Tesco, Finest 1531, Blanquette de Limoux, 2014

Named due to the widely held belief that the first sparkling wine was produced in Limoux in 1531, at the abbey of St-Hilaire. Made from local variety Mauzac, blended with smaller quantities of both Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, with some of the Chardonnay fermented in French oak barrels to add texture before the finished blend undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle. Slightly steely, minerally and quite aromatic, the fresh green apple flavours carry a bit of residual sweetness that comes across as ripe pear fruit. A refreshing alternative to Prosecco or Crémant.