Tasting notes; Sparkling wines, December 29, 2018

2016 Carême ‘Cuvée T’ Vouvray Brut

Loire Valley, FR

Regular Price $28.99

Sale price $22.99

Wines from Vouvray may be dry, sweet or in-between. They can be still or sparkling. But they can only ever be made of Chenin Blanc. Thus, this beautiful, dry, sparkling wine shows not only the versatility of Chenin Blanc but also its depth, finesse, complexity and flavor.

2016 Mont Marcal Cava Rosado Brut

Catalonia, SP

Regular Price $19.99

Sale price $15.99

The grapes here are Garnacha, Pinot Noir and Trepat, and the resulting wine is fresh and bright and berry-scented with cherry, fig and brioche flavors. Crisp and clean, it’s just delightful

Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs, NV

Napa Valley, CA

Regular Price $25.99

Sale price $19.99

‘Blanc de Blancs’, or ‘white of whites’ tells us this wine is made of only white grapes, in this case, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. It also suggests that the flavors will be apple-ly and citrus-y, with toasty brioche hints supporting the fruit.

2014 Argyle Vintners Brut

Willamette Valley, OR

Regular Price $31.99

Sale price $24.99

Argyll Winery has been around since the late 80’s and still makes red, white and sparkling wines from Willamette Valley. This, their ‘everyday’ sparkling wine, is very traditional; blending Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Pinot Meunier, extended lees aging, and disgorgement upon demand. Does it taste traditional? Pretty much, and that’s a good thing

Champagne Henriot Brut Rosé, NV

Champagne, FR

Regular Price $79.99

Sale price $39.99

The wine press has just discovered ‘grower’ Champagne (now that it’s been a trend for over twenty years), so they don’t know what to do about the ‘mini-majors’ like Henriot, which have been around for 200 years, owns many of their own vineyards, and has remained independent. So, they ignore them. This wine, however, shows the tradition and skill of Henriot, who prides themselves as a ‘Chardonnay house’! (this wine is 40% Chardonnay)

2017 Conte Costiolo Sangue di Giuda

Oltrepo Pavese, IT

Regular Price $19.99

Sale price $15.99

Hahahahaha! This wine is just delicious! Its red, sparkling and…(wait for it!) a bit sweet Which, of course, means that many will dislike it without ever trying it. A blend of Croatina, Uva rara,  and Barbera, the wine comes from North Central Italy, and the name translates as..(wait for it!), blood of Judas. Which, I think, is a bit confusing. Shouldn’t the blood of Judas be bitter and harsh? Anyway, try this wine…it’s great!