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England and New Zealand sparkling wines go head to head in a "Battle of the Bubbles"

Published:  23 February, 2015

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 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 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"

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