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December Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubThe diver bubble club bottle with bowDays of Youth
The Diver
Sparkling Brut
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Diver Brut is part of Days of Youth’s California sparkling wine series. It is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. The Chardonnay presents lemon custard, grapefruit, apple, and citrus flavors with a soft, creamy foundation. The Sauvignon Blanc adds a bright acidity that gives a lively note with a hint of peach/apricot. The Gewürztraminer adds a beautiful floral character of jasmine, especially in the nose, and a hint of chalky mineral on the palate. Made in the Charmat method, the wine has about two bars of pressure creating a soft, Prosecco-like texture, which makes it easier and more enjoyable to drink. Enjoy with salty and spicy flavors, shellfish, salads, Thai cuisine, or even by itself.

Varietal: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer
Analysis: 11.8% alcohol/volume
Residual Sugar: 1 g/L
Winemaker: Gregory Ahn
Illustrator: Abigail Ahn
Critical Acclaim: 86 pts Wine Enthusiast 2019

The Diver bubbly club wine bottle with bowDays of Youth
The Diver
Sparkling Brut Rosé
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Diver Brut Rosé is part Days of Youth’s California sparkling wine series. It is a dry Rosé wine made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The Chardonnay from Monterey County adds a balanced acidity with notes of honeysuckle and kiwi. The Pinot Noir adds a beautiful color. Made in the Charmat method, the wine has about two bars of pressure creating a soft, prosecco-like texture, which makes it easier and more enjoyable to drink. A wine that pairs with just about anything except the boldest of flavors. This wine is best enjoyed chilled.

Varietal: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Analysis: 12.8% alcohol/volume
Residual Sugar: 1.1 g/L
Winemaker: Gregory Ahn
Illustrator: Abigail Ahn
Critical Acclaim: 83pts Wine Enthusiast 2019

ABOUT DAYS OF YOUTH:
Days of Youth is inspired by the magical spirit of imagination and the endless possibilities the world offers when you are a kid. The team behind this wine believes that wine brings these same possibilities as well as a youthful sense of joy and freedom to life. They bring that same freedom to winemaking by sourcing grapes based on quality and character, not appellation. They believe anything should be possible in the world of wine. They only categories they want to be in are delicious and fun. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Days of Youth – All Rights Reserved.

Da Lua Prosecco wine bottleDa Luca
Sparkling Prosecco DOC
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Da Luca Prosecco is a bright, easy-drinking sparkling wine that reflects the character of Italy’s Veneto region. Made from Glera grapes grown in selected areas of the Prosecco DOC, it shows a pale straw hue and opens with notes of green apple, pear and soft floral tones, along with a light touch of citrus. The palate is clean and refreshing, offering crisp fruit, gentle acidity and a fine, steady sparkle. It works well as an aperitif or for casual celebrations, and it complements everything from seafood to simple starters, making it a flexible choice for many settings.

Varietal: Glera
Analysis: 11% alcohol/volume
Critical Acclaim: 86 pts Wine Enthusiast 2019; 90pts Wine Enthusiast 2023

ABOUT DA LUCA:
The home of Da Luca is in Sicily, Italy. Nothing captures the Sicilian spirit and vibrancy better than Scopa.  Played by families after dinner and growers amongst the vines, this lively, local card game was the perfect inspiration for their label.  Da Luca works with grape growers in Northern Italy to create their finest Prosecco.

Information & Photos © Da Luca Wines and Wine on Sale – All Rights Reserved.

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December Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubPierre-Sparr-Brut-Rose-bottle-bowMaison Pierre Sparr Successeurs
Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé
Pinot Noir
Alsace, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Salmon pink color; fresh aromas of soft red berries, predominantly strawberry and raspberry. On the palate, round and fruity with hints of peach; the flavors are intense, with lively acidity framed by a well-made structure and delicate bubbles. The finish is smooth, clean and dry.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 7.5 g/L
Residual Sugar: 13 g/L
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Crémant d’Alsace AOC, Alsace, France
Aging: 18 months in stainless steel
Soil: Granite, limestone, gneiss, chalky-clay
Vineyard Age: 23 years old
Vine Yields: 80 hl/ha (5.9 tons per acre)
Eco-Practices: Sustainable
Certification: Vegan
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts Wine Enthusiast 2022; 91 pts Tasting Panel 2021; 90 pts Wine Enthusiast 2020

Wine:
Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé is a sparkling rosé from 100% Pinot Noir. The brut-style wine’s red berry aromas of strawberry and raspberry lead into mouth-filling, juicy flavors and lively acidity.

