2016 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Straight out of the bottle this is far more than its price tag. Brilliant citrus fruits and well balanced that leaves you immediately caving for more. "
Mr David Hodges (12-Jun-2020)
"A surprise - for the price & external appearance, I was expecting a decent but unremarkable fizz. Actually this is more like Champagne than anything else - and MUCH better than commercial supermarket Champagne. Bonus points for being genuinely bone dry. A happy discovery."
Mr Tim Potts (08-Feb-2020)
"We really enjoyed the freshness and sparkle of this cremant. Terrific value - will certainly buy again. "
Mr John H Summers (31-Dec-2019)
"Don’t over chill this wine and the flavour come out."
Mr D W Hudson (05-Dec-2019)
"Much better than the 2015. Clean and dry. Mousse holds up reasonably. "
Mr Trefor Rosser-James (25-Nov-2019)
2016 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Press & Journal (18th Jan 2020)
"Scents of lemons and
limes lead to a good fizz, well-balanced and creamy with brioche notes, the end
is dry. - Carol Brown"
2015 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Characterless fizz; rather disappointing"
Prof Tom Watson (22-Jun-2019)
"A bit disappointed, not the best of it's kind. It was a little too sherbety and the mousse didn't persist in the glass. "
Mrs Helena M A Paterson (30-Dec-2018)
2015 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
France Magazine (26th Jul 2019)
"This sparkling wine
doesn't come from the champagne region, so it can't use the c-word, but by
using similar grapes and production techniques, it certainly produces a
comparable style. Made in the Loire Valley from chardonnay and pinot noir plus
local varieties cabernet franc and chenin blanc, this is a simple but
satisfying sparkler at an unbeatable price. - Richard Hemming"
Rotherham Advertiser (5th Jun 2019)
"… predominantly
chardonnay with chenin blanc and some pinot noir and cabernet franc with
persistent fine bubbles and an appley freshness. A great alternative to
prosecco. - David Clay"
2014 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Excellent cremant that punches above it's price. Lovely chenin flavours of apple and green pear. Smooth mousse."
Ms Louisa Mason (29-May-2018)
Mr Alex Downham (17-Aug-2017)
2014 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
independent.co.uk (20th May 2018)
"The quince and
apricot flavours of chenin blanc and the richer structure of red cabernet franc
come into play here … Terry Kirby"
Decanter (1st Nov 2017)
"With the festive
season approaching, this amazing value sparkler is a vibrant mixture of
chardonnay, chenin blanc and a dash of pinot noir. The result exhibits fresh
apple and lemon characters balanced with a richly textured creamy note on the
finish. - Christelle Guibert"
France Magazine (28th Oct 2017)
"In conjunction with
specialist sparkling wine maker Gratien & Meyer, the Wine Society blends
its own-label wines each year. This example is half chardonnay and 40 per cent
chenin blanc, with the rest being pinot noir and cabernet franc for added
complexity. It has a deliciously fine, tactile mousse, with flavours of lemon,
white peaches and the faintest hint of creamy lees character. Overall a great
value bubbly for a celebration without breaking the bank. - Sally Easton"
The Daily Telegraph (1st Sep 2017)
"Made for The Wine
Society by Gratien & Meyer, which is based in Saumur, this sparkling wine
is made from chardonnay, which brings a creamy texture; chenin blanc, which
contributes an appley freshness; and a small amount of cabernet franc and pinot
noir. - Victoria Moore"
The Daily Telegraph (1st Jul 2017)
"Made for The Wine
Society by Gratien & Meyer, which is based in Saumur, this sparkling wine
is made from chardonnay, which brings a creamy texture; chenin blanc, which
contributes an appley freshness; and a small amount of cabernet franc and pinot
noir. - Victoria Moore"
The Observer (25th Jun 2017)
"Just as good [as
Bollinger's Loire sister house Langlois-Château) are the Anjou-Saumur crémants
of Gratien & Mayer, associated with the champagne house of Alfred Gratien,
including the chenin blanc-chardonnay blend made for The Wine Society. - David Williams"
JancisRobinson.com (10th May 2017)
"Simple, light with a
touch of aniseed adding interest. Dry and richly textured on the palate. Not
especially interesting, but certainly drinkable. 15.5/20 Richard Hemming"
The Wine Gang (2nd May 2017)
"A new vintage with a
perky (dare we say?) springtime spring in its step. Frothy and fresh, apples,
lemons and a little hit of fennel spice. What a cheery, appetite-whetting and
bargainous bubbly delight. - The Wine Gang"
2013 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Excellent taste and value for money. Great with food or on its own and a great all rounder"
Mr Edward K Trezise (11-May-2017)
"A fabulous Cremant and excellent value for money- better than any prosecco, and many champagne's in my opinion. Smooth, vanilla, and easy drinking. A crowd pleaser, with a price tag to make crowd-pleasing possible"
Mrs Catherine Kennard (17-Jan-2017)
"Lovely fizz! Soft mousse with creamy flavour...perfect for special occasions or any excuse for a glass of fizz!
