Tag Archives: Burgundy

November Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubVeuve Ambal bottleVeuve Ambal
Crémant de Bourgogne
Grande Cuvée Rosé
Burgundy, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Brilliant salmon color with bright pink highlights. Aromas of strawberry and grenadine with flavors of red currant, raspberry with an elegant finish.

Varietals: Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Chardonnay
Appellation: Crémant de Bourgogne AOC
Vine Age: Average 25 years
Alcohol: 12.0% alcohol / volume
Fermentation: First in stainless steel tank, followed by malolactic fermentation, then second fermentation in bottle (Méthode Traditionnelle)
Aging: 16-18 months on lees
Dosage: 10 g/lF
Farming Practices: Certified sustainable (HVE)
Serving Temperature: 46-50°F / 8-10°C
Accolades: 91 pts Wine Enthusiast Best Buy; 90 pts James Suckling; 90 pts Decanter

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Cuvée Rosé goes perfectly with light, fresh dishes such as salmon or tuna carpaccios, summer salads with red fruits or a platter of fine charcuterie or French toast. It also goes well with fruity desserts, such as red fruit pavlova or raspberry macaroons.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Crémant de Bourgogne Grande Cuvée Brut Rosé is a well-balanced, fruity and accessible cuvée, designed to embody the gourmandise of rosé without excess. It offers a fresh, crisp profile, ideal for those looking for a rosé with character, both lively and convivial. A Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé to be shared on any occasion, around a relaxed aperitif or a simple, tasty meal.

WINEMAKING:
After harvest, a slow pressing process is used with pneumatic presses to respect the integrity of the berries. The first presses, richer and more complex, are selected to produce the best basic wines in stainless steel tanks. After filtration and clarification, a team of oenologists meticulously composes the blend, paying particular attention to the wines to bring out their full color. Liqueur de tirage (a mixture of sugar and wine) and yeast are added to the wines before bottling. Under the action of the yeast, carbon dioxide generates effervescence. The bottles remain on laths for a minimum of 12 months at constant temperature in the cellar. This prolonged ageing allows the wine to develop its specific aromas and to offer bubbles of great finesse. The bottles are then stirred and disgorged to remove any yeast deposits. A dosage-determining liqueur is added before corking and labeling.

ABOUT VEUVE AMBAL:
Female-founded and family-owned,  Veuve Ambal estate has over a century of history as a pioneer of Crémant in Burgundy.  Founed by Marie Ambal in 1898 in Rully, Burgundy, Veuve Ambal is led today by Eric and Aurélien Piffaut.  Veuve Ambal embodies the very essence of Crémants de Bourgogne, strong in its terroir and rich in history and know-how. Since its foundation, the company has created, preserved and passed on the tradition of sparkling wine in Burgundy.  Each bottle is the fruit of a passionate commitment to quality, where the authenticity of origin blends with the excellence of production methods. Learn more about Veuve Ambal heritage>

Photo and Information © Veuve Ambal – All Rights Reserved

Bisol Crede bottleBisol
Crede
Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Straw yellow with greenish hues, this wine offers an intensely fruity nose of white peach and lychee, lifted by a delicate hint of anise. The palate is fresh and linear, with well-balanced acidity and a clean, mineral finish.

Varietals: 85% Glera, 15% Chardonnay
Appellation: Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Veneto, Italy
Alcohol: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 8 g/L
Total Acidity: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.2
Dosage: Brut
Soil: Clay
Farming: Sustainable Viticulture practices

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
Serve in a flute or tulip glass, which provides a more generous chamber to savor the aromas. Prosecco Superiore is best enjoyed chilled.  Place the bottle in a bucket filled half way with water and ice. As the wine gently warms in the glass, it opens up to reveal it’s aromatic qualities. 

VINEYARDS:
“Crede” is the local term for clay, a type of soil that has the unique ability to retain water, which in turn helps protect the vines from drought conditions. This region, situated 250 meters above sea level, benefits greatly from this natural characteristic, ensuring that the vines receive adequate hydration even during dry periods.

