath
I must say that I have enjoyed Champagne in the bath a few times especially when on wine tours or hotel reviews. It is not uncommon sometimes to be left a complimentary bottle of Champagne (or other sparkling wine) and when you are in a very nice hotel with that ever so tempting bath then…
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Campfire Stories and Fizz
The campfire is that all important part of the camping experience, the place that gives a bit of warmth, that cooks the baked beans, that repels the insects or brings about the hearty sing songs. You haven’t really been camping unless you’ve cooked on an open fire (or camping gas stove) many will say and…
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What is Methode Cap Classique?
Did you know that some of the world’s finest sparkling wine is produced in South Africa? Alongside Champagne, South African bubbly is globally known and respected as a traditional method wine. South Africa, in 2020, was ranked as eighth in overall volume production of wine producing 4.0% of the world’s wine. So what exactly does…
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