Knocks all those 'cheap' Champagnes into touch - buy 2 of these and save money!"
Mr Stuart Sherwood (30-Oct-2016)
"Great value celebration fizz. Lovely, dry , lemon fresh mousse with a delightful honeyed finish. Very good."
Mr Jonathan Smith (14-Aug-2016)
2013 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Western Mail (10th Dec 2016)
"
A grand little all-rounder. Produced by Gratien
& Meyer for The Wine Society using mostly chardonnay, this has bready
notes on the nose with lots of creaminess to the soft white fruits across the
palate. Little citrus tones lean in through the mid-palate and there is herby
interest on the generous finish.
- Neil Cammies
"
2012 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
winegang.com (1st May 2015)
"Chardonnay is the
main player in the blend here, with a helping hand from more familiar Loire
varieties chenin blanc, cabernet franc and grolleau, and the combination makes
for a quite delightful (and delightfully priced) alternative to Champers, so
very pretty in its combination of light juicy apple and floral tones, gentle
bubbles and clean-cut acidity. "
2011 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Significant Other's Friday night tipple of choice. Beating off the other contenders, so far. Nice bubbles, crisp, fruity flavours. "Get some more" she says...."
Mr Frederick Matthews (19-Jul-2014)
2011 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Kent & Sussex Courier (6th Feb 2015)
"A very delightful and
classy bone-dry bottle of traditional-method sparkling fizz… at an excellent
price. A deliciously bright brisk citrussy fizz with orange, peach and floral
notes, a hint of toasty richness and a gentle silky smooth vinosity on the
palate. It's just so stylish and balanced, with a fine mousse... a sparkling
light-bodied reception drink that will pique the appetite and pair well with
shellfish and fish. - James Viner"
Belfast Sunday Life (28th Dec 2014)
"…elegant and refined… crisp and full flavoured - a
perfect aperitif to kick off any party. - Paula Gracey"
The Portsmouth News (27th Dec 2014)
"Amazingly refined given the price, and made by one of
the Loire's most recognisable producers, Gratien & Meyer, for The Society.
Dry with some apple and citrus notes and a long tasty finish. - Alistair Gibson"
Belfast News Letter Group (12th Dec 2014)
"...fabulously fresh,
fragrant and racy... A delicate, dry palate where sharp citrus flavours mingle
with sweeter notes of pear, peach and quince leads to a tingly finish with
beguiling hints of honey. One for all your retro prawn cocktails that are so
deservedly back in vogue. - Raymond Gleugh"
Hampstead & Highgate Express (4th Dec 2014)
"Great value Champagne
alternative. - Liz Sagues"
Surrey Advertiser (15th Aug 2014)
"This wine match
[strawberry and cream cheese tart] may be a little controversial but it’s good
to stray from the recommended ‘sweet wine with dessert’ track now and again.
That said, the cheese tart is not that sweet and has a wonderful creamy texture
so this attractive Crémant de Loire sparkler is not that far off the mark.
Chenin blanc is the main grape for Saumur sparklers but the law also allows the
addition of chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet franc. The Wine Society’s
Celebration Brut includes chardonnay and cabernet franc; the result is peach,
pear, and citrus flavours backed by a tight line of acidity to balance the
creaminess of the tart. Was that strawberry I picked up on the nose? Probably
not, just the strawberries on the tart fighting their corner to make this
unlikely match a sunny summer winner. - John Downes"
Birds with Bottle (1st May 2014)
"Watch video: http://www.birdswithbottle.com/wp/birds-with-bottle-wines-for-weddings/ - Sandra Clement & Mel Jones"
Belfast News Letter Group (22nd Mar 2014)
"Vibrantly fresh,
fragrant and racy. Exuberantly lifted flavours of quince, pear and lemon mingle
with sweet floral aromatics before a brisk bone-dry finish. An excellently
priced alternative to Champagne. - Raymond Gleug"
Shropshire Star (19th Mar 2014)
"Delicious; a delicate
fine mousse, dry and round with a touch of lemon and honey."
