There was good reason to pop the cork of Avondale’s Armilla when the MCC achieved a stunning result in a review of ‘New World’ sparkling wines by UK-based wine magazine, Decanter.  Armilla was rated alongside 95 premium sparkling wines by an expert panel that included wine consultant, Andy Howard; award-winning writer, Jane Parkinson and Ron Sayburn, the COO of the European Court of Master Sommeliers.  ‘New World’ is a term used to categorise wines made outside of the traditional European wine-making regions, and this tasting included sparkling wines from New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Argentina and South Africa.  The Decanter team picked their Top 25 sparkling wines during the tasting, and ranked Avondale Armilla in the ninth place, one of only 2 South African wines that made it into their top 10.  Consumption of sparkling wine in the UK is on the rise, with the magazine reporting an 80% increase in sales over the past five years.  This particular review of latest ‘New World’ sparkling wines available in the UK, emphasised the traditional cultivars, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and traditional wine-making methods.  Decanter described Avondale Armilla as “Very stylish” and noted: “Ripe nose of candy floss, honey and pineapple.  An attractive soft mousse combines with a lovely fresh acidity and flavours of lightly baked biscuit.”