November Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on November 1, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Isigny Sainte-Mère Cooperative
Beurre de Baratte
Normandy, France

Beurre de Baratte is made exclusively from the best milk from Normandy, which is distinguished by its exceptional richness in fat, protein and vitamins. Exhaling sweet notes of hazelnut and milk, Isigny’s butter comes from an old-fashioned and traditional churning process. It is the slow maturation that allows the cream to develop.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
A crisp, minerally white wine like a Chablis or Muscadet works beautifully. Their acidity cuts through the butter’s richness without overwhelming its delicate flavor. Champagne or other quality dry sparkling wines are also excellent—with their fine bubbles and bright acidity, they provide a clean contrast and enhance the buttery texture. For beer, a light, effervescent beer such as a Belgian Saison or a Pilsner balances the butter’s richness with gentle spice, dryness, and carbonation.

WINESTYLES: Crisp
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

About the Cooperative:
The Isigny Sainte-Mère Cooperative traces its origins to the establishment of a dairy in Chef-du-Pont near Sainte-Mère-Église, where by 1910 it was receiving 11,000 litres of milk from 90 farms. Just a year later, production had grown to 6 million litres with 200 members contributing. In 1932, 42 milk producers around Isigny-sur-Mer united to market Isigny butter, cream, and Normandy cheeses, forming the Isigny-sur-Mer Dairy Cooperative. The idea of merging the Isigny-sur-Mer and Sainte-Mère-Église cooperatives emerged in 1979 and was realized in 1980, creating the Isigny Sainte-Mère Cooperative. This united organization expanded its collection areas and built on a shared commitment to producing high-quality dairy products. Over time, it has adapted to challenges while preserving its cooperative model and values of dedication, quality, and collective purpose, maintaining its focus on transforming exceptional raw materials into renowned products that showcase the region’s unique terroir to customers around the world. Learn more here.

Essex Cheese
Feta Voras
Florina, Greece

Feta Voras is made in the far Northwestern corner of Greece, in the province of Florina. This is mountainous land, covered in wildflowers and herbs. It’s about as far away from the island of Lesbos and M. Tastanis’s feta as you can get and still be in Greece, but the cheese is still proper feta, recognized with the PDO protected status for traditional feta. The small third generation firm, run by brothers Andreas and Sokratis, makes a creamy, crumbly cheese that you’ll want as a staple in your home. Essex St. Cheese is the exclusive importer.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Reach for a Sauvignon Blanc (especially from Loire or New Zealand) as their crisp acidity and minerality will cut through the feta’s saltiness while highlighting its tangy, fresh flavor. For beer, a Belgian-style wheat beer (Witbier) will work well. Its soft, citrus, light spice and subtle yeastiness with complement the feta without overwhelming it.

WINESTYLES: Crisp
BEERSTYLES: Crisp or Fruity & Spicy

About Essex Cheese:
Essex Street Cheese, founded in New York City in 2006, imports a small selection of iconic European cheeses. From the beginning, the company has focused on working directly with cheesemakers and agers to choose consistently flavorful wheels, starting with Comté from Fort St. Antoine at the Essex Street Market on Delancey Street. Today, it maintains that same focused approach, bringing in only a few classic cheeses and shipping them from the source to New York with minimal time spent in warehouses. Learn more here.

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Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club! Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely! Click to learn more >

November Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on October 27, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Piattelli 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.

Domaine 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

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October Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on September 30, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Chemistry Wine
Blanc de Blancs
Willamette Valley, Oregon

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Crafted to elevate the everyday, this non-vintage Blanc de Blancs opens with notes of warm brioche, green apple, and a hint of wet stone. Its soft, lively mousse brings out layers of candied pineapple, juicy mandarin, and a touch of vanilla. Bright, balanced, and easy to love, it’s the kind of sparkling that plays well with any crowd, from first-timers to longtime fans, and turns any moment into a reason to raise a glass.

Varietal: 87% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir, 2% Pinot Munier, 0.5% Aligote, and 0.5% Pinot Blanc
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol/volume
RS: 8 g/L
pH: 3.03

Vineyard Composition:
Sourced from select vineyards across the Willamette Valley, Chemistry Wine looked beyond location and clone—focusing instead on sites that consistently yield standout fruit for this Blanc de Blancs.

Élevage:
Fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks, this wine aged on lees for 10 months, then spent another 10 months resting before release.

