Ritchie’s wine notes

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

The different methods used to create sparkling wine

How much do you know about the different methods used to create your favourite sparkling wines?

These days, more and more vineyards are using the Prossecco-style method – and they often charge quite the premium despite this being one of the cheapest ways to create a sparkling wine. This is known as the Charmat method. It differs from the traditional Champagne method (more of which later on) because the second fermentation takes place in a large steel tank instead of in the bottle. It is more efficient and faster than the traditional method and requires less space in the winery. You can find great wines for £20£30 a bottle using this Charmat method. Very trendy at the moment is the Pet Nat method. This winemaking technique involves bottling wine that is still fermenting to trap carbon dioxide gas in the bottle, creating a gentle carbonation. It is natural and one of the oldest methods around.

Now, on to the Champagne method. The best wines from around the world still use this technique, and it is done by adding a mixture of sugar and yeast, called the liqueur de tirage, to still wine (this is the second fermentation). The Champagne method is considered to produce the highest-quality, longestlived and most complex sparkling wines in the world. It is also the most expensive, labour-intensive, and timeconsuming method.

While we still associate sparkling wines with France, outside of that country you may be surprised to know that English vineyards, along with Franciacorta from Italy, are leading the way with high end sparkling wines. But, at a lower price point, the humble Cava and Cremant offer excellent value for money with some stunning examples available. Finally, for something a little different, some of the best Champagne houses will add a touch of oak to their sparkling wines. Here at Cavavin, we sell the Haton vineyard’s stunning oak-aged grand cru Champagne that is aged on the lees for eight years. It is amazing value at £39.50.

THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV offers exceptional restaurant cuisine within a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Oliver and his team serve a menu of seasonal and fresh small and large sharing plates to enjoy on the sun-drenched terrace over the summer months. The George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event. Whether it is an intimate wedding, baby shower, birthday or a special anniversary, there is a variety of dining options to suit any occasion in the private dining room and courtyard.

Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell

SG12 9SW / 01920 870039 info@georgeivpub.co.uk www.georgeivpub.co.uk

BAAN THITIYA Thai

Baan Thitiya, Bishop’s Stortford’s premier Thai restaurant, is the perfect place for relaxed dining. Close to Bishop’s Stortford town centre, it has a beautiful garden and its own parking while, inside, the restaurant is decorated in a contemporary Thai style. The extensive menu features high quality food prepared by Thai chefs with an emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients and authentic, natural flavours. It also has an excellent wine list. Baan Thitiya is open seven days for lunch and dinner. A warm welcome and great service await you.

102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS 01279 658575 www.baan-thitiya.com

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

The Golden Fleece is an old English pub with a contemporary twist, and one where the food is so good that it has earned an entry in the Michelin Guide for Hotels and Restaurants. Set at the heart of the village of Braughing, Jess and Peter Tatlow’s pub offers a menu of fresh, seasonal and delicious locally sourced food and also caters for diners who require gluten-free meals. As a freehouse at the heart of its community, the Fleece is also able to offer a wide range of real ales, beers, wines and spirits. A takeaway menu is also available.

20 Green End, Braughing

SG11 2PG 01920 823555 www.goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk

THE DUSTY MILLER Country pub

The Dusty Miller is a country pub and casual dining venue just outside Harlow, surrounded by countryside and close to the river. It serves freshly-cooked pub food, including a pie of the day and other pub classics, together with a good selection of gluten-free and vegan dishes. Thursday night is Steak Night with two steaks and a bottle of wine for £50. The Dusty Miller is open from 12noon to 11pm Wednesday to Saturday and from 12noon to 6.30pm on Sunday when a traditional roast is available. It also has a large, sunny garden area.

Burnt Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2QS 01279 424180 www.dustymillerharlow.co.uk

RONI’S Fine Dining

Roni’s, set in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford, is a fine dining restaurant where both the quality of food and the service combine to offer guests a memorable experience. Roni’s offers a wide range of traditional dishes, passionately crafted, including gluten-free and vegan menus. There is a set lunch menu as well as the main menu and superb roasts are served on Sundays. Social wine tastings can also be booked for groups of family or friends in the private dining room. Roni’s is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon to 10pm, and closed on Monday.

16 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 508856 www.ronisrestaurant.co.uk

THE BEEHIVE Country Pub

This family-run country freehouse reopened following a lockdown renovation with a major extension, creating new modern facilities which blend well with its historic character. The new look is proving popular with customers enjoying a menu that has plenty of fresh fish and seafood dishes as well as steaks, burgers, pies and many others. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are always available. It also offers a great Sunday lunch. Afternoon teas, which must be booked, are available from Monday to Saturday. Check social media for forthcoming events. Book now to experience its fresh new look!

Epping Green, near Hertford

SG13 8NB / 01707 875959 www.beehiveeppingreen.co.uk