Alex James, bass player for Blur, cheese maker and curator of one of the UK’s favourite music, food and drinks events – The Big Feastival – has added a second English sparkling wine to his Britpop brand, along with a 6% ABV Elderflower sparkling.
The new rosé joins the Brut launched last year, and will also be sold exclusively at Laithwaites, the UK’s leading online wine merchant. Grapes for both wines are sourced from vineyards on chalk soils across the south of England, with the final blends overseen by winemaker Henry Laithwaite.
“When I first met Henry, I was really impressed with his knowledge and passion for English winemaking and was delighted to be able to form a partnership to help bring these world beaters to a wider audience,” says Alex. “These really are the golden years of English winemaking and my wife Claire and I delight in bringing the very best in British wine, cheese and all things gastronomical to The Big Feastival every August.”
NEW BRITPOP ROSÉ NV RRP £28, LAITHWAITES
A blend of 49% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir and 14% Pinot Meunier (of which 2% is red wine) with an ABV of 12% and dosage of 8.8g/l. 22 months spent on the lees after second fermentation.
“Having a Britpop Sparkling Rosé made perfect sense to me. Finding a half-way decent sparkling pink outside of France is quite the challenge but, with this rosé, I think we’ve absolutely smashed it. With floral, red berry and brioche-y notes, it’s perfect paired with supper or breakfast and is a magic stable mate to our white!”
NEW BRITPOP ELDERFLOWER WINE SPRITZ RRP £12.99, LAITHWAITES
A naturally sparkling fizz (6% ABV) made from blossoms foraged at dawn from British hedgerows, natural spring water and effervescing Champagne yeasts.
“This spritz is the perfect toast to the fair English summer – it’s fresh, it’s light and delicious. Muddle with fresh herbs, berries and ice or lengthen with a sparkling water. Garnish and go!”
The Britpop range is exclusive to Laithwaites and also includes:
BRITPOP BRUT NV RRP £25, LAITHWAITES
A blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier with an ABV of 12% and dosage of 5.9g/l. 36 months spent on the lees after second fermentation.
“My first English fizz is a versatile companion. Try it with fish and chips on the beach or to toast the Christmas turkey, and great on its own, anytime. Give it some ice when the weather demands it!”
