Must try : Champagne

Newly discovered Champagne

 Discovering some new Champagnes; 'Beau Joie' - a copper armor clad bottle of a Champagne, and the new trend of White label Champagnes - 'Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial' and 'Lanson White label'.

'Beau Joie' is a relatively newly launched Champagne, and yes it's mainly about the show off bottle; a copper wrap that is claimed to keep the Champagne cool out of an ice bucket, but really I think it just looks incredible.

 On the actual Champagne side, it is a 'grower' Champagne, and a 'zero dosage', both of which are emerging trends in the Champagne market (as I discovered at 'Battleground Champagne')

The other emerging trend is the new 'White Label' -
 Moet & Chandon were first of the mark with 'Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial' designed to be drunk over ice from a balloon glass. Exclusively available poolside, so I've yet to find this in a shop
 'Lanson White Label' is described as fresh, zesty and refreshing - a more informal style of Champagne, again recommended to be served in a wine glass rather than a flute, it's more suitable for day drinking (I like!) and ideal for the addition of fruit, to further enhance the flavors.

 Hopefully I'll write more when I've tried them!

Links:
Beau Joie Champagne
Moet & Chandon
House of Lanson

Chase : Elderflower Liqueur / Rhubarb Liqueur

Chase : The finest Liqueurs

 A while back I discovered Chase Vodka (see previous post here) 

 Since then, I've been on the look out for other unique spirits in Chase's range. I've now added two of their finest liqueurs to my collection:

 Chase & Elderflower - The finest Elderflower Liqueur

 Chase & Rhubarb - The finest Rhubarb Liqueur

 Both are made using Chase Vodka - the finest potato vodka in the world, with the addition of the true rich flavours that come from Chase's beautifully ripened and carefully selected fresh fruit. There are no artificial flavours nor heat methods. They are the perfect compliment to champagne or cocktails.

 I came across these new additions to my liqueur cabinet whilst over discovering Borough Market and the surrounding area. Laithwaite's Wine is a cavernous wine cellar stocked full of interesting wines, champagnes and spirits. 

The spirit section at the back quickly drew my attention, mainly due to the vast amounts of interesting spirits piled high on tall wooden shelves...

 I'll be back at Laithewaite's Wine soon to stock up on some more interesting spirits, and make some inspiring cocktails too.

 Laithewaite's Wine : Stockists

 Chase Distillery : Home of 'The World's Best Vodka'

Vinophile : Montreuil sur Mer

Vinophile - Wines, Champagnes & Liqueurs

 I visited Montreuil sur Mer (pas de Calais, in the north of France) and discovered this charming wine cellar. It's a boutique wine shop, in a modern vintage style. This shopfront speaks a thousand words...

 Montreuil sur Mer is a historic town; the buildings are all very minimal in style with beautifully painted shutters and contrasting paintwork details. (I took loads of photos and will post some examples of the window shutters shortly)

 
 Seeing this sign to the shop on the classic French Grey building was very in keeping with the town style. Then, when turning round the corner, you're greeted by the bright neon pink signature 'Vinophile' and an inviting entrance.

 Inside featured shelves, nooks, dug outs all filled with specialist champagnes. Limited editions; (Andy Warhol X Dom Perignon) Magnums; Ruinart for Euro 71 (about £57, compared to £80 in UK) and gift sets featuring branded glasses and Champagne stoppers.

 The back of the shop featured a cellar like area stocking a massive range of wines

 This wine cellar also had an extensive range of bar ware and unusual liqueurs. I purchased some 'Creme De Mure des Roncieres' and 'Creme De Frambois de Bourgogne' to add to some champagnes - I'll add some shots when I try them out.

Vinophile
2, Rue du Grand Sermon
62170, Montreuil sur Mer
http://www.vinophilie.com/