Tag Archives: Crémant

November Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Bubbly Wine ClubPiattelli sparkling brutPiattelli Vineyards
Brut Nature
Méthode Champenoise
Chardonnay / Pinot Noir
Mendoza, Argentina

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Carefully crafted with the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grown in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Elaborated under the traditional method, Piattelli Vineyards Brut Nature is characterized by it’s elegance and a subtle balance between the delicate floral and fresh aromas, in harmony with notes of yeast and toasted bread. The palate is presented with fine and elegant bubbles, complex and balanced acidity. Please drink between 46 ̊– 50 ̊F.

Varietal: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Analysis: 12.8% alcohol/volume
Residual Sugar: 4.40 g/L
pH: 3.25
Total Acidity: 6.80 g/L
Method: Méthode Champenoise
Aging: 12 months aged on the lees
Awards: 93 pts Tim Atkin 2019; 90 pts James Suckling 2019

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In the 1940s, the Giovanni Piattelli Family immigrated to Mendoza, bringing a winemaking legacy from their native Maremma in Tuscany. Their tradition and passion continue to be the strong legacy behind this prestigious wine. In the late 1990s an American businessman, Jon Malinski, met the Piattelli Family in his travels to Argentina on the hunt for lumber to import into the US. Instead of lumber, Jon found vineyards, incredible wine, amazing people, beautiful landscapes, and a country that he could not stomach the thought of leaving. Soon these two families came together and Piattelli Vineyards was born. The winery is still 100% family-owned and managed. Jon’s spirit for adventure and relentless pursuit of perfection has led to the completion of the second winery in Argentina, a massive expansion of the property, and wines of impeccable quality being enjoyed worldwide. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Piattelli Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

andre-reign-cremantDomaine André Regin
Crémant D’Alsace Brut
Pinot Blanc
Wolxheim, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This wine’s pale yellow color is magnified by its trains of bubbles. The nose is fresh and this Crémant subsequently develops subtle floral aromas as well as those of white-fleshed fruits such as pear. The palate is beautifully harmonious with a wonderful effervescence as well as an ideal balance between acidity and sugar. The finesse of the bubbles brings suppleness and lightness to the wine. Enjoy as an aperitif, with dessert or for a festive occasion.

Terroir: Plots are intended for the production of Crémant Brut and are located on deep, loess soils, optimal for the maturation of their grapes
Appellation: Village of Wolxheim, Alsace, France
Varietal: Pinot Blanc
Guard Time: 5 years
Serving temperature: 41-42.8ºF

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Regin family has been rooted in Wolxheim for over a century, with its winemaking heritage beginning in the early 1900s. Joseph Regin, born in 1891, ran a mixed farm with a small vineyard. Later joined by his son Justin, who shifted the focus to viticulture and began bottling and marketing the family’s wine. Justin’s youngest son, André, initially trained in electrotechnics, returned to the estate in 1980 and, after his parents’ passing, took full charge of expanding and modernizing the vineyard with his wife, Catherine. Their dedication revitalized the estate, and today their eldest son, Thomas, continues the legacy, studying biology and specializing in oenology at the School of Dijon. Learn more here.

The Regin Family

Information & Photos © Domaine André Regin – All Rights Reserved.

Bubbly Wine ClubLearn more about our Bubbly Club >

April Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on by

JC-Reserva-de-la-Familia-bottleJuvé & Camps
Reserva De La Familia
Gran Reserva Brut Nature
Cava
Penedès, Spain

Bubbly Wine ClubBUBBLY WINE STYLE

Brilliant yellow with golden highlights. Fruity on the nose, with fresh apple aromas, hints of white flowers, and Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary. Subtle notes of lightly toasted bread and nuts add depth. The brut nature style—without added sugar—highlights its fresh yet profound character, complemented by finely integrated bubbles.

Varietal: 50% Xarel·lo, 35% Macabeu, 15% Perallada
Appellation: Penedès, Spain
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Vinification: Traditional Method
Minimum Aging: 36 months
Dosage: Brut Nature – No Dosage
Vineyards: Espiells, La Cuscona, Mediona
Soil: Loam-limestone, Clay-limestone
Viticulture: Organic Certification

Origin:
Crafted from the trilogy of white grape varieties native to Penedès. Xarel·lo and Macabeo are sourced from estates in Espielles and La Cuscona, with loamy limestone soils at altitudes of 200-250m. The Parellada is grown in Mediona, at 500-750m elevation with clay-limestone soils.

Viticulture:
The organically managed vineyards are surrounded by forests and hedgerows, fostering biodiversity and natural balance. Regenerative viticulture ensures optimal conditions with minimal environmental impact.

Winemaking:
The grapes are gently crushed to extract free-run juice. The must undergoes static settling at low temperatures. The first fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks before secondary fermentation in the bottle. Aged for 36 months without the addition of expedition liqueur.

