August Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on July 29, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Iron Horse Vineyards
Classic Vintage Brut 2019
Russian River Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Classic Vintage Brut is considered the flagship wine of the estate and epitomizes the family’s dedication to excellence. Its quality and finesse evoke memories of Champagne, yet its flavors distinctly represent Sonoma County’s Russian River, Green Valley, and especially Iron Horse. Delightful and complex aromas of rising dough, orange marmalade, and baked apple lead to a perfectly balanced palate, showcasing ripe red apple, mandarin orange, and hazelnut. The intricate flavors and textures are matched only by the pure pleasure of its enjoyment.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 67% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay
Dosage: 0.5-1.0 g/dL
Fermentation: Gently pressed as whole clusters yielding base wines of great delicacy. A long, cool ferment at 62º to 65ºF retains vibrant fruit esters. Individual lots of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a shy nose and a touch of fruit are blended to create a sparkling wine that shows rich, nutty, and toasty aromas with a hint of fruit and wonderful complexity. The dosage for this wine is 8 mls of BdB LEX, 8 mls of Rued Chardonnay, 2 mls of 1986 LD Blanc de Blancs.
Accolades: 94 pts. Wine Spectator – “A bubbly with richness and verve, this cuvée offers lilting apple tart, crème brûlée and lemon verbena flavors that finish with a spicy, fresh ginger accent.” – T.F 9/23
Vineyard:

Soils: The Iron Horse estate is in the heart of Green Valley’s cool and foggy climate, 13 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The predominant soil-type is called “Gold Ridge”, a sandy loam that has excellent drainage and is perfectly, inherently balanced, making it one of the most coveted soil types, especially for growing Pinot Noir.
Farming: The certified sustainable estate features 164 acres under vine, planted exclusively to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir across a patchwork of gentle, rolling hills. Each of the 39 blocks has been planted with site-specific rootstock and clonal selections, enabling Iron Horse to farm, harvest, and vinify each block separately.

About Iron Horse Vineyards:
Founded in 1976 by Audrey and Barry Sterling, Iron Horse has become a prominent name in American sparkling wine. Located in the cool microclimate of the Green Valley AVA, the estate spans 300 acres, with 164 acres dedicated to vineyards split equally between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Today, the second generation—Joy Sterling and her brother Laurence—manage the estate, focusing on enhancing vineyard practices, adopting regenerative agriculture and sustainability initiatives, and supporting their community and the environment. Learn more here.

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July Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on June 28, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Decoy
Limited Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Artfully combining Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this radiant Brut Rosé draws you in with tantalizing aromas of Bing cherry, wild strawberry, candied lemon rind and graham cracker. On the palate, generous fruit flavors are framed by a lively balance between luxurious mousse and vibrant acidity, which carries the wine to a bright, sophisticated finish.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
pH: 3.00-3.50
TA: 0.7-0.9 g/100 ml
RS: 0.00-0.12 g/100 ml
Dosage: 0.5-1.0 g/dL
Method: Méthode Champenoise

Production & Winemaking:
Crafted in the méthode champenoise style and harvested early, this stunning wine spent a year en tirage before being disgorged. This fresh and radiant Brut Rosé shimmers with layers of strawberry, summer melon and orange blossom.

About Decoy Wines:
From its inaugural vintage in 1985 by legendary vintners Dan and Margaret Duckhorn as the companion label to Duckhorn Vineyards, Decoy has evolved to the perfect and comprehensive entry-level luxury brand for the entire Duckhorn Portfolio. It is a collaboration of all Duckhorn Portfolio winemakers that produces high-quality wines at remarkable prices. Its fruit is sourced from distinguished grower and estate vineyards, making approachable yet complex wines that are ready upon release. Learn more here.

Piper Sonoma
Brut
Sonoma County, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Primarily composed of Chardonnay, with some Pinot Noir, this Brut is dry and fresh, with a long elegant finish, possessing crisp citrus flavors with hints of green apple, mandarin orange and brioche. Delicious on its own or the perfect foundation for memorable mimosas and other classic cocktails such as their signature Sonoma 75. This sparkling wine pairs perfectly with crab cakes, sautéed shrimp or sushi.

Piper Sonoma Brut has a pale gold color, petite bubbles and a rich, creamy texture. Sonoma’s warm summer days and cool nights prolong the growing season, producing flavorful grapes with fresh acidity. The fruit is harvested by hand in small containers and whole clusters are pressed to bring out pure aromas and flavors.

Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 70% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Blanc, 7% Aged Reserve Blend
RS: 6.5 g/L
Method: Méthode Champenoise
Awards: 91 pts. – Wine Enthusiast

In the Vineyards:
With nearly forty years of experience in Sonoma County, the winemaking team source from more than 20 growers, some of whom, like the Greene, Young and Ledbetter families, have been supplying grapes for more than three decades. Many growers have adopted voluntary no-till farming practices, with a strict adherence to hillside ordinances. Sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management techniques have been integrated and organic or naturally derived fertilizers are utilized, while composted grape material is used as fertilizer to increase water efficiency and help build soil structure.

In the Cellar:
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc fruit is hand picked and brought directly to the winery. Each parcel is pressed and fermented separately, creating an extensive selection of base wines to choose from. Winemaker Keith Hock then tastes each component and selects those base wines that show potential to produce exceptional wine. The cuvée is placed en tirage for secondary fermentation in the bottle prior to disgorgement. Finally, a small percentage of older reserve wine is included in the liqueur d’expedition adding further complexity and texture.

House Style:
The Piper Sonoma house style is focused on precision and attention to detail. Each wine displays a balance between fruit expression, complexity and texture, to create wines that are immediately approachable and can further develop with bottle aging.

About Piper Sonoma:

Piper Sonoma was founded in 1980 by the Marquis d’Aulan family, direct descendants of the Piper family. Recognizing Sonoma as a great growing region for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and believing in its terroir, the family’s vision was to produce world-class sparkling wines in the New World, using old-world winemaking techniques. Nearly forty years later, the Piper Sonoma winemaking team continues to realize that vision and hand crafts premium sparkling wines under the guidance of long-time winemaker Keith Hock.

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June Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on May 31, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Schramsberg Vineyards
Brut Rosé
North Coast, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Schramsberg’s Brut Rosé is fruitful, complex and dry, making it both versatile with food and delicious by itself as an apéritif. The character of the wine is strongly influenced by bright, flavorful Pinot Noir grown along the coast from southern Mendocino County to northern Marin County. A few small lots of Pinot Noir are fermented in contact with their skins to add depth and subtle color to this vibrant sparkling wine. Chardonnay gives spice, structure and length on the palate.

“The 2019 Brut Rosé opens with enticing aromas of raspberry, strawberry and peach, intermingled with layers of lemon shortbread, brioche and a hint of white florals. A bright entry of watermelon, cherry-limeade, candied orange and sugar cookie leads to a long quenching finish.” – Winemakers Sean Thompson, Jessica Koga and Hugh Davies

Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 66% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay
TA: 8.0 g/L
pH: 3.19
RS: 9.0 g/L
Appellation: North Coast, California
County Composition: 48% Sonoma, 24% Napa, 22% Mendocino, 6% Marin
Harvest Dates: August 20 – September 24th, 2019
Release Date: September 1st, 2022
Barrel Fermentation: 32%
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts Wine Enthusiast, 92 pts Wine Spectator
Serving Suggestions: This is a very versatile wine; try it with sushi, salmon, rock shrimp, roast chicken BBQ ribs, Caprese and Panzanella salads, red berry tarts and an array of cheeses, charcuterie, nuts and fresh fruit. For more recipe inspiration, click here.

SchramsbergVineyards_Vineyard-Sources-2020

Production & Winemaking:
Hand picking, careful handling and gentle pressing produce a wine of delicacy, aromatic purity and depth. Following the fall harvest and fermentation of the base wines, extensive tasting trails are carried out in the spring to create a polished blend reflective of the vintage. The finished blend undergoes a second fermentation in bottle before aging on its yeast lees for about two years, just enough to achieve refined effervescence and toastiness without diminishing its refreshing, vibrant appeal.

For 2019, winter brought an abundant amount of rainfall which helped restore the water reservoirs that had suffered from years of drought. With additional late rains in May, the vines had ample water for the growing season. The transition from veraison to full ripeness was very consistent due to the warm, but not hot, temperatures that were maintained during the summer. Harvest started slightly later than average, and in the end brought a bountiful crop with exceptional fruit structure, depth of flavor, and bright acidity.

