Michael Hepworth
SPARKLING WINES WITHIN THE BUDGET FROM FRANCE AND PORTUGAL
HOLLYWOOD (Spiritsman)9/28/15/–Here are a few sparkling wines that came across our desk that represent great value, although you may have to do a bit of digging to find them as distribution in most cases Is only in a handful of states. Still worth the detective work however.
CREMANT de BOURGOGNE-BRUT
This goodie is from the Maconnais region in Burgundy, and this bubbly is produced from Cave de Lugny vineyards that surround the village of Lugny. Shallow limestone soil where the age of the vines reach about 35 years. Grapes are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay and they are hand harvested and then pressed in a pneumatic press. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and extra maturation takes an additional 12 months once the wine is bottled.
Visually this wine is a pale gold and the nose takes on yellow fruit, dried fruits and hazelnuts.
Food pairings are pretty broad like seafood, poultry and desserts and in particular smoked salmon crème brulee. Distributed by Viceroy Imports and available in three states $15
CREMANT DE BOURGOGNE BRUT-BLANC
Composed of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir grapes this wine comes from vineyards relatively young at just 20 years. Maturing time is 24 months and the wine stays in the bottle for up to three years. The winemaker is Simmonet-Febvre and they have been around since 1840 in Chablis. This is a versatile and easy tasting wine that can either be served as a chilled aperitif or even drank throughout the entire meal. Distributed by Louis Latour and available in 14 states for $18.
LOUIS de GRENELLE-BRUT ROSE “CORAIL”
The fruit for this sparkling wine is harvested by hand and the yields are quite low. The grapes are 100% Cabernet Franc from the region of Saumur with very low dosage to protect the aromas and flavor which are very fruity for this lively sparkling wine. Saumur is a historic city between Angers and Tours in the Loire Valley, where the soil is full of limestone. Louis de Grenelle has been around since 1859, and they own two and a-half kilometers of underground caves. All bottles produced lay stored underground for several years under this bustling market city, and yes these wines are very good. Available in 5 states for $19.
Available from John David Headrick Selections
CREMANT DE LOIRE WINE
A clear yellow wine that has an aroma of peach and pear with a five year aging period. A very fresh sparkling wine that has a lot of complexity with the overall taste.
CASAL GARCIA-SPARKLING ESPUMANTE VINHO VERDE ROSE
This sparkling wine is from Portugal and a vineyard in Vinho Verde from a trio of grapes-Vinhao, Borracal and Azal Tinto. Honestly I am not too familiar with these sparklers, and the white version Is quite expressive with a trace of flowers, tropical fruits and green apples. Food pairings for this wine is sushi and strawberry cheesecake. The Rose version has a feel of red berries and wild strawberries with a very fresh finish. Goes well with Oriental food, Sea food and a Wild Berry Pie, and at $12 is a bargain. Only available in three states however.
If you prefer white wine then the Casal Garcia Sparkling Espumante Vinho Verde White is produced just like its sister wines by a method of a slow second fermentation at low temperatures which is done to preserve all the characteristics of the base wine, and at $9 is ridiculous value in the six states you can find it.
Michael Hepworth
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