Vintage:
The 2021 vintage marks the onset of a drought cycle, yet water reserves helped vines produce wines with exceptional fruitiness, aging potential, and complexity.

About Juvé & Camps:
A family-owned winery in Penedès, Spain, producing premium Cava since 1921. Their flagship Gran Reserva Cavas, such as Reserva de la Familia, exemplify quality through organic farming and traditional methods. Learn more about Juvé & Camps

cremant-de-loire-blanc-brut-bottleLanglois-Château
Crémant de Loire Blanc Brut
France

Bubbly Wine ClubBUBBLY WINE STYLE

“The Langlois Crémant de Loire Blanc Brut is still our winery’s emblematic cuvée with freshness, balance, and elegance.”

Pale yellow in color, the nose is complex with white flowers, linden and hawthorn. The mouth is fresh, delicate and refined.

Varietal: Chenin Blanc (at least 50%), Chardonnay & Cabernet Franc
Terroirs: The grapes come from mainly Saumur terroirs but also from Anjou and Touraine: sand-limestone, clay-limestone & shale
Aging Potential: 3 to 5 years
Ideal Serving Temperature: 46.4ºF – 50ºF
Food Pairing: Its freshness, fine bubbles and elegance make Langlois Crémant de Loire Blanc Brut a reception wine par excellence, aperitif, and cocktail dinner. It will also accompany apple and pear pies, or even a pear-chocolate crumble.

Harvest:
Harvested entirely by hand in pierced crates. Pneumatic pressing a few hours after harvesting. Juice selection during pressing separating Cuvées from Tailles.

Vinification:
Vinification by grape variety and terroir in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats. Tasting of clear parcel wines to determine the blend. Maturing using the Méthode Traiditionnelle (secondary fermentation in the bottle). Aging on lees for at least 24 months.

About Langlois-Château: Founded in 1885, acquired by the Bollinger family in 1973, the winery now manages 95 hectares across Saumur, Saumur-Champigny, and Sancerre. Committed to sustainable viticulture, with 30 hectares in organic conversion. Learn more about Langlois-Chateau

Information & Photos © Juvé & Camps & Langlois-Chateau – All Rights Reserved

September Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Bubbly Wine Clubroederer-estate-brut-multi-vintage-bottleRoederer Estate
Brut
Anderson Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Roederer Estate Brut is crisp and elegant with complex flavors of pear, spice and hazelnut and is fresh, yet has great depth. It is lightly fruity with great finesse.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Anderson Valley
Varietals: Approximately 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir
pH: 3.1
Residual Sugar: 12 g/L
Aging: Aged a minimum of two years on the yeast
Awards:

  • 93 Points – Wine Enthusiast, December 1, 2020
  • 93 Points – The Wine Advocate, September 2020
  • 93 Points – Decanter, July 2020
  • 92 Points – Decanter, January 2020 
  • 92 Points, Smart Buy – Wine Spectator, August 31, 2019
  • 90 Points – Wine & Spirits, August 2019
  • 92 Points, Best Buy – Wine & Spirits, August 2018
  • 93 Points, #27 Top 100 Wines for 2018 – Wine Spectator, July 31, 2018

ABOUT ROEDERER ESTATE:
Founded in 1982, Roederer Estate is among a very few California sparkling wine houses that only sources estate-grown fruit and builds upon a centuries-old tradition of winemaking. Nestled in Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley, the Estate’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean allows the grapes to mature slowly on the vine and develop full varietal character. Learn more about the Estate here.

Cremant-dAlsace-Lucien-Albrecht-Brut-Rose_eLucien Albrecht
Le Crémant d’Alsace Rosé Brut
Alsace, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Crémant Rosé has nice pink reflections and salmon tones supported by an elegant effervescence. On the palate, there are notes of delicate red fruit that bring roundness and body together to make a complete wine.

Analysis: 11.98% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Residual Sugar: 9.8 g/L
Total Acidity: 3.18 g/L
Vinification: 100% hand harvested, extended and soft pressed, 6-8 weeks controlled fermentation in stainless steel, then laid on racks for a minimum of 12 months.
Aging Capacity: Enjoy it now or keep it up to 3 years
Serving Temperature: 44.6ºF-46.4ºF
Pairings: Excellent for festive occasions.
Awards:

  • Silver Vinalies Internationales 2020
  • 90 points – Wine Enthusiast 2020

ABOUT CRÉMANT D’ALSACE APPELLATION D’ORIGINE CONTRÔLÉE:
“Crémant d’Alsace Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée was created in 1976 to distinguish the wines obtained by the sparkling champagne method. The term “crémant” comes from Champagne where it was fallen in disuse. It was the recognition of the efforts made by several Alsatian winemakers, including the Maison Lucien Albrecht.” – Lucien Albrecht

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Maison Lucien Albrecht’s origins can be traced back to 1698 when Balthazar Albrecht settled in Orschwihr, a small Alsatian village ideal for it’s growing conditions. Eight generations later, the family continues to work in these same unique terroirs creating world renowned wines. Passed down from father to son, each generation has adapted its wine-growing and wine-making methods gradually to get the very best out of the terroir, while still producing authentic wines, characteristic to Alsace. Learn more about the family history here.

