5 minute read
Drinks
from Supper - Issue 24
Champagne Gosset Gosset Grand Rosé
Grand Rosé first became the focus of the champagne house under the management of Suzanne Gosset back in the 1940s. With delicacy as her main goal, Gosset set out to make her own aperitif wine by adding a very small amount of red wine to the white wine blend before second fermentation to create a pale and dry rosé as opposed to a pink champagne. The cuvée is vinified and aged on lees to eliminate all risk of premature oxidation and malolactic fermentation is carefully avoided to preserve all the natural fruit aromas of the wine and to allow the wines to undergo longer ageing. The Pinot Noir used for the maceration to produce the still red wine added to the white base wines is typically sourced from old vines planted on south facing chalky slopes to ensure good ripeness. The chardonnay-led blend is well-structured with a balance between freshness and dominant red fruit, rounded off with a smooth and silky finish. “This is a rosé with a high proportion of chardonnay to create a champagne that is equally at ease as an aperitif or with a meal,” comments Cellar Master Odilon de Varine. “The chardonnay gives freshness and precision and the addition of a little red wine from Bouzy and Ambonnay contribute fine fruit notes.” www.champagne-gosset.com
Cognac Frapin Frapin 15 Years Old
Frapin 15 Years Old is a blend of eaux-de-vies grown, distilled and aged on the family’s 240-hectare vineyard in the heart of the Grande Champagne appellation. An XO between two worlds, the cognac blends eaux-de-vies aged in both humid and dry cellars; the former lends roundness and richness whilst the latter gives finesse and elegance. Offering a golden colour with warm highlights, 15 Years Old features aromatic notes of freshly cut wood, vanilla and black tea evolving to dried flowers. On the palate, the cognac offers flavours of dried fruits, toast and a lingering finish with touches of spice. “Frapin 15 Years Old has been bottled at cask strength and bears the seal of the house, which signifies our quest for authenticity,” comments Cellar Master Patrice Piveteau. “It passes directly from barrel to bottle with no adjustment or chill-filtering in order to preserve all of the naturally rich aromas and flavours of this cognac.” www.cognac-frapin.com
The Secret Garden Distillery Secret Garden Gins
After rebranding earlier this year, The Secret Garden Distillery has unveiled a new look for its premium gin range. The new packaging design showcases the brand’s ‘rooted in nature’ ethos as well as its sustainability credentials. The labels are made from 30% grass, meaning the paper production process reduces energy consumption by 97%, water consumption by 99% and CO2 production by 20%. The corks are also be made from natural micro-granules with a completely biodegradable security seal. The Secret Garden Gins are crafted from botanicals grown and hand-harvested at the distillery’s own garden at the foot of the Pentland Hills in Edinburgh. The core range includes two traditional gins – Lemon Verbena and Wild – and two floral gins – Elderflower & Jasmine and Apothecary Rose. All Secret Garden Gins are made with no added sugar, artificial colours, flavourings or additives – just nature distilled. www.secretgardendistillery.co.uk
Inspired by the heritage of founder Montgomery Collins, Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin unites British traditions, the spices of India and the rich landscape of the Black Forest. Distilled from 47 handpicked native Black Forest herbs and berries such as lingonberries and Asian botanicals, the gin is blended with natural Schwarzwald water. The complexity and quality of Monkey 47 is brought to bear through distillation and three-month maturation in traditional earthenware containers. The gin delivers a distinct and pure scent of juniper, a tangy and crisp citrus note, a sweet floral aroma, as well as a hint of peppery spices and subtle bitter fruits. Whether with tonic, as a sling, martini, or gimlet, Monkey 47 is an ideal base for both classic and more eccentric cocktails. Aficionados, bartenders and connoisseurs the world over have come to appreciate the complexity and harmony of Monkey47 Gin. www.monkey47.com
Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila
Olmeca Altos Plata is the most traditional expression of Altos. Made from 100% blue agave grown in the Los Altos highlands of Mexico, it is a blanco tequila ideal for margaritas. Recognised for its natural smoothness when sipped, but also for being the margarita champion, Plata is a top choice tequila for bartenders around the world. Olmeca Altos Plata offers herbal notes of steamed agave with fresh citrus-sweet tones overall. Plata is sweet to the mouth with notes such as lime, lemon and agave, with a long-lasting and pleasant aftertaste. To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Olmeca Altos joined forces with renowned bartender Dre Masso to create two recipes with a true taste of Mexican culture, cuisine and cocktails. The Altos Honey Margarita and Altos Cauliflower and Asparaus Tacos recipes provide an opportunity to indulge in fresh authentic Mexican flavours including zesty lime, spicy hot sauce and Altos tequila. www.olmecaaltos.com
ORGANICS by Red Bull
Red Bull continues to demonstrate its sense of zeitgeist, taste and soft drink trends with the introduction of three new variants to the ORGANICS by Red Bull range: Purple Berry, Black Orange and Ginger Beer. Made with ingredients from 100% natural sources, the three new taste experiences complement the well-known and popular products in the premium carbonated soft drinks range: Simply Cola, Bitter Lemon, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water and Viva Mate – all organically certified beverages. Served on ice or enjoyed directly from the cold can or bottle, Purple Berry, Black Orange and Ginger Beer are delicious both as alternatives to classic lemonades and in combination with other beverages. ORGANICS by Red Bull is the ideal companion for every occasion bringing along its own message: ‘be natural, be yourself and give your talents room to unfold’. ORGANICS by Red Bull represents new paths and is pure and authentic both in its taste and its philosophy. The different variants are convincing as both mixed and pure drinks, while the look is refreshing and reinterprets classic lemonades in a new and modern way. www.organicsbyredbull.com