The Codex:
Element: Air
Season: Spring
Zodiac: Gemini
Composition: Platinum

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Sourced and shaped by the elements of Oregon, Chemistry Wine is rooted in a place where nature writes its own language. These are wines drawn from contrast: where fact meets fiction, beauty meets chaos, art meets science. Their Codex is based on Elements, Seasons, Composition and Zodiac signs. The four Elements (water, fire, earth, air) represent the mystical building blocks of the universe. Seasons (summer, winter, fall, spring) provide a lens through which to view disposition, energy, and mood. Zodiac signs (Gemini, Virgo, Taurus, Libra) embodies mythological personality archetypes that are expressed through their wines. Composition (platinum, stone, gold, clay) describes each wine’s imagined substances that define its sensory experience. Learn more here.

1849 Wine Company
Sparkling Brut Rosé
France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

1849 Wine Company Brut Rosé delivers a refined, crisp character that immediately engages the senses. Bursting with lively red berry and bright citrus notes, this sparkling wine exudes a refreshing vibrancy. Its clean, invigorating finish makes it remarkably versatile—equally suited to complementing seafood, enhancing light appetizers, or standing beautifully on its own. Elegant and expressive, this Brut Rosé offers an enjoyable experience that appeals to a wide range of palates.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Established in the heart of one of France’s most celebrated wine regions, the 1849 Wine Company is devoted to crafting outstanding sparkling wines that honor the artistry and tradition of master winemakers. The winery invites you to experience the sun-soaked vineyards of France, where a passion for winemaking is rooted in a rich legacy of excellence.

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Domaine Des Orgnes Merlot

Posted on September 30, 2025 by mcginnessalex

OCTOBER WINE CLUB:

Domaine Des Orgnes
Régal des Cigales
Merlot
Côtes du Rhône, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Deep and intense red in color with an aroma of black fruits and hints of spices. The palate is well-balanced, round and very fruity.

WINE DETAILS:

Varietal: 100% Merlot
Vineyard: 25 hectares
Location: On the alluvial plain where the Rhône and the Gard river flow together at the foothill of the medieval village of Montfrin
Appellation: Côtes du Rhône, France
Soil: Alluvial plain
Harvest: Mechanical
Vinification: All bunches are destemmed, co-macerated in thermoregulated stainless-steel vats. The fermentation durations vary from 7 to 10 days below 80.6ºF. Off-loading and pumping-over are mostly used to extract the delicacy of the berries
Maturation: After two rackings, maturation on fine lees for 5 to 6 months. A very gentle filtration takes place before the bottling.
Serving Temperature: 59-63ºF
Food Pairings: Pumpkin pie, cold cuts platter and beef tournedos.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1953 by Jean de Gérin-Ricard, Domaine des Orgnes is above all, a family story. For three generations, the Gérdin-Ricard family passed down not only expertise and love for the vine, but also shared passion for craft, tradition, and terroir. Nestled half way between the Provencal town of Avignon and Nîmes, this family vineyard is planted on each bank of the Gard river at the most Southern part of the Côtes du Rhône appellation. At a cycling distance to the famous Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, the Domaine des Orgnes was first planted by the Romans. Today, brothers Emmanuel and Michel de Gérin-Ricard carry the torch as the third generation, refining the estate’s potential while honoring its roots. Guided by their family motto “I change my sky, but not my soul” (je change de ciel mais pas d’âme), their elegant cuvées remain faithful to their origin and embody both heritage and heart. Learn more here.

Pumpkin Pie

INGREDIENTS:

1 9-inch Homemade pie crust , or store-bought, deep dish, unbaked
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 large eggs
15 ounce can canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree
12 ounce can evaporated milk

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 425ºF
In a large bowl beat the eggs and pumpkin together. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves, and add to pumpkin mixture.
Gradually stir in the evaporated milk. Carefully pour mixture into unbaked pie shell.
Bake at 425ºF for for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes longer, or until the pie is set. Check for doneness by giving the pie a gentle wiggle. The center may jiggle just a tiny bit. It will continue to set up as it cools. Or, it is done when a sharp knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool completely on a wire cooling rack. Serve immediately with whipped cream and caramel pecan topping, if desired.

Information & Photos © Domaine des Orgnes – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Tastes Better from Scratch.

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Domaine Des Orgnes Chardonnay Régal des Cigales

Posted on September 30, 2025 by mcginnessalex

OCTOBER WINE CLUB:

Domaine Des Orgnes
Régal des Cigales
Chardonnay
Côtes du Rhônes, France

SILKY WINE STYLE

Pale in color with emerald highlights. This wine has nose that highlights white fruits such as William pear and vine peach, then citrus fruits like pomelo. The palate is fresh, round and generous.