About Hugh Davies – President and CEO:

Hugh Davies was born in 1965, the year his parents, Jack and Jamie Davies, revived the historic Schramsberg Vineyards property in Napa Valley. Forty years later, Hugh was named president and CEO of the then 40-year-old sparkling wine house. Prior to 2005, he held the dual responsibilities of winemaker and general manager for the winery. He serves on the board of directors for the Napa Valley Vintners (president 2006), and with his family, chaired the 2004 Auction Napa Valley. For prior hands-on experience in the wine industry before joining Schramsberg, Hugh worked with Möet et Chandon in Epernay; Petaluma Winery in South Australia, and Mumm in Napa Valley, among others.

About Schramsberg Vineyards:

In 1965, Jack and Jamie Davies established Schramsberg as a sparkling wine estate on the property originally founded in 1862 by German immigrant Jacob Schram. At a time when there were only 22 bonded wineries in Napa Valley and fewer than 100 acres of California vineyards planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, they set out to make world-class sparkling wine in the true méthode champenoise style. Theirs was the first California winery to provide a Blanc de Blancs in 1965 followed by a Blanc de Noirs in 1967. Now their son Hugh Davies, who was born the same year the Davies arrived at Schramsberg, leads the winery’s management and winemaking team. Learn more here.

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May Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on April 24, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Bodegas Manzanos
Berceo Brut
Cava, Spain

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Brut Cava D.O. is pale lemon, clean and bright in color; it has a good release of small bubbles that end up forming a cheerful crown of mousse. On the nose, there is a high intensity aroma dominated by citrus fruit (lemon, grapefruit) and dairy. Autolytic and honey aromas of aging in bottle are distinguished. On the palate, this wine is fresh, fruity and pleasant with balanced acidity and very good aromatic persistence.

Varietal: Xarel·lo, Macabeo, Parellada
Terroir: Grapes varieties are from vineyards located in the Penedès region. It’s the territory between the sea and mountains, halfway between Barcelona and Tarragona. It has a great diversity of microclimates, a consequence of its proximity to the coast and its altitude. The climate is typically Mediterranean, mild and warm.
Serving Suggestions: Risotto, shellfish, smoked foods or aperitif.

Winemaking:
Made using the “méthode champenoise” or “traditional method” of the Cava DO. Blend or coupage of the traditional varieties of the appellation. Second fermentation in the bottle, as is traditional, with subsequent aging. Disgorgement and subsequent addition of the expedition liquor or dosage.

About Berceo:

In the XIII Century, a monk and poet named Gonzalo de Berceo lived in La Rioja, in the Monastery of Suso. At that time, the languages spoken in the area were Arabic and Basque. Back then, Latin was the only written idiom. Gonzalo de Berceo dared to write in Spanish, in a religious poem that also made mention to wine. Since then, Berceo was a very important link between history and wine culture.

About Bodegas Manzanos:

The history of Manzanos Wines is the story of a family, their effort, their perseverance and their know-how. The Fernández de Manzanos have been cultivating vineyards and producing wines for more than a century. It was exactly in 1890 when the first generation of the Fernández de Manzanos family established a small winery in Azagra with a capacity of 50,000 liters of wine. Nowadays, the public faces of Bodegas Manzanos are those of the brothers Víctor, and David Fernández de Manzanos, as well as Laura Mateo, wife of the former. In 2010, these young entrepreneurs took the reins of the winery to turn Bodegas Manzanos into a prosperous business, modern and endowed with the latest technologies in the field. A business that has managed to preserve the old flavor of tradition and its legacy. Learn more here.

Emmolo
Sparkling No. 6
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The nose features notes of Meyer lemon blossom, baked brioche, pear and a hint of green apple with vibrant minerality. The palate is fresh but complex. Satsuma citrus with echoes of pear. Opens round and creamy, then turns zesty with bright natural acidity carrying through to the finish.

Varietal: 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir – Being non-vintage allows the winery to build a desired character that is serious, yet light and fresh.
Style differentiator: A prolonged en tirage for 41 months gives this wine creaminess and depth. Extremely fine bubbles provide elegance.
Dosage: 2021 Chardonnay from Monterey gives this wine some of its fresh character.
Vineyards: Monterey, Sonoma and Santa Barbara counties. The extended growing season in these cooler coastal regions leads to wine of heightened complexity.
Serving Suggestions from Winemaker, Jenny Wagner: Cheese puff with biscuit dough, smoked salmon tartine, popcorn or just enjoy on its own.