Vineyards:
Pierre Sparr’s sparkling wines use grapes that are farmed sustainably, dry-farmed (no irrigation), and hand-harvested. Located in the Vosges hillsides and Rhine valley, elevation 200 to 400 meters (656 to 1,312 feet), primary eastern and southern exposures.

Harvest Notes:
Dates for the beginning of harvest for each Alsace AOC are set by decree, generally 100 days after the median date of flowering, at the time when the grapes display the best sugar-to-acid ratio. Intended vineyards for sparkling wine must be declared in advance of harvest and must be picked by hand. Grapes destined for Crémant are generally picked a few days before those for still wines in Alsace.

Winemaking:
Whole-cluster pressing; first fermentation occurs in temperature controlled, stainless-steel vats, transforming the must into still wine. Six months later, wines from hillsides and valley floor are blended to achieve the distinctive flavor profile of the rosé. Blended wine is then bottled with a specific yeast added to relaunch the second fermentation in bottle. The wine rests on lees a minimum of 18 months prior to disgorgement. Finally, the dosage is added to provide the particular brut style of this sparkling wine.

About the Winery:
The origin of winemaking in the Sparr family dates back to 1680. Generations later, Charles Sparr developed the business that his son, Pierre, later took the succession at the age of 20. Pierre had a distinct sense for business, making him a pioneer of “estate bottled” wines in Alsace. Pierre also had the courage and obstinacy to rebuild their entire estate after Sigolsheim and its vineyards were completely destroyed during WWII. In doing so, Pierre rebuilt one of Alsace’s most beautiful and prestigious Domaines. Today, with the help of the 9th generation, Pierre Sparr remains focused on producing quality wines, a pure expression of Alsace, that are aromatic, fruity, elegant, clean and vibrant. Pierre Sparr wines are food-friendly and accessible for everyday consumption. Learn more here.
 
Photo and Information © Pierre Sparr – All Rights Reserved

J-Vineyards-California-Cuvee-bottle-bowJ Vineyards & Winery
California Cuvée
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This vibrant and approachable California Cuvée bursts with aromas of tart pineapple and orange blossom on its expressive nose. The palate is bright and rich, featuring layered flavors of Asian pear and honeysuckle, accented by fresh mandarin peel and a touch of marzipan, leading to a zesty, focused finish.

Analysis: 9% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 61% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier
Critical Acclaim:

  • 90 Points – James Suckling: A really fresh nose with green apples, limes and green papaya. Light to medium body, bright acidity and a fresh finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now.
  • 90 Points – Wine Enthusiast: Flavorful and polished, this supple wine blends subtle apple and pear notes with buttery, creamy accents. It is rich in character and softly framed by fine bubbles and elegant acidity, with a hint of sweetness on the finish.

About the Winery:
J Vineyards & Winery, located in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, is renowned for its exceptional sparkling and varietal wines. Founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan, the winery is celebrated for its commitment to quality and innovation. It combines traditional winemaking techniques with sustainable practices across its estate vineyards, which are meticulously cultivated to highlight the unique terroir of the region. Learn more here.

Photo and Information © J Vineyards & Winery and Ed’s Fine Wines – All Rights Reserved

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December Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubGustave_Lorentz_Cremant_dAlsace_bow-bottle-imageGustave 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_Cremant_dAlsace_Brut_Rose_bow-bottle-imageGustave 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.

