Buyer’s Guide to Vintages November 22nd Release

A World of Excellent Wines, including England

Buyer’s Guide to Vintages November 22 Release
by David Lawrason with notes from John Szabo, Michael Godel and Megha Jandhyala

Vintages November 22 catalogue features 29 gifting wines, without any apparent rationale for their selection other than to cover off a gamut of styles, origins and price points that will surely please someone somewhere. Our picks this week follow the same pattern of diversity but — trust us — we have found some beauties, and I am not going to delay for very long in getting right into the action. There is a world of good wines to consider this time, with the average quality and price points bumped up for the holidays. I wish it were Christmas at Vintages all year long (but hold those carols).

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The one shiny new ornament on this release is a set of four sparkling wines from England, of which we tasted two. It’s a bit difficult to recommend them on value but they are excellent quality – Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Blancs De Blancs 2019 and Balfour 1503 Classic Cuvee Sparkling.

The southeast counties of England — Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey — are most suitable for bubbly. They straddle 50 to 51 degrees of latitude, which historically was just above the northern limit for vinifera varieties winter survival. (Across the English Channel on a similar limestone shelf lies Champagne at 49 degrees.) But climate change is making that band more elastic. The modern-era industry in the U.K., which is based on the Champagne grapes of chardonnay, pinot noir, meunier, started up in the mid 1990s and has now reached 100 wineries. Champagne’s Taittinger planted a vineyard and is releasing a wine next year.

It was informative to taste the Brit bubblies amid several Canadian sparklers, which are much better value — particularly Benjamin Bridge Methode Classique Brut Sparkling from Nova Scotia (latitude 47), and Kew Vineyards Tradition 2020 from Niagara (latitude 43.5), both at $32.95 (see note below). The most expensive Niagara sparkling here is the consistently stellar Henry-of-Pelham Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche Estate Blanc de Blancs 2017 at $49.95, which is flagged by Megha below. I would purchase this wine ahead of any Champagne of similar price at the drop of a hat. But let’s park this subject for now because the WineAlign Crü is sitting down this week to taste dozens of sparkling wines for John Szabo’s annual Fizz Guide. Coming very soon!

Elsewhere, within almost every regional category, there are some lovely wines. I was enamoured by the boffo Australians and some classic Italians from the Valpolicella zone. But as John said when sending his selections, “it was hard to whittle them down.” We present them below in ascending price order. Shop on!

Buyer’s Guide Vintages November 22: Sparkling

Graham Beck Méthode Cap Classique Brut Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Rosé Sparkling, South Africa
$24.95, Vinexx
Megha Jandhyala – Cheerfully fruity and simply delicious, this sparkling rosé promises to be a crowd favourite at holiday parties. I recommend serving it as an aperitif or paired with light seafood dishes and mildly spicy cuisine.
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There are 19 other Vintages recommendations this week that are currently only available to our premium members. This complete article will be free and visible to all members 60 days after publication. We invite you to subscribe today to unlock our top picks and other Premium benefits

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And that’s a wrap for this edition. We return to cover the December 6 release featuring more premium wines, and Spain’s Ribera del Duero. We also have a very busy December tasting and publishing schedule with newsletters featuring Austria, Artisan Ciders and, of course, the Fizz Guide. Don’t change the channel. – David Lawrason

Use these quick links for access to all of our November 22nd Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.

John’s Top Picks – November 22nd
Lawrason’s Take – November 22nd
Michael’s Mix – November 22nd
Megha’s Picks – November 22nd

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