Suggestions from the sommelier

AYALA ZERO DOSAGE
“Enter into the poetry of wine-be transported from zero to infinity.” That is the lyrical message from Champagne Ayala as it promotes its innovative emphasis on Zero Dosage wine.

When the highly quality-conscious Bollinger bought Ayala in 2005, a determined effort was made to turn Ayala into one of the foremost champagne producers. One of the first steps that was taken was to reduce the sugar content of a standard cuvée from 11 to 8.5 grams. In this way they demonstrated that the grapes were of the highest standard and they even went as far as to stop the addition of sugar to their standard cuvée entirely. Although its production started by accident, Ayala Zéro Dosage is now one of the world’s most celebrated champagnes and has many fine qualities. Ayala’s vice- president Hervé Augustin wanted to take some of his house champagne with low sugar content to Vin Expo 2005 to show off Ayala’s high quality. However there wasn’t enough time, since champagne needs to rest for several months after the addition of sugar. In the end, in agreement with the chef de caves, he took a few bottles with no sugar added at all. These were a great success and 18 months later Ayala is the only champagne house with a standard cuvée in two versions- one with 8.5g and one with no sugar added. After just a year Ayala has been heralded as one of the big “personalities” amongst the champagne houses by the distinguished wine publication “La Revue du Vin”.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
GRAN RESERVA FROM CHILE
Within the Chilean wine industry there is a great passion for experimentation. For example satellite observation is used to improve quality in the vineyards, different yeast strains are investigated to suit different grapes, and barrels with different origins and toastings are carefully selected. At the same time new areas are being developed in cooler districts and new types of grape are being tested. Chile is no longer merely a producer of cheap, simple wines; we can be sure that quality wines from this region are going to draw considerable attention in the future.

The Swedish state off-licence introduced a number of new wines in October including a pleasant Gran Reserva from Chile produced by Santa Carolina. This wine is produced for the Swedish market and is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvingnon, 25% Carmenere and 15% Syrah. This wine has been matured for ten years in French oak. 2006 was a perfect year in Chile especially for the national grape Carmenere which ripens late and benefits from a long, warm autumn. The Santa Carolina Barrica selection is a full-bodied and complex wine, spicy with a distinct taste of berries. It has taken on the taste of the cask and has a long, balanced aftertaste. The wine is perfect for this time of year when served with robust meat dishes such as lamb and game, or with pasta in a rich tomato sauce. For cheese-lovers this is an excellent wine to drink alongside a well matured cheese such as Comté.