Ridgeview launches limited-edition sparkling red
English sparkling-wine brand Ridgeview has announced the launch of its Sparkling Red Reserve NV (12% ABV).
Ruby red in colour, the new serve has been created using Pinot Noir grapes harvested in the hot summer of 2020, offering aromas of cherry, vanilla and pomegranate alongside notes of forest fruits on the palate with subtle hints of sweet peppery spice and pairs well with BBQ or Asian dishes as well as blue cheese.
However, Ridgeview will produce just 2,445 bottles of its latest expression, which is available now from the brand's webshop in 70cl bottles at RRP £55, while stocks last.
Ridgeview director of winemaking Simon Roberts said: “Every now and then when the year allows, such as the beautiful conditions of 2020, we love the opportunity to make wines that we like [and] are unashamedly esoteric.
"Continuing our pioneering philosophy we strive to always innovate with our portfolio of wines. Our Sparkling Red Reserve will only be produced in the best of vintages and one of the most exciting food matching wines that we have released to date.”
Scapegrace distillery releases first single malt
New Zealand spirits brand, Scapegrace, has expanded its portfolio with its debut single malt series, all 46% ABV and crafted in the brand’s central Otago distillery, titled Limited Release I, II and III.
Scapegrace co-founder and marketing director Daniel McLaughlin said: “We have been quietly putting down whisky over the past six years and the team are now finally ready to unveil Scapegrace’s Single Malt.
“Back in 2014 when we launched Scapegrace, we always knew Single Malt would be a core part of our strategic direction. We have the facilities and natural resources to create some of the best whisky in the world and we are so excited to finally be delivering on our promise.”
The first release offers aromas of spiced oak, gingersnap biscuits and vanilla alongside notes of hazelnut, allspice, and caramel on the palate with a nutty finish, while the second release provides honeysuckle and orange peel on the nose with orchard fruits, caramel and peppery spice on the palate and an earthy finish.
Finally, the third release boasts notes of aromatic smoke and floral honey on the nose with flavours of dark chocolate and dried citrus and a smouldering, toasted spice finish.
All variants are availble now on Master of Malt in 70cl bottle format with the first and second release costing £89.95 while the third is available at £79.95.
Scapegrace co-founder and marketing director Mark Neal added: “The Single Malt journey has been part of the brand’s strategic direction since early creation, with a real focus on pioneering the movement of New Zealand Single Malt Whisky on the global stage.
“With a great ambition to showcase New Zealand Single Malt to the world, we are thrilled to release our first allocation of Scapegrace Limited Release Single Malt.”
Gretna Green wedding venue launches its own beer
Award-winning Scottish wedding venue Gretna Green, located in the Dumfries & Galloway area, has announced the launch of its beer, celebrating its heritage as a world-famous destination.
Brewed in collaboration with nearby family-brewery, Broadlands, the new 4.2% ABV serve, Anvil Ale, is a full-bodies pale ale, hand-crafted from brewing to bottling.
Gretna Green chief executive Isabel Rhodes said: “We are very excited to launch our very own beer after many months of hard work behind the scenes by the team.
“We’re proud to be working with a fellow local business in Dumfries and Galloway. The wonderful Borderlands Brewery was the perfect partner for us, steeped in history and embedded in the community they share many of our values.
“With blacksmithing and brewing both ancient traditions, we’re delighted to be bringing the two together and launching a fresh new beer for ale lovers right at the gateway to Scotland.”
Made using malted barley and hops as well as water from the Black Esk River, the beer offers a delicate balance of fruit and spice with rustic, citrus notes and a long clean finish, best served in a chilled glass.
Anvil Ale is availble now from the Gretna Green online shop in 500ml bottles at RRP £5.50 per serve.
Boarderlands Brewery founder Stuart Campbell said: “We wanted to create a beer that is as steeped in history and passion as Gretna Green itself.
“We’ve poured our heart and soul into creating a beautiful brew that does this perfectly. What we’ve created is light, refreshing and, we hope like Gretna Green, will stand the test of time for many years to come.”
Adnams announces trio of new wines
Adnams has expanded its portfolio with the launch of three new wines: a Muscadet, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Boasting flavours of pear and citrus fruits, the Muscadet serve (12% ABV) works well with seafood and salads while the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (9.5% ABV) offers tropical notes with fruit flavours that pair well with smoked salmon or creamy dishes.
The brand’s Chardonnay serve (13.5% ABV), a limited-edition wine from Waitaki in North Otago, is aged in French oak barriques to create a bouquet of green apple and aromatic herbs, best enjoyed alongside butternut squash or meaty fish dishes,
Adnams new selection of wines are all availble now from the brand’s webshop priced between £8.99 and £19.99.
Devon Cove releases new liqueur
Devon Cove has announced its new hazelnut liqueur (25% ABV).
Made by combining caramelised hazelnuts with the brand’s potato vodka, Cove Hazelnut Liqueur is a fusion of buttery dark chocolate, hazelnut and cream, followed by fragrant praline and honey, with a rich milk chocolate nutty finish.
Best served simply over ice, as a twist on an espresso martini or mixed with a latte or hot chocolate, Cove Hazelnut Liqueur is available now in a variety of sizes ranging between £5.95 and £33 in price.
Serving suggestions:
Cove Nutty Alexander
Ingredients:
- 30ml Cognac
- 15ml Chocolate liqueur
- 20ml Cove Hazelnut Liqueur
- 25ml cream
Method:
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
- Shake with plenty of ice
- Strain into a chilled Coupe glass and garnish with grated chocolate to serve
Hazelnut Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 50ml Cove Vodka
- 20ml Cove Coffee Liqueur
- 15ml Cove Hazelnut Liqueur
Method:
- Add all ingredients along with a double espresso into a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds
- Strain into a chilled Martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans to serve
If you have any new products being released to the on-trade, email the details with high resolution images before Thursday at midday for potential inclusion on Friday’s article to Rebecca.weller@wrbm.com.