WINEMAKING NOTES:
This vintage saw a rainy spring that supported balanced vine growth, followed by a warm summer that advanced ripening. Cooler nights in September preserved aromatic definition and freshness, resulting in healthy grapes with vibrant acidity and balanced structure.  Harvested in small lots, the grapes undergo gentle pressing while chilled. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aging on lees come before the second fermentation, which follows the Martinotti method for at least 30 days.

Photo of next generation of Bisol wine family

“My grandfather Desiderio and my father Antonio were always on the lookout for the best plots to purchase. Those were the steepest ones, and as such the hardest to cultivate, but their gradient and soil composition made them perfect for growing Glera grapes. It shows how long-sighted they were, and how important the quality of the final product was for them”. – Gianluca Bisol

ABOUT BISOL WINERY:
With roots dating back to 1542, Bisol represents 21 generations of family winemaking in the heart of Valdobbiadene, the historic home of Prosecco. The family’s winery reflects this deep heritage, with original details carefully preserved and cellars carved into the region’s rocky landscape. Naturally maintaining temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, these cellars provide ideal conditions for preserving the family’s most treasured bottles. More than a place where sparkling wines are made, Bisol is a living connection to the traditions, craftsmanship, and history that have shaped Prosecco Superiore for centuries. Learn more about Bisol wine cave and the story of Bisol>

Photo and Information © Bisol and Wilson Daniels – All Rights Reserved

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September Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubJCB_21_120x450JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset
Nº21
Crémant de Bourgogne
Burgundy, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

While effortless to enjoy, the Nº21 Brut is nonetheless a bit mysterious, crisp and bracing; it also has the tiniest bit of luminous creaminess. The nose is fresh and fruity with almond and white flower aromas. The palate has a full and generous mouth with a lovely harmony between freshness and fruit.

WINEMAKING: Traditional Method following specification of the Crémant de Bourgogne AOC. Aged for a minimum of 12 months on slats.
AWARDS: Silver | Glass of Bubbly Awards 2017

WHAT THE NUMBER 21 SIGNIFIES:
Jean-Charles’ philosophy of wine has been profoundly shaped by the wine region where he was born and raised: Burgundy’s famous Côte d’Or, which translates to the Gold Coast. N°21 honors this connection and heritage, for 21 is the French government’s “department” number for the Côte d’Or wine region.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Jean-Charles Boisset was born into the world of wine in the village of Vougeot, Burgundy, France. His lifelong passion for wine began as a child, as he grew up above the cellars and within view of the centuries-old vineyards of Château du Clos de Vougeot, the epicenter and birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

His parents, Jean-Claude and Claudine, founded the family winery in 1961 with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit in one of the most traditional wine growing regions in the world.  Today, the family collection includes wineries that share more than 20 centuries of combined winemaking heritage and tradition in some of the world’s most prestigious terroirs, from Burgundy to the South of France, to California’s Napa Valley and Russian River Valley. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Boisset Collection – All Rights Reserved.

DOS_2022_CA_SparklingRose-750-US Background RemovedDrop of Sunshine
Sparkling Rosé
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Bright and delightful with crisp red fruit led by cherry, strawberry, and raspberry. Delicate and subtle citrus blossom complements the bright, fresh fruit aromatics with mouthwatering acid and a creamy finish.

Varietal Composition: 40% French Colombard, 20% Syrah, 18% Riesling, 11% Barbera, 11% Zinfandel
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
RS: 6.0 g/L
TA: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.3
Winemaking: Charmat method
Pairings: Flavorful and fresh enough to drink on its own, but with plenty of structure to complement any creamy dish, cheese, cured meat, white meats or fish.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
At Drop of Sunshine, the focus is on what women truly desire: authenticity, representation, and genuine experiences. To bring this vision to life, the brand has partnered with the visionary storytellers at Hello Sunshine to create a wine that embodies these essential values. Drop of Sunshine is more than a product—it is a tribute to the women, connections, and narratives that bring people together. The brand invites everyone to make this wine part of every toast, story, and shared moment. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Drop of Sunshine – All Rights Reserved.

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March Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubJCB-Number69-bottleJCB by Jean-Charles Boisset
No. 69 Rosé
Burgundy, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Jean-Charles was born in 1969, the year that mankind went to the moon. As such, 69 represents unlimited expression, freedom, creativity, intellectual revolution, artistry, and refinement. Of course, 69 is also a Rosé Brut based exclusively on Pinot Noir; a Rosé that entwines masculinity and femininity.

