...elderflower.

I have come to this conclusion because elderflower cordial reminds me of Sancerre. Sancerre that is before it develops and becomes flinty.

Some people describe the flavour as being nettley or chalky.

Have they ever eaten nettles or chalk.

Good grief.

Some people think a good Sancerre tastes green and nutty..pay no attention they're probably Welsh and had never had elderflower cordial before..

Good Sancerre in it's youth and we're talking months not years tastes of elderflower.

Never forget that.

Any arguments and i'll get Bacchus to run you over on his 3 wheel scooter

I've never drunk Sancerre on, or immediately following release - So I'm in the clear

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Duncan

Did a clockwise loop yesterday from old bridge to SSC. There are only 2 road signs in that part of the world. "Speed Camera" and "SLOW". Bahhh

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Four wheels move the body - 2 wheels move the soul.

OK, message not for the locals, so translating this =

The beautiful Clifton suspension Bridge (old bridge) to SSC ? Severn Sailing Club ? The motorway suspension bridge ?

SSC = What ?

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Duncan

SSC = Second Severn Crossing (new bridge to abroad). Clifton Suspension Bridge is solely for jumping off.

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Four wheels move the body - 2 wheels move the soul.

Interesting.

Elderflower can give off different aromas depending on what time of day they are picked. Pick it in the morning and you get dried fruit smells, particularly banana. In the evening you get a definite cat-pee smell, perhaps this is where your SB/Sancerre connection lies?

I always pick my flower heads in the afternoon on a sunny day, the flowers are at their best and the aromas are nicely balanced.

Seriously G, I think you should give the old champs a go next spring, I think you'll like it. I have seven litre bottles left aging, I did add a litre of grape juice to each gallon to give it extra body but when I factor that additional cost in I reckon each litre bottle cost me around £0.50p

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Yep, Im still here.

My dear Miises has not made this since we left Lincolnshire, we lived on the edge of the Wolds.

She would send me out to pick the flower heads at about 10:30 to 11 am, when the dew had evaporated. We thought they were more aromatic and fresh faced at that time of day. G, much will depend on how windy the picking locations are, when you go out to collect them. Look for the new flowering heads, plastic shopping bags are the best for collecting them.

Leave the older heads, they have been fertilised by the bees and the tiny flowers are already drying out.

Slightly contrary to the * new generation of makers But that's what we think is best.

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Duncan

I'm annoyed that I was too late this year. I thought July was the perfect time to go picking.

Ta for the advice.

If Elder Champers turns out to be as good as I hope I could even give up Loire sauvignon. I'm into wine for the flavour not the alcohol. Celebrations aside I drink lager if I want an alcoholic hit. As Sancerre/PF/MenetouSalon is becoming very expensive and is very inconsistant probably more so than Chablis and other unoaked white Burgundy I would love a cheap and flavoursome alternative. I buy Bottle Green cordial which is expensive I guess at £2.99 and mix it with soda water. Too much and it's way too sweet too little and it's tasteless but just right and it really could be sparkling Sancerre.

What a discovery !

That said...I could just be going potty.

Potty or not...it's more dosh to spend on Saint Clair Oh Block.

Lovely !

Ive amended the original Elder Flower 'Champagne' recipe to reflect the success Ive had.

New, simpler recipe here.

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Yep, Im still here.