Winemaker Notes:
“My goal is to create an elegant wine with a richly developed character. Even tough this is a California sparkling, I take inspiration from my favorite Champagnes.” – Jenny Wagner, Owner and Winemaker

About the Winery:
“Emmolo is the name of my mom’s side of the family, which has a long farming history in Napa Valley. My mom, Cheryl Emmolo, has no brothers and wanted to keep the name alive. She dreamed of making wine using family vineyards, and I feel very fortunate that she passed the reins on to me. When I showed my first wine to my grandparents, it was very emotional for all of us.” – Jenny Wagner

Emmolo Winery, established by Cheryl Emmolo in 1994, is deeply rooted in the rich wine history of Napa Valley. Cheryl’s vision was to honor her family’s long-standing tradition in the region, dating back to her grandfather, who operated a vine nursery in the 1920s. Today, her daughter Jenny Wagner has taken the helm as the winemaker, emphasizing minimalist winemaking techniques that showcase the unique characteristics of their varietals. Through a delicate balance of tradition and innovation, Emmolo continues to produce exceptional wines that are a tribute to their heritage and a delight to wine enthusiasts. Learn more here.

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January Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on December 22, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Devaux
Grande Réserve Brut
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Gold yellow in color with floral perfumes and hints of stone fruits such as peach and apricot on the nose. It’s smooth, mellow and luscious with a fine and intense palate on the finish. This wine pairs well with sweetbreads or Fricassée de cèpes.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 70% Pinot Noir (Côte des Bar), 30% Chardonnay (Montgueux, Côte des Blancs, Vitry)
Appellation: Champagne, France
Reserve Wines: 20% to 25%
Alcoholic Fermentation: Stainless steel tank
Malolactic Fermentation: 100%
Aging: 3 years minimum
Disgorgement: Extra aging of 3 months minimum
Awards:

Gold – Mundus Vini 2021
94 pts. – Decanter 2020
91 pts. – James Suckling 2021
International Wine Challenge 2020 – Michel Parisot elected Sparkling Winemaker of the Year

Winery Commitments:

Sustainable vine-growing in Champagne
Vines: 15 years old minimum
First-press juice only
Limited Sulfite use (jetting)
Quality certifications

About the Winery:
Devaux Winery, with a rich history dating back to 1846, is a distinguished Champagne house located in the Côte des Bar region of Champagne, France. Known for its commitment to quality and tradition, Devaux produces exceptional sparkling wines. The winery seamlessly blends heritage with modern techniques, crafting unique and refined Champagne expressions that reflect the essence of its vineyards and expertise. Learn more here.

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December Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on November 29, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Gustave Lorentz
Crémant d’Alsace
Brut
AOC Alsace, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The balance and freshness of Crémant d’Alsace comes from the subtle match of four grape varieties: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 60% Pinot Blanc, 18% Pinot Gris, 12% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay
Total Acidity: 5.05 g/L
Residual Sugar: 10 g/L
Region: AOC Alsace, France
Producer: Gustave Lorentz

VINIFICATION:
The grapes are carefully selected and vinified according to the “Methode Champenoise”. After traditional fermentation “vin de base” in tanks, a second fermentation “prise de mousse” takes place in the cool cellars. It does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Aging is done “sur lie” over 14 to 18 months with daily bottle rotation, going from a horizontal to vertical position, in order for the yeast deposit to accumulate in the neck of the bottle. At the time of disgorgement, the neck is frozen and enclosed in ice, the sediment is ejected by natural pressure, after which the bottle is corked and wired.

Gustave Lorentz
Crémant d’Alsace
Brut Rosé
AOC Alsace, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Crément d’Alsace Rosé is made from Pinot Noir, which is full of charm and elegance. It makes a refined aperitif and an ideal cocktail or reception drink. Fresh and discreetly fruity, it inspires a host of gastronomic matches.

One of the outstanding wines is the Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé, made of 100% Pinot Noir. Having been aged for nearly four years and made in the traditional method, its pleasing aroma and lively acidity demonstrate all that is great about Gustave Lorentz.

