English Wine Guide

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DENBIES BACCHUS FIZZ REVIEW.

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I recently took a bottle of Denbies Bacchus Fizz to a family BBQ with a plan to execute a bit of a blind taste test. Let’s just say that a few glasses of fairly average Prosecco had been polished off by the time I popped the cork on this bottle of English sparkling. Ever the sneak, I decided to surreptitiously top up glasses with the Denbies English Fizz without announcement.

And what was the verdict? Well the switch from Prosecco to Denbies Bacchus Fizz certainly didn’t go unnoticed. There were more than a few “oos” and “ahhs” as the guests tried this fizz one by one. Followed by rapid fire questions about where they could get it from.

I will admit, there was an almost audible sigh when I said it was an English wine – “bloody expensive then?” they asked. “£14.95” I replied – and we were back to the gleeful “ooos” and “aaahs.”

In this blog post you’ll find my review of Denbies Bacchus Fizz. What does it taste like? Is it value for money? And, what should you serve it with?

About Denbies Bacchus Fizz

Even if you don’t know much about English wine, you’ve probably heard of Denbies. A Surrey-based vineyard, which happens to be the largest in the UK at around 260 acres.

Denbies are known for producing a wide range of exceptional English wines at accessible price points. The winemakers at Denbies have collaborated with Waitrose, to create the popular English Dry White Wine sold in the upmarket superstore. Denbies are also award winners- picking up four accolades at the International Wine Challenge this year alone.

When it comes to English sparkling wine, Denbies currently have seven different varieties on sale. This ranges from the high end Cubitt Blanc de Noirs (2015) which retails at £34.95 to the more attainable Bacchus Fizz (normal retail price £14.95.)

The Denbies Bacchus Fizz is made using the modern method of carbonation, i.e. the same as Prosecco, but different to Champagne. It is part of the new wave of inexpensive English sparkling wines, which offer an alternative to Prosecco or Cava. This one is created with 100% Bacchus, a crowd pleaser of a grape.

Want to know more about Bacchus? You can find my guide here.

Denbies Bacchus Fizz: The Low Down

Here’s all the key information you need to know about Denbies Bacchus Fizz.

Tasting notes for Denbies Bacchus Fizz

So to the taste test – here’s my review of Denbies Sparkling Bacchus.

Appearance –a honeysuckle hue, almost straw in colour.

Aroma – floral on the nose, strong citrus fruit to follow.

Taste – well balanced but dominant elderflower, passion fruit and prevailing citrus that lingers on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – Bouncy and deliciously vibrant, with big bubbles.

Pairing suggestions for Denbies Bacchus Fizz

One of the reasons that I heart Bacchus so much, is that it really is rather versatile as a wine to pair. Grilled fish or seafood would be an ideal match, or an asparagus risotto with a fresh and zesty green salad.

That said, there’s something about drinking a glass of fizz as an aperitivo that just feels wonderful.

Maybe it’s the way that the bubbles go straight to your head (of course I would never encourage irresponsible alcohol consumption). Or perhaps drinking it without food just offers the wine a better chance to sing. Fizz doesn’t really need a backing band after all. Especially this one – Denbies Bacchus Fizz, the perfect “a capella” performance.

Occasions and serving tips for Denbies Bacchus Fizz

For serving, keep this wine splendidly chilled, especially if you plan to whip it out on a balmy bank holiday (we live in hope.)

As for occasion, this wine is fresh, light and vibrant. An ideal summer drinking wine. Save it for a sunny afternoon to accompany a garden party or BBQ. Or, bring it to a girl’s night – a toast to the end of a working day.

My review of Denbies Bacchus Fizz

Denbies Bacchus Fizz certainly couldn’t be mistaken for it’s less refined Italian cousin. Even if it donned a mustache and called itself Giovanni. Instead, it is a distinctly “English”, English fizz.

There’s a depth of flavour that I did not expect, especially from an inexpensive bottle of wine. Compared to English sparkling wines of a similar price point, the M&S Bramble Hill Sparkling, for example – there’s significantly more complexity. The Denbies Bacchus also has a bit more heft, at 12% alcohol.

The Elderflower is not subtle, rather it parades around like a peacock proudly fanning it’s tail. If you like your wine to come with a fruity and floral smack in the face, this is the fizz for you this summer. But, be warned – if you serve this at a party, make sure you stock up on a few bottles. Your guests are bound to ask for second helpings.

Where to buy Denbies Bacchus Fizz

Denbies Bacchus Fizz is only available direct from Denbies at the moment. You can either pop by the vineyard if you’re visiting Surrey, or purchase online via their e-shop. Normally it’s a bit of a pain ordering direct from a vineyard, but Denbies offer 25% off 6 bottles and I believe they do some good deals on delivery too. Find out more here.

If you do head to Denbies, don’t forget they have a marvelous hotel on site – so you can make the most of it.

Find a direct link to the Bacchus Fizz here. Normal retail price is £14.95, but it is currently available for the even better (and even more specific) price of £11.96.

*PR sample gifted by Denbies.

Where to next?

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Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.

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