New York City's fine dining scene has something new to enjoy on its sparkling wine menu with the U.S. debut of Chapel Down, England's leading wine producer. To us, it's crystal clear, almost transparent hue resembles a glass full of yellow diamonds with a fireworks bright lemon note.
According to their representative, French wine expert Arnaud Brachet, they are already set up throughout New York in many establishments like Morrell's Astor Wine, The St. Regis, and The Pierre Hotel. They look forward to expanding to Canada.
The CEO and owner of Chapel Down, Frazer Thompson came to New York for the October launch party at the residence of the New York British Consul General. Frazer took advantage of world wide climate change by nuturing grapes that produce a world-class sparkling wine. Frazer himself lives next to the vineyard. Brachet observed:
“The quality is top notch, going straight from the vineyard to your glass. Very little is done to it besides the first and second fermentation. The nurture of these grapes is what maintains the integrity of the wine.” Brachet, born in Champagne, France, is mosst familiar with its white cliffs and chalky soil. When we asked what was important to him beyond the exquisite wine itself, he explained:
“Branding and packaging are paramount and purposefully reflect Chapel Down's quality and integrity.”
The high praise of iconic, legendary British chefs such as Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Olive greatly encouraged the Chapel Down's team in their belief that Chapel Down, one that particularly stood out was the designation of the Chapel Down as the first English wine producer to be featured on the London Stock Exchange's "1000 Companies to Inspire Britian". Brachet was quick to point out:
“We were extremely proud. It gave us even more confidence to take the leap and expand to others markets starting with New York.”
Brachet believes that what Chapel Down does for the culutre of fine dining is the surprise of its fresh taste as well as the excitement of bringing something new to the dinner table. Although diners very often choose wine or champagne for special occasions, Brachet noted.
“Sparkling wine offers the best of both. It's a new take on classic fine dining beverages. Americans love trying new things and with Chapel Down now available in the U.S. It's only a matter of time before it will make an impact similar to what it has had in the U.K..”
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Kyle Preston
- Photography
- Neilson Barnard
- Image courtesy
- Chapel Down