Analysis: 12.3% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Total Acidity: 5.6 g/L
Residual Sugar: 7.8 g/L
Region: AOC Alsace, France
Producer: Gustave Lorentz

VINIFICATION:
The grapes are carefully selected and vinified according to “Methode Champenoise”. After traditional fermentation “vin de base” in tanks, a second fermentation, (“prise de mousse”) takes place in the cool cellars. It does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Aging is done “sur lie” between 14 and 18 months, with daily bottle rotation, going from a horizontal to vertical position, in order for the yeast deposit to accumulate in the neck of the bottle. At the time of disgorgement, the neck is frozen and enclosed in ice, the sediment is ejected by natural pressure, after which the bottle is corked and wired.

ABOUT THE WINERY:

“The essence of our wines stems from the close relationship between grape variety, terroir and climate.” – Gustave Lorentz

Since its founding in 1836, there have been seven generations of family tradition, currently helmed by sixth generation Georges Lorentz; with that kind of legacy comes innovation. Gustave Lorentz was among the first producers in Alsace to use stelvin closures and was certified organic by Ecocert in 2012. Gustave Lorentz vineyards are nestled in the hills of Altenberg de Bergheim in the Vosges Mountains on 85 acres, with four acres on the hills of Grand Cru Kanzlerberg and 30 in the Altenberg de Bergheim. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc varieties, all vinified separately, make up the majority of plantings of these exceptional vineyards, along with smatterings of other varieties. The wines have been described as “gastronomic”, being a perfect partner to any type of cuisine. To learn more about Gustave Lorentz Winery and family, click here.

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Calyptra Vivendo Chardonnay

Posted on November 28, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Potato Leek Soup

INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 large leeks, white and light green parts only, roughly chopped (about 5 cups)
3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped into ½-inch pieces
7 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
chives, finely chopped, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

Melt the butter over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add the leeks and garlic and cook, stirring regularly, until soft and wilted, about 10 minutes. Adjust the heat as necessary so as not to brown.
Add the potatoes, broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper to pot and bring to a boil. Cover and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are very soft.
Fish out the thyme sprig and bay leaves, then purée the soup with a hand-held immersion blender until smooth. (Alternatively, use a standard blender to purée the soup in batches; see note.) Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If soup is too thin, simmer until thickened. If it’s too thick, add water or stock to thin it out. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Calyptra Vineyards & Winery
Vivendo Chardonnay
Alto Cachapoal, Chile

SILKY WINE STYLE

Straw-colored with green hues, the nose displays aromas of fresh tropical fruit like mango and pineapple, together with hints of white blossom and honey. In the mouth, this is a fresh and fruity wine with good volume and delicious acidity that adds a sensation of juiciness. The finish is long and well-balanced with a floral aftertaste. A fresh, powerful and vibrant Chardonnay.

Analysis: 13.4% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Alto Cachapoal, Chile
Winemaker: Emiliano Dominguez Battocchia

WINEMAKING DETAILS:
Made with their own grapes grown in a ravine in the Andean Foothills of the Cachapoal Valley, the grapes were hand-harvested into 12 kg boxes. Following the cluster selection, they were destemmed and gently pressed to release the must. The must was fermented in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures for around 20 days, avoiding malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged over its lees in stainless steel tanks for 6 months. It was then filtered and bottle-aged for at least 6 months prior to being released for sale.

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July Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on June 28, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Mumm Napa
Cuvée M
Napa Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

A slightly sweet sparkling wine, Cuvée M appeals to sparkling wine aficionados with a bit of a sweet tooth. This soft, elegant wine that showcases powerful, ripe fruit flavors of Napa Valley. Cuvée M highlights a graceful stream of fine bubbles and a lovely peach-rose hue. It has fresh white and yellow stone fruit aromas, complemented by notes of wild strawberry, fresh baked bread, vanilla and honey. Layers of ripe peach with subtle hints of mandarin orange combine with crisp citrus tones, leading to a long, satisfying finish. The complex bouquet works seamlessly for champagne cocktails, paired with hors d’oeuvres, spicy entrées and creamy desserts.

Varietal: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Gris/Pinot Meunier
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Style: Sec
Residual Sugar (Dosage): 3.00%
TA: 6.7 g/L
pH: 3.01
Time en Tirage: 16 months
Aging Potential: Drink now
Critical Acclaim: 91 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Method:
The Cuvée M grapes are harvested during the crisp morning hours to ensure they arrive at the winery in pristine condition. Fermentation is conducted at cool temperatures, mainly in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and fruit intensity. A few selected lots are aged in French oak barrels to add depth, complexity and spiciness to the final blend. After initial fermentation, the art of the blending begins. The winemakers find the perfect blend of wines to create their taste and style. Then the finished blend is bottled for the second fermentation. An average of 16 months yeast aging adds complexity, contributing subtle bread dough flavors and layers of creaminess. Disgorged as a Sec style (3.00% RS), Cuvée M’s final dosage is designed to highlight the beautiful, ripe stone fruit characters of the blend.

Mumm Napa
Brut Rosé
Napa Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Mumm Napa signature Rosé has an eye-catching, beautiful pink coral color with vivid aromas of black cherries, red berries and citrus. The palate showcases soft, red fruit flavors that are rich and mouth-filling, yet retain the elegant character that is Mumm Napa’s trademark. This wildly versatile and food friendly wine (from salmon and sushi to duck), it’s the perfect fit for date night or a girls night out.

Varietal: 69% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay, 2% Pinot Meunier
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Style: Brut
Residual Sugar (Dosage): 1.08%
TA: 6.8 g/L
pH: 3.05
Time en Tirage: 16 months
Aging Potential: Drink now
Critical Acclaim: 92 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Method:
Brut Rosé grapes are harvested during the cool morning hours to ensure they arrive at the winery in pristine condition. Fermentation is conducted at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and fruit intensity. A small amount of red Pinot Noir is added to the blend before bottling to create the beautiful pink coral color. An average of 16 months yeast aging adds complexity, contributing subtle bread dough flavors and layers of creaminess. The wine is then disgorged and a dosage added back to balance the wine’s acidity.

About Mumm Napa:
The Mumm Napa roots can be traced back to GH Mumm, the leading international champagne brand in France. Established in California in the late 1970s, Mumm Napa follows traditional wine making techniques of its French heritage to create the finest, hand-crafted sparkling wines. Their dedication to quality has been rewarded with accolades and awards over the decades. Learn more about the winery’s history and vineyards here.

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Maite Chardonnay

Posted on February 24, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Easy Baked Chilean Sea Bass

INGREDIENTS:

For the Fish:
- olive oil, for the pan
- 4 Chilean sea bass fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- creole seasoning (or seasoned salt), to taste

For the Lemon Buerre Blanc:
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 ½ tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced shallots
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
- lemon wedges, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Gather the ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Oil a broiler pan and rack or baking pan with olive oil.
Lightly sprinkle the sea bass fillets all over with Kosher salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning.
Place the Chilean sea bass on the oiled broiler rack, skin-side down.
Bake the fish fillets at 425°F for about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is ready when the temperature reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a fillet.
While the fish is baking, prepare the lemon buerre blanc sauce.
In a saucepan, combine the dry white wine, white wine vinegar, and minced shallots.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it has reduced to about 2 tablespoons.
Add the lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream.
Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in 1 piece of the butter.
Set it back over low heat and continue whisking until the butter has almost melted.
Continue with the remaining pieces of butter until all are incorporated.
Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed. Whisk until well blended. If the sauce is too hot or too cold, it can separate, so keep it warm—at least 80°F but no hotter than about 135°F—until serving time.
Arrange the fish on plates with lemon wedges and drizzle with the lemon buerre blanc. Enjoy.

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Maite
Chardonnay
Maule Valley, Chile

SILKY WINE STYLE

Located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, the vineyard faces soft winds that maintain temperatures lower than the central valley. This is very important, since it helps to maintain good pH and high acidity levels in the wine. Aged 5-6 months in barrels, depending on the year’s specific harvest conditions. The wine remains at least 2 months in bottle before release.

Varietal: Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.9% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.13
Residual Sugar: 1.91
Total Acidity: 6
Appellation: San Clemente, Maule Valley, Chile
Winemaker: Felipe Uribe
Vineyard Yield: 1.8 kg/plant
Planted Area: 3 hectares
Soils: Volcanic origin which high levels of clay, which is great for this specific variety

Climate:
Located at the Andes Mountain feet, the vineyard usually faces soft winds that maintain temperatures lower than the central valley (approximately 35.6ºF). In order to protect them from the sun direct exposure, the winery keeps the leaves on the grape cluster.

Vinification Process:
The grapes are whole cluster pressed, completely oxidative without the use of sulfur dioxide. The process considers all the wine lees, giving the wine a deep and profound mouth. The winery uses natural yeast and this is no chemical intervention in the winemaking process, just a touch of sulfurous before bottling.

