Discovering New Sparkling Gems: A Journey with Fells

Hey wine lover! You’ve got to check out the latest from Fells. Their new additions include some true sparkling gems. Let’s dive in!

A Sparkling Surprise from England

When you think of sparkling wine, do you automatically picture Champagne? Well, it’s time to broaden that horizon! Hambledon Vineyard, England’s oldest commercial vineyard and a beacon of traditional method sparkling wine, is now part of Fells’ expanding portfolio. Established in 1952, this vineyard has been instrumental in placing English sparkling wines on the world stage.

I had the pleasure of visiting Hambledon recently and was astounded by their commitment to excellence—this isn’t just any wine; it’s crafted with passion and precision. Their vineyards thrive on the same Belemnite chalk that makes Champagne so unique, yielding crisp and refined wines that truly express their terroir. It was fascinating to see how they mirror the techniques of French producers while adding their own twist.

The Allure of Terroir: Joseph Burrier

Now let’s hop over to Burgundy—a region renowned for its intricate terroirs and quality wines. Enter Joseph Burrier, a historic estate steeped in five centuries of winemaking tradition. Known for its low-intervention methods, Burrier produces extraordinary wines from prestigious appellations like Mâcon-Villages and Pouilly-Fuissé.

What captivated me during my chat with CEO Fréderic Burrier was his unwavering dedication to authenticity in winemaking—a philosophy deeply rooted in family legacy that spans generations. As he puts it: "Our aim is to celebrate our terroirs with precision and purity." This deep respect for place can be tasted beautifully through each sip.

From Tuscany with Love: Altesino

Let’s not forget Tuscany! Altesino, situated north of Montalcino, carries an air of refinement like no other—thanks largely to the Gnudi Angelini family who have steered this estate since 2002. They introduced the “Cru” concept into Brunello di Montalcino, showing they are not only pioneers but also staunch advocates for sustainable practices.

I remember savoring their famed Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli at a tasting event; I was blown away by its balance and depth! Winemaker Paolo Caciornga shared insights into their meticulous processes which include hand-harvesting grapes—every detail counts when crafting such prestigious wines.

Why These Additions Matter

With these strategic additions to its portfolio—Hambledon, Joseph Burrier, and Altesino—Fells demonstrates a commitment not just to expanding its offerings but enhancing quality experiences for UK consumers looking for exceptional wine selections.
Euan Mackay from Fells expressed excitement about these partnerships; as someone who enjoys exploring diverse varietals across regions myself, I couldn’t agree more!
Being able to sample distinctive expressions from various areas helps refine our palates and appreciation for global winemaking traditions.

FAQ Section

Q1: What makes Hambledon Vineyard special?
A1: It’s England’s oldest commercial vineyard known for high-quality traditional method sparkling wine produced on unique Belemnite chalk soils similar to those found in Champagne!

Q2: How does Joseph Burrier ensure quality?
A2: Through low-intervention techniques focused on preserving authenticity within every bottle using grapes sourced from prestigious Burgundy locations!

Q3: What is unique about Altesino’s approach?
A3: They pioneered the “Cru” system in Brunello production and emphasize sustainability along with hand-harvesting grapes ensuring utmost quality control throughout all stages!

Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash