Battle of the Bubbles this Cricket World Cup!!!

London, England
  The sporting calendar kicked off this year with the ICC Cricket World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand. To kick-off the celebrations, New Zealand sparkling wine will compete with English sparkling wine in the “Battle of the Bubbles” on Thursday 19th February in Wellington, the day before the two teams meet for real on the cricket pitch!

  Each country has selected a top team of eleven players, plus a ‘twelfth man’, to go head to head with each other in a blind taste off.  The team captains for each side: Oz Clarke for England and Jane Skilton MW for New Zealand, will be out in Wellington and head up a panel of wine writers, commentators and cricketing internationals to select the winners in the competition, which will then be announced at an evening reception.

  “This promises to be a thrilling match,” commented Oz Clarke. “Both countries are now world-renowned for the quality of their fizz and to meet head to head in this keenly-anticipated match will certainly highlight the fabulous quality of these two nations’ wines.We don’t anticipate any sledging or intimidatory tactics, because that simply wouldn’t be cricket.  But, of course, this isn’t cricket is it? Perhaps I’ll take my box after all.” 

   The ‘battle’ will also be held in London on Thursday 19th February in New Zealand Penthouse where the invited guests and media can have their say and vote for the winning team and select a ‘man of the match’ award.

Check out the team below:

NEW ZEALAND         

Team captain: Jane Skilton MW

Akarua Rosé Brut
Daniel Le Brun Blanc de Blancs 2009
Deutz Blanc de Blancs 2010
Huia Brut 2009
Hunter’s MiruMiru
Lindauer Special Reserve Brut Cuvée
Nautilus Cuvée Brut
No. 1 Family Estate No. 1 Cuvée Blanc de Blancs
Osawa Prestige Collection Méthode Traditionnelle
Quartz Reef Méthode Traditionnelle 2009
Seresin Moana Blanc 2009
Tohu Rewa Blanc de Blancs 2011

(Excerpt from a press release )

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ENGLAND

Team captain: Oz Clarke

Ambriel English Reserve NV
Bluebell Hindleap Blanc de Blancs 2010
Camel Valley White Pinot 2010
Coates & Seely Blanc de Blancs NV
Hambledon Classic Cuvée NV
Henners Brut Reserve 2010
Hush Heath Balfour Brut Rosé 2010
Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2007
Plumpton The Dean Brut NV
Sugrue Pierre South Downs 2011
Wiston South Downs Blanc de Blancs NV
Wyfold Brut 2010