Competition between English and New Zealand sparkling wine came to a head last week as the two countries tied in a blind-tasting organised to coincide with the Cricket World Cup.
Tasters in action at New Zealand House in London last weeek
Competition between English and New Zealand sparkling wine came to a head last week as the two countries tied in a blind-tasting organised to coincide with the Cricket World Cup currently taking place in both New Zealand and Australia. But
The first event, which was held in Wellington, New Zealand, saw 12 sparkling wines from each country pitted against each other in a blind Battle of the Bubbles. The wines were tasted in pairs and judged by two teams composed of wine writers, critics and cricket commentators, including Sky TV's David LLoyd.
Oz Clarke captained the English team, and Jane Skilton MW heading up the New Zealand team. Six wines from each country won their rounds, with Wyfold Brut 2010 from Oxfordshire, owned by Barbara Laithwaite, named as the overall stand out "player".
The event was replicated at an informal evening at New Zealand House in London, where wine writers, sommeliers and industry professionals took part in a blind tasting of the same wines. More English wines made the top 12 in London, with Hambledon Classic Cuvée NV from Hampshire named as the star performer.
Roger Jones, of the Michelin-starred The Harrrow at Little Bedwyn was one of the judges at the UK tasting and you can read his account here.
Chris Stroud, marketing manager (Europe) of New Zealand Winegrowers said it was a hard fought match. "There were some high quality wines on both sides showing that these two cool climate countries on opposite sides of the globe are capable of producing world-class bubbles," he said.
The event was hosted by New Zealand Winegrowers, Tourism New Zealand at and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.
English sparkling wine vs New Zealand sparklers
The final results from Wellington (in alphabetical order) were:
Akarua Rosé Brut Central Otago NV - New Zealand
Ambriel English Reserve Demi Sec NV - England
Coates & Seely Blanc de Blancs NV - England
Hambledon Classic Cuvée NV - England
Henners Brut Reserve 2010 - England
Huia Brut Marlborough 2009 - New Zealand
Nautilus Cuvée Brut Marlborough NV - New Zealand
No. 1 Family Estate No. 1 Cuvée Blanc de Blancs Marlborough NV - New Zealand
Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2007 - England
Osawa Prestige Collection Méthode Traditionnelle Hawke's Bay NV - New Zealand
Tohu Rewa Blanc de Blancs Marlborough 2011 - New Zealand
Wyfold Brut 2010 - England - "Player of the match"