Photos and Information © Quintessential and Gustave Lorentz – All Rights Reserved

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December Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubPhilippe Fontaine Champagne RosePhilippe Fontaine Champagne
Champagne Brut Rosé de Saignée NV
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Markedly different from the oceans of light and fruity rosé Champagne out there.  Grower Champagne producer Philippe Fontaine harnesses the powers of the Aube’s clay soils and the saignée method to deliver a powerful, deep auburn colored bubbly that’s cause for rethinking the possibilities of pink fizz. Similar in structure to the Rosé des Riceys – for which the region is famous – its ducky, earthy red and black fruit carries an undercurrent of savory and even meaty flavors that gird the full palate and give the drinker something to contemplate as well as enjoy. Tight perlage lightens things to an utterly balanced whole, accentuating stunning depth and complexity.

Varieties: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Pinot Meunier
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Terroir: Balnot sur Laignes and Les Riceys: 30 year old vines and marly soils from the superior Jurassic era
Elevation: 590 feet
Farming: Sustainable farming
Aging: 36 months sur latte
Bottled: At the estate, minimum 3 months before release
Food Pairing: Pair with a juicy bone-in ribeye, roasted game, smoked salmon, ripe Époisses, or the Panna Cotta and Raspberry Coulis from JPB Culinary Labs.

ABOUT PHILIPPE FONTAINE:
Located in Balnot-sur-Laignes in the Côtes des Bar region, Champagne Philippe Fontaine is all about history of family and tradition.  The Fontaine family has indeed been cultivating their land for centuries.  Nowadays, Philippe, his daughter Salomé, and her husband Louis-Antoine run the estate.  Most of the vineyards are located in the prestigious Les Riceys part of the region.  All of Philippe Fontaine Champagnes are handcrafted at the estate, small production, sustainably farmed, and represent a tremendous value in the Grower Champagne category. Learn more here.

Panna Cotta dessert dish

Panna cotta and raspberry coulis

Information and Photos ©  Philippe Fontaine and JP-Bourgeois – All Rights Reserved.

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December Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine Clubraptor ridge winery rose 2015 anniversaryRaptor Ridge Winery
Brut Rosé Méthode Champenoise
Anniversary Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley, Oregon

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Since 1996, when the Shull’s planted Harbinger Vineyard high in the Chehalem Mountains, the site produces a lean expression of Pinot Noir in all but the warmest vintages. With over 2400 vines per acre, this single-guyot trellised site is densely planted by Oregon Standards. The top of the vineyard is about 800 feet above sea level, providing cool nights and slow ripening of the 100% Pinot Noir plantings. In the particularly cool vintage of 2011, a switch went on in Scott Shull’s brain…sparkle it! Henceforth, their approach to this 21-year old vineyard has been to focus on classic Méthode Champenoise. In 2015 Raptor Ridge Winery decided to increase the production by adding Tuscowallame Estate Pinot Noir, which comes from their highest block and contains a mixture of clones. Both vineyards are farmed identically. The base wine ferments and rests en tirage for about three years, before disgorgement and dosage to complete the wine for final bottling.

Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
TA: 7.5 
pH: 3.37
Brix: 20.8
Case Production: 360
De-stem: 100%
Cold Soak: 96 hours

ABOUT THE RAPTOR RIDGE WINERY:
Owned and operated by Scott and Annie Shull, the duo have been nurturing Raptor Ridge for 26 years – from a “garage” winery, to the clearing of their vineyard in 2000 and the opening of their tasting room in 2010. The Shull’s winegrowing focuses on quality, consistency and intrigue. Their wines express simplicity, while also having layers of sensory complexity on the palate and mind. Learn more about their journey here.

gaspard bulles sparkling rose

Gaspard
Bulles Sparkling Rosé
Loire Valley, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

“Bulles”, meaning “bubbles” in French, is the perfect name for this wine. This sparkling, fruity Rosé is full of red berries. It makes for a perfect aperitif wine, great for any celebration, or while snacking on other nibbles.

