This Saturday we’ll be Fizzing, Frothing and Effervescing with an array of sparkling wines from the Languedoc, Veneto, Traisental, the Loire and of course Champagne. You don’t have to wait for New Years, bubbles are great for parties, with dinner, with breakfast. In fact they may be the most versatile type of wine there is. Add a little sparkle to the weekend. The corks come off at two.
Le Cris des Roches Blanc de Blanc Brut $12
This Cry of the Rocks in made from Ugni Blanc, Colombard, and a little Chardonnay from the southwest and Languedoc. Secondary fermentation is done in closed vat. This was created specifically for the local importer so it comes in at a good price.
LaJara Prosecco Frizante Rosé $12
La Jara means” Pebbles” which cover the vineyards in abundance. The property has belonged to the Marion family since 1891. Although certified organic, increasingly biodynamic practices have been taken up, whilst the winery is a spotless cathedral of tiles, tanks and beams. The wine has fine and persistent bubbles with a beautiful smell of white flowers and an intense taste of fresh fruits.
Hurber Hugo Rosé $18
Pinot Noir and Zweigelt
At the tender age of twenty-three, Markus Huber took over the task of making wine at his family’s winery in the Traisental region of Austria. The Huber family has been making wine from their land for five generations. His Rosé has aromas of wild cherries, grapefruit, white pepper & roses.
Domaine de Pré Baron, Cremant de Loire Brut $18
Chardonnay, Orbois, Pinot Noir
Guy and Jean-Luc Mardon, a father and son team, have 35 hectares of vineyards in Oisly in the Loire. The father works the vineyards, while the son has taken over the vinification. Their Cemant is hand picked, uses the Champagne method of pressing, and is kept on its lees for more than one year. It’s a lively wine with delicate fragrance.
Zoémie de Sousa, Cuvée Brut Merveille $45
50% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier.
The grapes for the Zoémie come from De Sousa’s 9.5 hectares estate which they farm organically. The Merveille is a blend of the three main Champagne grapes; Chardonnay imparts finesse and elegance, Pinot Noir provides structure and intensity and Pinot Meunier adds fruitiness. It ages on its lees for two years before disgorging. It has a high degree of brilliance and a host of dainty bubbles. It exudes aromas of stone fruits, that develop into candied and dried fruits flavors that are suave and ample on the palate, with notes of citrus and mineral overtones.
Ports for the Holidays
Sunday, December 8th, 1-3pm
Ports are diverse and delicious. And as the cold weather hits they keep the chill away. Stop by on Sunday to sip some of these tasty delights from two old Port houses Kopke and Rocha. Local Port expert Sarah Timbrook-Nugent will be with us to talk about different styles of Port and the history of these venerable producers.