For Jean-Charles Boisset, No 69 Sparkling Rosé is not a dainty pink drink. It’s a flamboyant, profound mouthful of serious bubbles. The vibrant crispness of No 69 is thirst quenching, yet the flavors are evocative of Pinot Noir and are beautifully sensual. 

About the Winery:
Jean-Charles Boisset was born into the world of wine in the village of Vougeot, Burgundy, France. His lifelong passion for wine began as a child, as he grew up above the cellars and within view of the centuries-old vineyards of Château du Clos de Vougeot, the epicenter and birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

His parents, Jean-Claude and Claudine, founded the family winery in 1961 with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit in one of the most traditional winegrowing regions in the world.  Today, the family collection includes wineries that share more than 20 centuries of combined winemaking heritage and tradition in some of the world’s most prestigious terroirs, from Burgundy to the South of France, to California’s Napa Valley and Russian River Valley. Learn more here.

Photo and Information © Jean-Charles Boisset – All Rights Reserved

Summer-water-bubbly-rose-bottleSummer Water
Bubbly Rosé
France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Summer Water’s most highly-requested product! Ideal for drinking year-round, because once you realize you don’t need a reason to drink bubbly, the second part of your life begins! Summer Water Bubbly is just as crisp and delicious as the original, but with a celebratory twist. This French blend is refreshing and light with just a hint of sweetness. It showcases notes of candied strawberry, melon and fragrant white flowers. Bubbly and fun, this bottle promises to enhance all your sunny (or rainy) day activities.

This French Sparkling Rosé is made in the Charmat method, aged in stainless steel for 6 months. Pair with BBQ, burgers, fries, salads and chocolate cake – YUM!

Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
TA: 6.8 g/L
RS: 9.6 g/L
pH: 3.13

About Sumer Water:
Don’t let the name fool you, this team is more than just the rosé of the season. Rated in the top 5% of wines in the world by Vivino and #1 best-selling premium domestic rosé, their award-winning blend of grapes are picked early in the harvest season for a natural acidity and year-round drinkability – do you can drink fro the weather you want, not the weather you have. Learn more here.

Photo and Information © Summer Water – All Rights Reserved

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Maison Louis Latour Pinot Noir Les Pierres Dorées

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Rack of LambGarlic-Crusted Roast Rack of Lamb

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 head of garlic (cloves peeled)
  • ¼ cup rosemary leaves
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 racks of lamb, frenched (2 pounds each)
  • salt and freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a mini food processor, combine the garlic, rosemary and olive oil and process until the garlic is finely chopped. Season the lamb racks with salt and pepper and rub the garlic-rosemary oil all over them. Set the racks fat side up on a large rimmed baking sheet and let stand for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Roast the lamb in the upper third of the oven for 15 minutes. Turn the racks and roast for 10 minutes longer for medium-rare meat. Transfer the racks to a carving board, stand them upright and let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Carve the racks in between the rib bones and transfer to plates. Serve right away.

© Recipe courtesy of Kenny Rochford from Food & Wine.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

pinot noir les pierres dorees
Louis Latour
Pinot Noir Les Pierres Dorées
Burgundy, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Les Pierres Dorées Pinot Noir has an intense, bright red color with red-garnet hues. On the nose, there are notes of flowers, red berries and soft spices. On the palate, it is round and full-bodied. It has a great deal of freshness with long under notes of black fruits.

Varietal: Pinot Noir
Analysis: 13-13.2% alcohol / volume
Region: Beaujolais, France
Village: Les Pierres Dorées
Appellation: Burgundy
Average Vine Age: 7 years
Soil: Clay and limestone with Iron-oxide
Harvest: Mechanical
Fermentation: Traditional in open vats
Aging: 10 to 12 months aging in stainless steel vats and oak barrels
Barrels: Louis Latour cooperage, French oak, medium toasted
Cellaring Potential: 5-7 years
Serving Temperature: 57.2-60.8ºF
Food Pairing: Rack of lamb, quail with grapes, red tuna tartare, sea bass, goat cheese, red fruit soup
Critical Acclaim: James Suckling 2018, 89 pts