Birmingham Post (18th Mar 2014)
"Crisp and bursting
with lemon curd, peach and a hint of tangerine and ginger. - Andrew Campbell"
Associated Press Syndicate (14th Mar 2014)
"Classy label to toast
mummy dearest on Mother's Day. [This] will certainly bring a sparkle to her eye
with its freshness, crisp acidity and lively beads of bubbles. A blend of
chardonnay and chenin from Saumur in the beautiful - Sam Wylie Harris"
2010 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"As the previous reviewers have said, this is just so quaffable. It is perfect for a summer wedding, and at the ridiculous price (and 12%) you can make your guests drink it throughout the reception, so they don't mix their drinks. A worthy junior partner to the Society's Champagne."
Mr Jonathan Morton (08-Dec-2013)
"In our search for the perfect summer wedding fizz, this was found wanting. But only because it was too elegant and too like chamapagne, and the bride & groom wanted something fruitier. A fantastic fizz that is better than many champagnes and much too good for any party!"
Mr Chris Sheppard (26-Mar-2013)
"Am amazed that there are no reviews for this fizz. It's a real gem of a sparkler, light, dry and keeps on fizzing right through to the last mouthful. The only problem is that it's almost too quaffable, we are going through our Christmas rations at an alarming rate and will need to stock up again for Easter!! We’ve tried all the Society’s budget sparklers (Antech’s Limoux, Cremant de Limoux, various Saumurs etc), and whilst enjoying them all , Celebration is easily the best. Highly recommended.
"
Mr Kenneth Rankin (21-Dec-2012)
2010 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
York Press (8th Mar 2014)
"…a refreshing and
affordable alternative to Champers. A blend of mainly chardonnay and chenin
blanc, with about ten per cent cabernet franc and pinot noir, it is nicely dry
and crisp, with quite long flavours of citrus and subtle floral notes. - Mike Tipping"
JancisRobinson.com (19th Nov 2013)
"15.5/20 The Wine
Society and Gratien & Meyer are in an extremely long-term relationship.
This fresh, clean wine is fault-free but not really very long on character.
Ends up tasting just a little sweet, the way many Chenin Blancs do."
2009 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Great for the price, certainly not 'bone dry' as described; which I much prefer. A very pleasant glass. Added to my wish list."
Mr Oliver T Miller (26-Jun-2012)
"Good nose on this one: peachy and leafy. Fine mousse, quite dry, reasonably full but well balanced. There is nothing wrong with this at all, especially for the price. A useful, no-frills aperitif."
Mr William Davies (30-Dec-2011)
"Well worth paying the extra compared to their 'ordinary' Saumur, which is also excellent value. Brilliant as a quaffer for Christmas."
Mr Crispin R M Jones (29-Nov-2011)
2008 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Light yellow. Plenty of citrus fruits on the nose with some metallic minerals. Light bodied, slightly acidic with numerous tiny beads. Citrus predominates the palate with stones, burnt toast and brioche in the background. Very refreshing. Lovely aperitif and a very decent base for a kir royale.
"
Dr Seng Hoong Tan (11-Feb-2011)
2007 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"I agree - please don't tell anyone except Society members"
Richard J Manuell Esq (23-Nov-2010)
"This is a beautifully balanced sparkling wine - more than capable of holding its own in the company of most Champagnes. It really is stunning value!"
Mr Paul Maclennan (22-Jun-2010)
2006 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"My wife and I bought 2 cases of the Society's Celebration Cremant de Loire for our Golden Wedding Anniversary Party last year. The wine was greatly enjoyed by all our guests and none of them realised that it was not Champagne."