Aging and Storage:
5-6 months in barrels, depending on the specific year harvest conditions. The wine remains at least 2 months in bottle before release.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Andes Plateau is a family run winery with a drive to showcase wines from the Andes Mountains. Altitude determines the identity of their wines; not many producers are in the mountains due to a high risk of frost, yet the Andes Plateau winery believes the risk is worth the reward. They produce elegant and energetic expressions of each varietal, working with the complex geology of their vineyard locations. Learn more about the winery here.

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January Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on December 21, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Three Feathers Estate & Vineyard
Pinot Pop!
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley, Oregon

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This refreshing, lightly sparkling red wine is a playful product of the Pommard clone of Pinot Noir. It has aromas of strawberry and bramble-berry fruits. This wine is a fun accompaniment for potlucks and barbecues.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Sugar: 18.8 Brix
pH: 3.09
Clones: Pommard
Appellation: Chehalem Mountains, Laurelwood District AVA
Vineyard: Torio Vineyard
Aging: 9 months in Stainless Steel
Production: 96 cases

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“2020 was an excellent growing season on Chehalem Mountains. Following bud break, we had dry weather for the next 10 weeks; the only rain came mid-September and harvest was sunny and clear. Fermentation and aging was in stainless steel, the fruity flavors were laid bare. Not too high in alcohol, we added carbonation to create this sparkling wine.” – Three Feathers Estate & Vineyard.

VITICULTURAL AREA:
In the heart of the Chehalem Mountains, at the Northern end of the Willamette Valley, the Three Feathers’ high-elevation vineyards are part of Oregon’s most recognized appellation of cool-climate wines. Their 155-acre Estate comprises of rolling hills from 700-1000 ft. in elevation – which form a natural heat sink, sheltered from winds, capturing summer warmth in its own natural microclimate. Ancient marine soils and respectful farming practices result in rare wines that embody this distinctive region and each growing season.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Three Feathers Estate & Vineyard produces handcrafted small-lot wines using only grapes grown on their estate. Their passion for growing and commitment to authenticity contribute to their mission of creating the best Oregon wines that reflect their terroir. Learn more here. >

Clover Hill
Tasmanian Cuvée Rosé
Tasmania, Australia

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Delicate salmon pink in color, this wine has a soft and creamy mousse. Attractive stewed strawberry and dark cherry notes marry perfectly with the wine’s fresh brioche characters. The wine is well structured, with sweet, red berries and cream enveloping the palate. This fresh and vibrant wine is best enjoyed young, but will also reward a few years in the cellar.

Varietal: 54% Chardonnay, 43% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Acid: 8.6 g/L
pH: 3.17
Residual Sugar: 7.5 g/L
Winemakers: Robert Heywood & Peter Warr
Critical Acclaim:

Best in Class ‘Best Australian NV Rosé’ – 2017 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
Perpetual Trophy, Blue Gold, Top 100 – 2017 Sydney International Wine Competition
93 points and Runner up ‘Best Sparkling Rosé of the Year’ – 2018 Australian Sparkling Report
94 Points – 2018 Halliday Wine Companion
92 Points – 2020 Halliday Wine Companion
View all awards here.

WINEMAKING NOTES:
“The Clover Hill Tasmanian Cuvée NV Rosé is made from grapes sourced from Clover Hill’s vineyards in Tasmania. Expressing the freshness and vibrancy for which the apple isle is renowned, this rosé offers elegance and refinement. The winemakers used classic techniques, such as delicate grape handling, followed by cool temperature alcoholic fermentation, and then a partial malolactic fermentation to soften the natural acidity of the grapes.

Clove Hill Tasmanian Cuvée NV Rosé is crafted according to traditional methods. Fermented in the bottle, this wine is aged on yeast lees for a minimum of two years which, in addition to a careful dosage of Tasmanian Pinot Noir, ensures the premium quality that is the hallmark of Clover Hill.” – Clover Hill Wines

ABOUT CLOVER HILL WINES:
Created to rival the wines of Champagne, Clover Hill is acknowledged as one of Australia’s finest sparkling wine producers. They blend the finest traditions of Champagne, France with their own distinguished Tasmanian style, using only the traditional varieties of Champagne – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Learn more here. >

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Tag Archives: chardonnay

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