WINE DETAILS:

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard: 25 hectares
Location: On the alluvial plain where the Rhône and the Gard river flow together at the foothill of the medieval village of Montfrin
Appellation: Côtes du Rhône, France
Soil: Rolles pebbles on limestone clay
Exposure: South east facing
Harvest: Mechanical in early morning
Vinification: Temperature between 57.2ºF-68ºF. The grapes are pressed on arrival. Settling then alcoholic fermentation in inox tanks with thermoregulation to ensure the preservation of the wine’s aromas.
Maturation: Aging on the fine lees in inox tanks during 6 months
Serving Recommendation: Serve at 42ºF
Food Pairings: Appetizers, fish, and goat cheese.

Ravioles du Dauphiné (French-Style Ravioli)

INGREDIENTS:

For the Dough:

3 ¼ cups 00 flour
1 pinch salt
4 large eggs

For the Filling:

1 cup crème fraîche
8 ounces Comté, grated
¼ cup finely chopped parsley
¼ cup finely sliced chives
2 tablespoons thyme leaves
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Beurre Monté:

1 tablespoon water
8 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Garnish:

Minced parsley
Grated Parmesan
Black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Arrange the flour and salt on a work surface in a round nest shape with a depression in the center.
Place the eggs into the center and beat them with a fork, mixing the flour with the eggs a little at a time until the dough firms up.
Use your hands to keep mixing and then press and knead the dough a little until you can form a rough ball.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10-15 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic and springs back when pressed. Wet your hands with water if the dough won’t hold together or add a tablespoon of flour if it’s wet and sticking.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the crème fraîche, Comté, parsley, chives, thyme, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Transfer the filling to a piping bag and set aside.
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and shape 1 piece into a rectangle. Rewrap all dough not currently being worked, including any scraps.
Run the piece of dough through the thickest setting on a pasta machine. Fold over the short ends to square the edges and run the piece through again on the same setting.
Continue to roll the dough through the machine, selecting the next thinnest setting each time. Stop rolling when the dough is just under 1 millimeter thick (often the last setting).
Place part of the rolled sheet of dough over 12 depressions in a ravioli mold and lightly press the dough down to line the depressions.
Pipe filling into each depression to fill them completely but not higher than the upper border of the mold.
Fold the dough over to cover the filling and simultaneously press the air out of each ravioli. Use a rolling pin to roll the top firmly enough to seal but not hard enough to cut the ravioli into individual pieces.
Remove the ravioli sheet from the mold and trim the 4 outer edges with a ravioli cutter. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and set the sheets aside on a towel to dry slightly.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Meanwhile, start making the beurre monté by heating the water in a small saucepan until it comes to a boil.
Lower the heat to a low simmer and add the butter 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking each time until emulsified. Do not raise the heat above a bare simmer.
When the pasta water boils, place 2 ravioli sheets in the water, lower the heat to a gentle boil, and let them cook until they float, about 2 minutes.
Spoon a little butter onto 2 individual dishes and then carefully remove the ravioli sheets with a strainer and place them on the butter, spooning a little more butter on top. Cook and plate the remaining ravioli sheets in the same way.
Garnish the ravioli sheets with parsley, Parmesan, and black pepper.
Serve immediately.

Information & Photos © Domaine des Orgnes – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Tasting Table.

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September Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on August 26, 2025 by mcginnessalex

JCB 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.

Drop 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.

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July Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on June 25, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Buena Vista Winery
La Victoire Brut Champagne
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This champagne opens with elegant and complex aromas of grapefruit followed by rich honey and brioche notes. A crisp and intense palate offers flavors of white stone fruits, peaches and pears. The wine’s impressive mouthfeel is full and rich but well balanced, leaving delightful freshness on the palate.

Varietal: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Aging: 3+ years
Dosage: 8.7 g/L
Awards: Silver – March 2018 Texom International Wine Awards

WINEMAKING NOTES:
“In partnership with the largest family-owned proprietors of vineyards in Champagne, Buena Vista is proud to present our La Victoire Brut Champagne. This classic Champagne is made in the traditional style and is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Elegantly crafted, it offers the heritage of an incomparable style created to delight and make all great occasions special. Made up of 70% Pinot Noir, from Premier Cru vineyards from the Montagne de Reims, and 30% Chardonnay, mostly from Grand Cru Mesnil sur Oger and Chouilly, the wine received a dosage of 8.7 g/L. By law in Champagne, aging is 15 months minimum for non-vintage wines. Our La Victoire was aged more than 3 years.” – Buena Vista Winery