WINERY NOTES:
Maison Louis Latour once again exports its Burgundian know-how outside of the Côte d’Or. After the great successes of Ardèche and Var, they decided to repeat the experience in the heart of Beaujolais with the planting of 20 hectares of Pinot Noir. The calcareous soil rich in iron oxide gives a very particular ochre color, and the high altitude contribute to produce a surprising wine which associates richness and freshness with a beautiful aromatic complexity. This region offers beautiful argilo-calcareous soils, the plots selected by Maison Louis Latour form two islands and are situated on the villages of Morancé and Theizé. With a continental moderate climate, vineyards benefit from an ideal period of sunshine but the temperatures are relatively fresh due to an elevation between 280 and 400 meters.

ABOUT MAISON LOUIS LATOUR:
Founded in 1797, Maison Louis Latour has been apart of Burgundian history for more than two centuries. Authentic and independent, the winery is now run by the 11th generation of the founding family. The family is determined to preserve the winery’s unique heritage. Today, the Latour’s family Domaine spreads over 50 hectares of exceptional vineyards. Learn more about their history here.

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December Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Skillet Cranberry Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • zest + juice of 1/2 lemon
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic

DIRECTIONS:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  • Rub the chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, the thyme, rosemary, garlic and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat a large oven safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken, skin side down, and sear until golden, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 5 minutes more. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons butter, the potatoes, carrots, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in the wine, deglazing the pan and scraping up any browned bits off the bottom. Simmer the wine for 5 minutes or until reduced slightly. Remove from the heat and nestle the chicken into the potatoes. Add the lemon juice.
  • In a small bowl, toss together the cranberries, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle the cranberries over the chicken. Transfer to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Plate the chicken and potatoes and drizzle with the sauce left in the pan. EAT!

© Recipe courtesy of Tieghan Gerard from Half Baked Harvest.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

fleurie chateau des dorees wine bottleHenry Fessy
Fleurie Château des Labourons
Burgundy, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Ruby red in color with light hints of purple, the nose has intense flavors of blackberry and blackcurrant. On the palate, the Fleurie “Château des Labourons” is concentrated, with supple and silky tannins. It has a beautiful finish with slightly peppery and violet notes.
 
Château des Labourons dominates the beautiful hillsides of the Fleurie appellation. It is located three kilometers further up the hill from the hamlet of Les Labourons. The combination of the altitude, slope, exposure and quality of the soil have created a promising terroir in the heart of the Fleurie Cru. Château des Labourons’ current architecture dates from the 19th century. It was rebuilt from ashes after a devastating fire, but still retains some of its original architectural character. This Château has a long history, over five generations of the “de Lescure” family, and it was already producing wine by the 18th century.
 
Varietal: 100% Gamay
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Beaujolais, France
Soil Composition: Igneous rock – mainly pale pink granite that breaks down into coarse “blockfields”
Harvest: Manual
Average Vine Age: 40 Years
Pruning: Gobelet
Density of Vines: 10,000 vines/ha
Critical Acclaim: 
  • James Suckling – February 2017 – 92 pts
  • Wine Spectator – July 2017 – 88 pts
  • Wine Enthusiast – May 2017 – 88 pts
  • Jancis Robinson – UK – January 2017 – 16.5 pts
  • Guide Bettane & Desseauve – Septembre 2016 – 14 pts
  • Concours Général Agricole – Février 2016 – Médaille d’Or
Suggested Food Pairings: Roasted chicken, grilled meats and cheese
Serving Temperature: 57.2-59°F
Winemaking: The château selects the best grapes, then carries out non-carbonic vinification in open vats. Afterwards, the grapes go through pneumatic pressing and fermentation, the wine is matured in old oak tuns before bottling.
 
ABOUT HENRY FESSY:
The Fessy Family has been based in the heart of the Brouilly appellation since 1888. They have purchased parcels of vineyards in most of the Crus and Beaujolais-Villages over the years, creating an enviable domaine of nearly 70 hectares of vineyards. Their philosophy is to work with sensitivity and intelligence to produce highly characterful wines with little to no intervention. Learn more about the winery here.
 
© Photo by Henry Fessy
© Photo by Henry Fessy
© Photo by Henry Fessy
© Photo by Henry Fessy

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