Tasting notes, December 17, 2023; Sparkling wines

                     Sparkling Wines

NV Santa Tresa Grillo Spumante
On Sale for $13.60
Vittoria / Sicily / Italy
100% Grillo
Created from 100% organically grown grapes, the Il Grillo is a crispy, nutty Spumante at a very affordable price. While sparkling wine production in Sicily is relatively rare, this bottling hints at the region’s potential for the style.
2021 Raventos i Blanc Blanc de Blancs
On Sale for $23.99
Conca del Riu Anoia / Catalonia / Spain
Macabeo, Xa-rello, Parellada, Malvasia de Sitges
Created from a blend of the three primary Cava varietals along with a tiny portion of the nearly extinct Malvasia de Sitges. This small (5%) inclusion adds both acidity and fullness to the wine.
2022 Jeio Prosecco Rosé
On Sale for $16
Valdobbiadene/ Veneto / Italy
85% Glera, 15% Pinot Nero
The Prosecco Rosé category is a relatively new official denomination, allowing growers in the Veneto to expand on the popularity of Prosecco. The Jeio is fresh, fruity and low in alcohol at 11% by volume.
2020 Melanie Pfister Breit
On Sale for $30.40
Dalenheim / Alsace / France
50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Blanc
Methode Traditionelle with secondary fermentation occurring in bottle, Pfister’s Extra Brut cuvee is finished with next to no residual sugar. The wine has spent 29 months on its lees.
NV Laurent Perrier La Cuvee
1.5L $120 | 750mL $58.40
Tours-sur-Marne / Champagne / France
50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 15% Meunier
100 different crus located throughout the Champagne region are employed to create this lively, intense Brut. The base wines are aged for four years or more prior to disgorgement.
NV Pierre Peters Cuvée de Reserve
On Sale for $60
Le Mesnil-sur-Oger / Champagne / France
100% Chardonnay
Minerality and acidity are the hallmarks of the marvelous wines of Pierre Peters. The Cuvée de Reserve is created from a blend of young wines (2018, 2017 vintages) combined with reserve wines dating back to 1988. This is a delicate yet persistent Blanc de Blancs, with plenty of style.