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- Published: 13 October 2012 13 October 2012

I got home after a long patrol on Portobello Road and, I have to say, my feet were feeling tired and flat. Strumming through the options of a evening sip on the couch, I was reminded of an email conversation with Nicky from RandR PR. The conversation was about another sparking but the suggestion came that I try this. Thus the good minded lady sent me a bottle to taste.
I think it is the first sparkling sauvignon blanc I have tasted, at least that I can remember. Instantly it separates itself from the memory banks of champagnes, prosecco's and the like. It provides another option. Villa Maria in its still form is a point scoring fighter for quality and value. It's success is built on this factor. Sparkling sauvignon is a subjective challenge. I could see myself buying this again to drink with others to gauge their opinion. My own is that is a good palate freshener. It hasn't the depth and personality of good benchmark champagne but it does have a sense of honesty about who it is and a place on the retailers shelves as a tasty alternative for an easy evening of chatting and guzzling. Though strictly not for wine snobs (but I am betting Villa Maria doesn't aim for that anyway!).
Happy drinking!
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