Rear Admiral P G Hammersley (21-Jan-2010)
"I drank this for the first time on the recommendation of one of your staff (name forgotten but very helpful indeed) when I was arranging a Loire Luncheon a few years ago, then again this summer. I gave a present of a dozen to someone in April and as Liz Cerroti knows I will be ordering it for my 80th Birthday celebrations on 3 July 2010 DV. In short I find it a delightful aperitif, light but with character and as your own description puts it "better than many cheap champagnes". Of course I am prejudiced in the first place as for sentimental reasons I am a devotee of wines from the Loire (except for Muscadet - a perpetual hangover from over-indulgence on a Rugby Tour!)"
Mr Simon Parker (22-Nov-2009)
"My wife drinks fizz and she says she loves this creamy 'cheat'. Great value."
Mr Jan Grzywacz (21-Nov-2009)
"I thought this wine was excellent value for money, more palatable than many cheap champagnes. I will save most of the case for Christmas."
Mr Anton Lyon (19-Nov-2009)
"As you claim, this is an excellent Champagne substitute. We served it at a recent Wedding Reception where it was greatly appreciated and I would not hesitate to buy it again for similar occasions."
Prof Geoffrey D Sims (18-Nov-2009)
"This is a lovely sparkler. It is not too dry, has more fruit on the palate than we expected and was much better than champagne at this price. Perhaps it is the predominant chardonnay in the wine which gives this sparkler it's full, biscuity and lingering peachy flavour. We have enjoyed the wine as an aperitif with lemony humous, pitta chips and olives. We live in Switzerland and unfortunately, we are down to our last bottle of six. Enjoy while you can - this is a great value for money bubbly!!! Our friends enjoyed it too."
Mrs Catherine Paes (16-Nov-2009)
"Excellent flavoursome dry sparkling wine which is a great alternative to Champagne. I like it so much that I'm planning to serve it at my wedding in May!"
Miss Antonia M D Lloyd (16-Nov-2009)
"The Society Cremant is a wonderfully smooth and voluptuous - as good as any champagne - zangy and full of taste"
Col M Robert Ward (13-Nov-2009)
"Tremendous sparkler. Not your usual apple taste, but more full bodied. A good equal to a lot of lower priced champagnes. Do not want to say much more or the price will rise."
Mr Stephen L Head (12-Nov-2009)
"I have bought a case each summer for the last five or six years. We use it for picnics at Burghley Horse Trials and various outdoor concerts. It is a light and fizzy wine which goes well with salmon and cheese nibbles. Keep well chilled in a cool bag with added freeze blocks. On occasions when we allowed the second bottle to warm up, the cork left the bottle on removing the wire cage before we were ready... it wastes about a third of the bottle! A good fun wine at a reasonable price: who mentioned champagne...and who would notice at a picnic?"
David J Wilkinson Esq (11-Nov-2009)
"Tried a case for a summer party and it was enjoyed by one and all with several people interested in checking the label to see what it was and one guest buying some shortly afterwards. I would recommend it as a good alternative to many of the cheaper champagnes and it is much nicer than many sparklers."
Mr William M Sutton (11-Nov-2009)
"I and my family are certainly put in the party mood after a couple of glasses of the Society's Celebration Cremant de Loire. We have returned to it for many occasions and it certainly lives up to the label."
Mr Stanley C Turner (11-Nov-2009)
"The Society's Celebration Cremant de Loire made by Gratien and Meyer is an excellent alternative to Champagne and is much better value for money than many Champagnes. It is fresh on the nose, has a lovely pale colour and lots and lots of exciting bubbles. It really does taste good and is very popular with our friends."
Mr Michael J Walker (11-Nov-2009)
"This fizzer knocks spots off cheap champagne. It has a good mousse with a steady trickle of small, delightful, bubbles. It is not bone dry and can be enjoyed by people who might find Moet a bit demanding.
"
Neil Crapper Esq (11-Nov-2009)
"We bought this for a Christening reception, so it had wide exposure! The consensus was most favourable - a good honest wine with plenty of flavour. One guest asked where it had been obtained. I certainly agree with your assessment that it is better than many cheaper champagnes. Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments."
Group Capt Michael Hawkins (11-Nov-2009)
"This sparkler is a real winner. It must represent some of the best value that even this Society's list offers. At a shade under a tenner, it knocks many cheap (and some not so cheap) champagnes into a cocked hat. It is very dry and has an immediate 'kick' but it also has bags of flavour and it lingers satisfyingly on the palate. A wonderful wine for a wedding or other celebration."
Prof Eric J Evans (01-Oct-2009)