Tag Archives: champagne

Wine of the Day: Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele, Champagne NV (2012) 11-23-16

Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 750ML ($89.95) Buy Now: $59 special

Let’s get straight to the point—Champagne this good should cost way more than this does (also this wine often costs more than it does now). This Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele NV is 100% Pinot Noir and very serious. Not all blanc de noirs are this vinous and that elegance and complexity shines through when paired with food. Serve it in a real wineglass, not flutes, to experience it in full. –Saul

Antonio Galloni 95 points “The NV (2012) Extra Brut Fidele is another fabulous wine from Vouette & Sorbée. Here, the richness of Pinot Noir comes through loud and clear in the wine’s depth and overall richness. Creamy and beautifully layered throughout, the 2012 hits all the right notes. Red berry, mint, flowers, sweet spices and candy fill out the wine’s broad frame effortlessly. What a gorgeous wine this is. Simply put, the 2012 is a total knock-out.”

Wine of the Day: Francoise Bedel ‘Cuvee Entre Ciel et Terre’ Brut Champagne NV 6-23-16

Francoise Bedel Cuvee Entre Ciel et Terre Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) Buy Now: $71.90 special

There’s a local spot on the other side of town known for their illustrious, borderline-obsessive selection of Champagnes. The wine list hits the table with a weighty thud… Navigating their offerings is equal parts daunting and exciting, so packed with famed producers that it resembles what Sir Winston Churchill’s Christmas list. While barside a few months ago, a friend noticed Mme. Bedel’s name among the selections and nearly leapt for joy. Without hesitation, a frosty bottle and two glasses were summonsed, our server nodding with approval.

First, some context. Francoise Bedel is about as real-deal as you can get in Champagne. Her estate has practiced biodynamic agriculture for twenty years; harvest is performed by hand and wines are held for a minimum of five years prior to release. With ‘Entre Ciel et Terre’, free run and press wine is separated before vinification in oak and enameled tanks. The majority of this cuvee comes from the 2006 harvest and spent eight years on the lees. As with all bottlings, it is hand-riddled and disgorged prior to release.

The finished wine – an extra brut composed of 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, and the remainder Chardonnay, carries one of the most pleasing textures I’ve come across with Champagne. Bubbles are tightly-woven and explode across the palate; wildflower aromatics meld with a spice-tinged, honey-soaked flavor profile. Overall, a rich and multifaceted sparkling wine with great integration and no shortage of character. We’ve just picked up a handful of cuvees from Bedel, though not all that much of ’em. If you can manage to grab a bottle, please do – farmer fizz doesn’t get much better than this. – Tyler

Wine of the Day: Aubry Premier Cru Brut Champagne NV 6-14-16

Aubry Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now: $33 special

The Aubry line of winegrowers dates back to the late 18^th century, to when France still had a king. As a nod of respect to their forefathers, though probably not to the royals, the modern-day Aubry brothers, Pierre and Philippe, set out to revive a few ancient Champagne grapes. In 1989, they took cuttings from a few remaining vines, and planted some Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Fromenteau, and Enfumé. Vive la tradition!

These rare varieties compose only 5% of Aubry’s Brut Premier Cru Champagne, but it’s the thought that counts. The rest of the blend includes 45% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir, and 25% Chardonnay. Such a dominance of red grapes gives this Champagne a bold mouth feel, with plenty of backbone. At play with this are notes of white flowers, lemon, a stony minerality, and some toastiness on the finish. Balanced, fresh, and très Champagne… What’s not to like about a revisit to the Ancien Régime?! – Daniel

Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91 points “(45% pinot meunier, 25% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay, with the rest arbanne, petit meslier and fromenteau; disgorged in April, 2013): Bright straw. Pungent aromas of Meyer lemon, pear and fig, with a gingery accent adding lift. Sappy, penetrating citrus fruit and floral flavors are given a refreshingly bitter character by notes of pear skin and peach pit, with a waxy note coming up on the back half. A smoky nuance lingers on the finish, which shows very good clarity and length. Fifty-five percent of this blend is from 2010 and the rest is reserve wines, mostly from a solera that was begun in 1998.” JR

Wine of the Day: Domaine de l’Ecu La Divina Brut NV 5-7-2016

Guy Bossard Domaine de l’Ecu La Divina Brut, Loire NV 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $19.90 special

“Domaine de l’Ecu has been organic for 40 years and biodynamic for 25 years. The land is worked by plowing and vines and grape harvest is completely by hand. The Divina sparkling wine is made in the traditional method, with the second fermentation in bottle. It is a blend of Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Melon de Bourgogne and a touch of Folle Blanche. It has subtle notes of red berries and pineapple with a chalky undertone. In the mouth, it is tart and dry with a note of lemon curd. Enjoy this fantastic wine with spring vegetables, goat cheeses and light salads.” -Suzanne

Importer note “This sparkling wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Melon de Bourgogne, and Folle Blanche, with some Cabernet Franc to add complexity and structure. After bottling the wine is fermented a second time with champagne yeasts and let to age on the lees for at least one year.”

Wine of the Day: Aubry de Humbert Premier Cru Champagne 2006 4-25-16

Aubry Cuvee ‘Aubry de Humbert’ Premier Cru Millesime Classique, Champagne 2006 750ML ($89.95) Buy Now: $69 special

Why we love Aubry’s ‘Aubry de Humbert’ Cuvee: Richness. Toast and citrus mingle beautifully with this bottle of bubbles, with a finish as tasty as the wine itself. – Tyler

Stephen Tanzer 91 points “(made from roughly equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and aged for over more than five years on its lees; disgorged June, 2012): Pale gold. Fresh citrus zest, strawberry and quince aromas are deepened by notes of anise, vanilla and musky herbs. Dusty, gripping lemon rind and blood orange flavors give way to deeper red berries in the mid-palate, picking up a hint of chalky minerality on the back half. Finishes with firm grip, very good length and lingering strawberry and vanilla notes.”ST