Discovering the Queen of Champagnes: The Veuve Clicquot

Have you ever tasted something so incredible it transports you to another place and time? One of the magical things about wine is its ability to sweep you away to the place the grapes were grown, and the cellar where the wine was made and nurtured. One taste of a unique wine can have you imagining the history of the people that made their mark on each bottle. The first Sparkling wine that truly swept me away was found in my Dad's cellar: The Veuve Clicquot.

This iconic Champagne House is located in Reims, in the heart of the Champagne in northern France. This Champagne House was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot, who was joined by his son Francois. After the untimely death of Francois, however, his widow, Barbe Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin took over the House in 1805 at the age of 27, and become one of the first powerful women of the wine industry. The history of the Veuve Clicquot is fascinating, and I highly recommend The Window Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Women Who Ruled It by Tilar Mazzeo. This incredible book captures the history and mystique of the story, and is best paired with a couch, on a Sunday, with a glass of bubbles!

The non-vintage Brut Yellow Label is comprised of premium grapes grown in 50-60 vineyards. The blend of grapes is 50-55% Pinot Noir, 15-20% Pinot Meunier and 28-33% Chardonnay. 

Tasting Note:
Nose: Brioche, ripe lemon, lemon poppy-seed cake
Palate: Follows the nose with subtle hazelnut, ripe lemon with perfectly balanced acidity and elegant, refined mousse leading to a lingering finish.
Food Match: A traditional pairing is Champagne and caviar, decadence with decadence... but if you are not in the mood for caviar, this rich sparkling wine is incredible with salted potato chips! Champagne and potato chips? Absolutely, it is one of my favourite pairings!
Alcohol: 12%
Price: $67.95

This wine is available in the LCBO, and is a perfect special occasion or celebration sparkler. 

Please click on my Special Bottles page to see an incredible vintage Veuve Clicquot I was lucky enough to taste.

Here is a great clip about Veuve Clicquot and how to serve and taste it from the Champagne House itself! Happy sipping!

Discovering Four Mile Creek: Jackson Triggs

Located in the heart of Niagara-On-The-Lake, Jackson Triggs is an iconic winery that has helped put Niagara wine on the world wine map.  Established in 1993, Jackson Triggs is a larger winery that also has vineyard holdings in the Okanagan Valley. 

As many of the Niagara-On-The-Lake vineyards do, the Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate Vineyard located in the sub-appellation of Four Mile Creek benefits from the warming and cooling effect of Lake Ontario, as well as the close proximity to the Niagara Escarpment. This cool region thrives on grapes perfectly suited to the climate, especially the high acid grape Sauvignon Blanc, which is the star of today's post.

By now, you have learned about the three classic grape varieties used for the Methode Traditionelle: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Sauvignon Blanc made in the traditional method is certainly uncommon; a unique sparkling that rewards the adventurous drinker! 

Tasting Note:
Nose: Fresh citrus, subtle toast and fresh cut grass
Palate: Palate follows the nose with refreshing citrus notes, elegant bubbles supported by bright and beautifully integrated acidity leading to a lasting finish
Food Match: Best served with prosciutto wrapped
melon
Alcohol: 13%
Price: 29.95

The Entourage Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc is available at the LCBO, and at the Jackson Triggs Winery. Happy sipping!