© Photo by Lucien Albrecht
© Photo by Lucien Albrecht
© Photo by Lucien Albrecht

Bubbly Wine ClubLearn more about our Bubbly Club >

 

 

January Bubbly Club

Posted on by

Bubbly Wine ClubAntech Brut NatureAntech
Blanquette de Limoux Brut Nature
Limoux, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

“Our Brut Nature wines are made with “zero dosage”, which means that no “expedition liqueur” (sugar) has been added to the bottle. They respect and reveal the purest expression of our painstakingly selected grapes and our blends — berries, linden tree flowers, crisp green apple, anise, etc. — depending on the cuvées.” – Antech

This wine has not received any dosage and thus it expresses the purity and liveliness of the wine. With a crystalline yellow color and golden highlights, the fineness of the bubbles are delightful. The intense nose offers delicate aromas of hawthorn and a pretty fresh mouth of citrus aromas with a very harmonious finish, where the wine can express itself. Taste it as an aperitif or along with the meal. Serve chilled (45-47°F).

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 90% Mauzac, 5% Chenin, 5% Chardonnay
Vinification: Traditional Method, exclusively handpicked harvest. Direct pressing of the grapes and selected musts are set for a first fermentation in inox vat under controlled temperature. Finally, blending and a second fermentation are completed in capped bottles on lattes for around 18th months in air conditioned cellars.
Critical Acclaim: 90 points from Decanter

VINEYARD:
This wine is grown with an oceanic influence in a Mediterranean climate on hillsides and terraces with gently sloping clay-limestone soil. On average, the vine age is about 20 to 40 years old and yields less than 50 hectares. For over five centuries, Antech has tamed this magical terroir to make fine sparkling wines. The secret of their character lies in the wise combination of Limoux’s three terroirs, which form the backbone of their cuvées: freshness from the Pyrenees, vinousness from the ocean and roundness from the Mediterranean. Limoux is a lovely little Languedoc town in the heart of Cathar country.  Learn more about their vineyards here.
ABOUT THE WINERY:

Family owned and independent for 6 generations, the Antech Estate dedicates itself to the elaboration of sparkling wines in Limoux, legendary sparkling wine area. Forerunner in the regional anchoring and the revival of the traditions, the Antech Estate distinguishes itself by a distinctive style, from the elegance of its bubbles to the commitment of its action.

Do you speak bubbles? Learn the lexicon >

© Photo by Antech Winery
© Photo by Antech Winery
© Photo by Antech Winery
© Photo by Antech Limoux

CollectionDomaine Charles Baur
Crémant d’Alsace Brut
Eguisheim, Alsace, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Crémant is a style of sparkling wine from France, with strict regulations that govern the production methods. Alsace, as a Crémant producing region, dates back to the 19th century and typically have fine mousse (bubbles).

This Crémant, or Brut sparkling white wine, offers a complex nose of apples, pears, white flowers, and a touch of melon. On the palate, this sparkler is fresh, delicate, well-balanced, and provides a fantastic mouthfeel. It pairs nicely with seafood, oysters, and desserts, but can also be enjoyed on its own any time.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 80% Pinot Blanc, 20% Chardonnay
Appellation: AOC Crémant d’Alsace
Harvest Method: Manuel harvest with sorting
Vinification: Pneumatic pressing of whole grapes with selection of juices. Prize de Mousse in bottles at low temperature. Stored, then disgorged.
Critical Acclaim: 92 points Wine Enthusiast 

VINEYARD:
The vines are located in Eguisheim and the surrounding area. Predominately clay-limestone, the slopes of Eguisheim have weak to steep slopes. Protected by the Vosges, rainfall is low, which promotes maturation and limits disease. To learn more about Domaine Charles Baur’s Vineyard, click here.

Alsace wines Charles Baur Eguisheim_ Crémant d'Alsace Brut

Photo by Domaine Charles Baur

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located in Eguisheim, in the heart of the Alsatian vineyard, the Charles Baur family cultivates vines located on the slopes of Eguisheim and its immediate surroundings. Their beautiful wine heritage is made up of several plots located on the Grands Crus Brand, Eichberg and Pfersigberg. With the aim of producing great Alsace wines, they seek moderate yields and harvest and sort all of their production by hand. In order to ensure a high level of quality every year, they exclusively produce wines with their own harvest grapes. The Charles Baur Winery develops the entire range of Alsace wines, a very wide range of Grands Crus and several Crémants d’Alsace.

Bubbly Wine ClubLearn more about our Bubbly Club >