Following the submerged success of Havets Bobler (Bubbles of the Sea), the world’s first sea-aged sparkling wine from the Arctic, the Norwegian coastal cruise operator Hurtigruten is diving back into the icy depths, and this time, it’s going bigger, bolder, and bubblier!
Picture this. Wine bottles nestled beneath the cold, dark sea, aging gracefully veiled in the mystical wonders of the Arctic. We’re talking about the ultimate wine cellar, located under the sea, somewhere off the coast of Finnmark, the northernmost region of Norway, where the North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe, makes its chilly home. At around 70 degrees north, where the water temperature in winter creeps down towards freezing point, this top-secret wine vault hidden beneath the ocean waves is so under wraps that it’s like a hidden treasure on a pirate’s map.
Hurtigruten is a Norwegian coastal cruise company known for its iconic service that operates along the western and northern coasts of Norway. The term ‘Hurtigruten’ can also refer to the name of the cruise route itself. Havets Bobler is an integral part of Hurtigruten’s Norway Coastal Kitchen, a unique food and beverage concept that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the Norwegian coast.
High North Immersion
After Hurtigruten, as part of the Company’s 130th-anniversary celebration at the beginning of this year, for the first time in the world, sea-aged 1,700 bottles of sparkling wine at a depth of 34 metres, somewhat further south on the Norwegian coast, the company is now repeating the success – and in an even more extreme manner.
The best part is that you don’t have to be a wine expert to enjoy this masterpiece. As CEO Hedda Felin in Hurtigruten puts it, “We believe in bringing a touch of the Arctic to the world of sparkling wine. Our Norwegian coastline is the perfect place to create something truly unique for our valued guests seeking one-of-a-kind experiences.”
What’s new as the project moves even further north? More bottles, more bubbles, and even more delight for the taste buds. A whopping 4,500 bottles, to be exact, including 4,200 standard 0.75 cl bottles and 300 magnum-sized 1.5 cl bottles – all to be gracefully aged on the seabed for a minimum maturation period of six months north of the Arctic circle beneath first the Northern Lights and then, as seasons turn, beneath the Midnight Sun. “Some might even stay longer, for that extra vigour”, says Hurtigruten’s Front of House & Beverage Director, Tani Gurra, who has overseen the project and also holds qualifications as a sommelier.
Guests aboard Hurtigruten ships are in for a treat, as they get to savour this unique creation while cruising through the stunning waters where the wine slumbers beneath.
“Imagine sipping the crisp and elegant Havets Bobler as you sail along what many consider the world’s most beautiful coastline. It’s truly an experience you won’t find anywhere else,” says André Pettersen, Chief Product Officer and Head of Hotel Operations at Hurtigruten.
He says guests and wine experts alike are enthusiastic about the effect the unique storage method has had on the first series of bottles.
“The wine has grown rounder on the palate, with even silkier bubbles with a refreshing burst of citrus notes and a mineral finish that’s as crisp as the Arctic air.”
Havets Bobler is a Classic Cuvee, 2018 vintage, made using traditional methods from hand-harvested grapes of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. This exclusive creation is crafted by the renowned Rathfinny Wine Estate, a family-run vineyard located in Sussex, England.
Hurtigruten does not stop its Arctic food and drink innovation efforts with sparkling wine; the next project being discussed is to take exclusive edibles to new heights as it considers exclusive caviar alongside the bubbles.
The name Hurtigruten roughly translates to ‘Express Route’ in English. Hurtigruten offers a unique travel experience, connecting remote coastal communities, delivering cargo, and providing tourists with a way to explore the stunning Norwegian coastline. These cruises not only serve as a mode of transportation for locals but also offer travellers an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, culture, and traditions of Norway. Havets Bobler can be enjoyed in a glass while the wine slumbers beneath the waves on Hurtigruten’s Original Coastal Express, The North Cape Express and The Svalbard Express voyages.
