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!

Discovering Napa: Domaine Chandon

This week’s post is inspired by being surrounded by fine wine – on a boat, in the Caribbean! Well, boat is understating it… but the wine program aboard the Celebrity Reflection cruise ship is truly top notch.  This week’s sparkling is coming to you from the Ensemble Lounge on Deck 5!

Domaine Chandon is located in the Napa Valley in California, and was the first French sparkling wine producer to open its doors in Napa. Domaine Chandon was opened in 1973 by the iconic Champagne hosue Moet & Chandon, and they produce sparkling wines made the classic style. The grape varieties used are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and come from select vineyards throughout the Napa Valley subregions. The resulting sparkling wine is nothing short of fabulous.

Tasting Note:

Nose: This wine has aromas of ripe pear, candied lemon zest and a slight toastiness.

Palate: The palate follows the nose on this wine, with bracing and refreshing acidity and integrated bubbles.

Food Match: Best served with citrus ceviche or try it with Brie or Camembert.

Alcohol:13%

Price: $27.95

This sparkler is in the LCBO and a bit more expensive, but worth it to taste these elegant bubbles produced where the old world meets the new. Until next week, happy sipping! 

Discovering the Pacific Northwest: Oregon Sparkling

A look  at the subregions of Oregon

Oregon may not be the first place that comes to mind for sparkling wine -  but this state, nestled between the Pacific Ocean, Washington, Idaho and California is home to incredible terroir.  Oregon is known for quality Pinot Noir, an important grape variety for making sparkling wine.

Argyle Brut Sparkling Wine comes from the Argyle Winery in the  Willamette Valley, which runs south from the Columbia River and is surrounded by mountain ranges. This wine is a blend of 63% Pinot Noir and 37% Chardonnay. This sparkling was love at first sip for me, and you may find it continues to find its way into your flute on nights when you are craving something special but affordable.
                                              




 


Tasting Note:
Nose: Aromas of bright citrus, ripe pear and honeycomb jump out of the glass
Palate: Integrated acidity with a touch of balanced sweetness, elegant flavours of lemon peel, honey crisp apple 
Food Match: Perfect to sip on its own, or try it with baked brie and pear
Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: 24.75
Argyle Brut Sparkling is available in the LCBO. I hope you enjoy it, happy sipping!




Here is some wine for thought... a great video from my favourite wine expert, Jancis Robinson, about the production of sparkling wine. Enjoy!

Discovering Prosecco - Italy's Darling

You may have heard the term Prosecco, but what does it really mean? Where exactly is it from? This week, Italy is the region - and Prosecco is the sparkling star.

Prosecco refers to the sparkling wine itself, but is also the name of the grape variety that the wine is made from. Prosecco is made in the Veneto region of north east Italy, where the climate is cool and tempered thanks to the alps in the north. 

Prosecco is not made in the traditional method style, it is made in the "Charmat" method (named after the French creator). In the Charmat method, also referred to as the tank method, the second fermentation that creates the bubbles is done in a stainless steel tank instead of in bottle. The resulting wine is fruity and fresh.

Tasting Note
Nose: This wine has fresh aromas of meyer lemon, ripe pear and orange blossom
Palate: On the palate, this wine displays fresh citrus and crisp apple notes with invigorating bubbles leading to a satisfying finish.
Food Match: Prosecco pairs best with antipasto and cured Italian meats
Alcohol:11%
Price: $13.55

This wine is available in the LCBO,  and is a great choice for a a summer afternoon on the deck. There may be a few months left until sunshine, but this bright sparkler is sure to brighten your mood!

Happy Sipping!

Discovering Crémant de Loire

This week, I will be sharing a favourite go-to sparkling of mine. France is the region, but we are not talking about Champagne - yet! There is another sparkling option from France with incredible character and value, a great wine at a great price - welcome to the wonderful world of Crémant!

Crémant is a French term that refers to traditional method sparkling wine made in France, but not from Champagne. There are seven regions that produce Crémant in France and are approved by French wine law. The subject of today is Crémant de Loire.

The Loire Valley is located in central France and home to France's longest river. The Loire is the second largest region producing sparkling in France behind Champagne. By law, Crémant de Loire must spend nine months ageing, and may be released after one year.

Chateau de Montgueret is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.

Tasting Note

Nose: This wine has aromas of green apple, lemon zest and white flower.

Palate: This wine is crisp and dry with bright citrus flavours. The bubbles are smooth, and leave the palate refreshed.

Food Match: Grilled calamari with fresh lemon, or mild cheeses and lighter fare

Alcohol: 12%

Price: $19.95

Available in the LCBO, this Crémant is a fantastic option for a méthode-traditionnelle wine at a great price. I love to give this wine as a gift, and I often pick it up for those unsure moments in the LCBO when you really can't decide what you should be drinking that night. Chances are, you'll always be happy with bubbles.

Cheers and happy sipping!

Discovering 13th Street Winery: 13th Street Cuvée 13 Sparkling Brut Rosé

13^th Street Winery, located on 4^th Avenue in St. Catharines, has long been a sacred place to me. Not only do they have an impressive portfolio of red, white and rosé wines – they have a sparkling wine program that is world class. Fittingly, Winemaker Jean-Pierre Colas makes the sparkling in the methode traditionnelle (traditional method).


Before we delve further, a note on the methode traditionnelle process: this sparkling production begins with a simple white wine. A combination of sugar, yeast and wine is added to the base wine before it is bottled.  Once bottled and sealed with a temporary cork, the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation, creating those beautiful bubbles. Through the riddling process, sediment in the bottle created during the secondary fermentation is collected. Once the temporary cork is removed, the pressure pushes the sediment out - and you have a clear bottle of bubbles!

Back to the wine at - or in - hand, this sparkling rosé is a classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The wine has aged for 18 months, adding complexity in aroma and flavour. The bubbles are elegant and the acidity makes the wine lively and crisp. Pronounced red fruit flavours linger on the palate.

This wine, made in a classic style, is a gorgeous taste of Niagara sparkling. It is perfect for a special night - or make a night special by opening it! It's a steal at $24.95 available at 13^th Street winery and at the LCBO.
Until next week, happy sipping!