Grapes: Pineau d’aunis
Vineyard: Clay and Limestone
Vines: 80 year-old vines, sustainable growing practices

WINEMAKING:
The grapes are handpicked, pressed. The first fermentation occurs with natural yeast in tanks. The wine is then filtered and bottled with liqueur de tirage to start the second fermentation in bottles. The wine is disgorged and topped up with more wine, zero sugar added. Total time in cellar is 36 months.

ABOUT THE GASPARD:
Gaspard is one of Jenny & François‘ house labels, these wines come from their exclusive cooperation with carefully selected winemakers in France and beyond. The growers they are partnered with work sustainably and organically to produce the purest wine. These Loire Valley wines focus on the nature of the wine, while also staying in a friendly budget to their consumers. All wines are made with tradition and use the most popular varieties of their regions. Learn more about their story here.

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December Bubbly Club

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Bubbly Wine ClubChampagne Collet RoseChampagne Collet
Brut Rosé
Aÿ-Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

“This Brut Rosé Champagne seduces with its intense pink color, its tenderness and harmony.”

This Brut Rosé Champagne is intense and luminous peach-pink color. On the nose it first gives off floral fragrances, which give way to fragrances of orange, mandarin, yellow peach and red fruits – mulberries and raspberries. It has a beautiful freshness and a delicate nose with notes of brown sugar. Enjoyment and elegance describe this cuvée Brut Rosé. A richness of fruits – mulberry, blackcurrant, and peach – and a note of cocoa, make a round, supple, velvety wine. This wine has a beautiful, silky texture, sustained by a tender effervescence.

Brut Rosé will delight the palate as an aperitif, but also lends itself perfectly to a buttery lobster or a red fruit dessert.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 50% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier
Closure: Natural Cork
Critical Acclaim:  91 pts. Wine Spectator

VINEYARD:
The grapes in this wine have their origin in 20 Crus from the Grand and Premier Crus sites of the Champagne region. The Chardonnay comes predominantly from the Premier Cru of Vertus and gives the wine freshness and lemony notes, while the mineral dimension and flinty aromas, come from the Cru of Villers-Marmery, which has a limestone soil. The Grands Crus and Premiers Crus villages, such as Chouilly, Avize, Oger and Vaudemange, complete the blend with great complexity. The Pinot Noir comes from the Grands Cru and Premiers Cru villages of Ay, Hautvillers, Avenay Val d’Or and Louvois; it produces light, tender and fruity wines, while the Pinot Meunier imparts a roundness and suppleness. This unique blend of terroirs, producing a unique Rosé Champagne.

Brut Rosé

Photo by Eric Vanden at Champagne Collet

ABOUT THE WINERY:

Since 1921, Maison Collet has been creating distinctive champagnes that appeal to a clientele of demanding wine connoisseurs in search of authentic, elegant and refined champagnes. Established in Aÿ, in the heart of the Champagne region, Maison Collet uses primarily Premier and Grand Crus in its wines in order to reflect the diversity of the Champagne terroirs. Champagne Collet is a gastronomic wine and every cuvée has been created to complement various fine dining and fine drinking experiences, whether served as an aperitif or paired with the most sophisticated of dishes.

Raoul Collet became Director of Champagne Collet in 1928. At the time he was a wine producer in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and had created his eponymous brand in 1921. Over his lifetime (1896-1960), he dedicated 30-years of work to Maison Collet, which he took to the most important French and international exhibitions. He was the instigator of property investments and was behind the brand’s first advertising campaigns. During his tenure as director, he lived in the Villa Collet with his family.

This spirit of the “Roaring Twenties” lives on at Maison Collet today and is reflected in its rich heritage and its elegant, Art Deco-inspired visual identity. The elegant transparency of the Champagne Collet labels gives the brand a contemporary feel and is an expression of the brand’s sincerity and taste for innovation. This design universe has been applied to all the Champagne House’s creations, from the champagnes’ packaging, gift boxes and cases, to the decor of Villa Collet, our “brand home”. Learn more about Champagne Collet here.

Photo by: Champagne Collet
Photo by: Champagne Collet
Photo by: Champagne Collet
Photo by: Champagne Collet

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