Antech Heritage Cremant Brut 2020
Cellar for up to 3 years. Serve well chilled. The French sparkling wine market may be dominated by the Champagne region in the north, but there are also sensational alternatives to be found in other corners of France. The Antech family have been making traditional method sparkling wines using exactly the same techniques used for Champagne for six generations. Today the estate is headed up by Francoise Antech who has built a reputation as one of France’s most respected female winemakers. Their estate is located in the Limoux region of Languedoc in southern France where they specialise in making exquisite Cremant and Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wines. Their Cuvee Heritage is made from Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc along with smaller quantities of Mauzac and Pinot Noir to add extra complexity. As soon as you pour out a glass of this delicious bubbly you’ll notice the fine stream of bubbles and delicate peach, pear and white flower aromas. The first sip reveals a clean and bright acidity, smooth bubbles, and lingering flavours of citrus zest, baked apple and honey. The lively, uplifting character of this wine makes it an ideal aperitif, and it can also be served alongside green salads, Mediterranean vegetable dishes, a generous platter of seafood or pan-fried fish.
ANTECH
Cellar for up to 3 years. Serve chilled. Crafted using the same traditional method that is used to make Champagne, this gorgeous vintage Cremant de Limoux is an excellent choice for enjoying as an aperitif at casual family gatherings. The Antech family have been producing Cremant de Limoux for six generations. Operations are currently in the capable hands of brothers Georges and Roger along with Georges’ daughter Francoise who is widely regarded as one of France’s most talented female winemaker. Composed of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Mauzac, and Pinot Noir grapes, this vibrant Cremant is matured on the lees for a total of 18 months to add complexity and richness to the finished wine. To add a subtle hint of sweetness to balance the intense freshness of the wine, the Antechs add a modest dosage of 8 grams per litre when the wines are disgorged. On the nose there are delicate aromas of lemon zest, crushed red berries and rose petals, while the first sip reveals a smooth, persistent mousse and bright citrus notes. The vibrancy and elegance of this wine makes it an ideal aperitif and partner for dishes like spicy Asian curries, pan-seared salmon or tuna steaks, or decadent pasta dishes.
GRANDE CUVEE
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. The Sieur d’Arques cooperative was created in 1946 by a group of local winemakers who wanted to pool their expertise and resources to create the best possible wines from their exceptional vines. Their Grand Cuvee 1531 is named after the famous year when the monks of the nearby Abbey of Saint Hilaire transformed the region’s winemaking traditions by making the world’s very first sparkling wine in their cellars. Today the cooperative focuses on producing delicious sparkling and still red and white wines using local grape varieties. This Grand Cuvee Cremant de Limoux is a dry rosé sparkling wine which is made from Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc as well as a touch of Pinot Noir to give the gorgeous subtle pink hue. Enticing aromas of crushed raspberries, strawberries and ripe peaches characterise the nose, while the palate offers a refreshing acidity, smooth bubbles and delicious berry flavours. Cremant de Limoux is made according to the traditional method which is the same process used for making Champagne. After a first fermentation the wine is bottled and a second fermentation takes place in the bottle to create the bubbles. The wine is then aged for 12 months in the bottle with the yeast cells which helps to give a well-rounded texture and delicious hints of pastry and toasted nuts.