ABOUT BUENA VISTA WINERY:
Nestled in Sonoma on its original historic grounds, Buena Vista Winery was founded in 1857 by Agoston Haraszthy, the charismatic self‑proclaimed “Count of Buena Vista”. It was California’s first premium winery, renowned for its bold spirit and vibrant innovation. After decades of legacy and preservation, the property was lovingly revived in 2011 when it became part of Boisset Family Estates, under the stewardship of Jean‑Charles Boisset, who honored its colorful past while reinvigorating the estate. A pivotal milestone came in 2012, when the winery celebrated a grand reopening, welcoming guests back to its storied site after extensive restorations. Today, Buena Vista stands as a bridge between its rich 19th‑century heritage and contemporary winemaking, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in both history and the evolving legacy of California wine. Learn more here.

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June Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on May 30, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Yes Way Rosé
Bubbles
Brut Rosé
Southern France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This crisp and effervescent Brut Rosé is perfect to pop at any time. Made in France, it has flavors of strawberry cream, white wildflowers, peach, and grapefruit zest. It’s well-balanced and classic with lively, long-lasting bubbles.

Varietal: Grenache, Cinsault, Muscat
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Sugar: 2 g/serving
Pairing Recommendation: This wine complements sweet and savory dishes alike, so pour with everything from sushi, pizza, or spicy fried chicken to raspberry sorbet or a chocolate caramel tart.

WINEMAKING:
Made using the Charmat method in souther France, grapes are harvested at cool temperatures and pressed quickly after picking to preserve natural acidity, extract the bright fruit notes, and achieve the perfect Yes Way pink. After the initial fermentation, a secondary fermentation takes place in pressurized stainless steel tanks to create just the right amount of bubbles.

COCKTAIL RECIPE: Strawberry Spritz

INGREDIENTS:

Yes Way Rosé Bubbles
2 ounces lemon juice
5 ounces aperol
½ cup strawberries, quartered

DIRECTIONS:

In a cocktail shaker, muddle strawberries and lemon juice.
Add aperol and ice, then shake for 15 seconds.
Pour over ice in a glass then top it off with Yes Way Rosé Bubbles.

ABOUT YES WAY ROSÉ:
Yes Way Rosé is a wine and lifestyle brand founded by best friends Erica and Nikki, who set out to create a Rosé that embodies fun, style, and high quality. After discovering their passion for dry French rosé in 2011, the two were inspired by the joy and humor the wine brought into their lives and launched the brand in 2013. With backgrounds in fashion and design—but no prior wine experience—they immersed themselves in learning everything about Rosé and partnered with a winemaker in the south of France to produce their very first blend. Since then, Yes Way Rosé has grown into a full collection of still, sparkling, and canned wines that celebrate living life with “positivité”. Learn more here.

Castello di Gabbiano
Prosecco D.O.C. Brut
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Fragrant notes of floral cultivate a pleasantly sweet aroma with ripe mango and notes of honey. On the palate, this wine has a low level of acidity and exhibits a strong essence of tropical fruits on the long lasting finish, with a mouthwatering finale that begs another sip. A medium-bodied wine with frothy bubbles.

Varietal: 85% Glera, 15% other white berry grapes
Pairing: By tradition, the Prosecco DOC Brut is a classic wine for toasting
Awards: 90 pts Vinepair (2022)

WINEMAKING:
Part of Gabbiano “Cavaliere d’ Oro” wine collection – a selection of wines from the very best winemaking regions across Italy. This Prosecco DOC is produced from Glera grapes in the region of Veneto. Vinification is white with soft pressing, addition of selected yeasts and fermentation at controlled temperature. The still wine is stored in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of 46.4°F until the mousse setting phase. Re-fermentation, resulting in the wine’s characteristic bubbles, takes place in autoclaves at a temperature of 64.4°F for about 30 days. The wine is made in Brut style.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Castello di Gabbiano, nestled in the heart of Chianti Classico, boasts a winemaking heritage dating back to the 11th century. The estate’s vineyards thrive on clay and limestone-rich soils, cultivating primarily Sangiovese grapes alongside Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Colorino, and Malvasia. Emphasizing sustainable viticulture, the winery employs certified practices and utilizes single spur-pruned and Guyot training systems. The ancient cellars, dating back to the 14th century, have been meticulously restored to house modern winemaking techniques, blending tradition with innovation to produce wines that reflect the estate’s rich history and commitment to quality. Learn more here.

Le Grand Courtâge
Brut Rosé
France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Brut Rosé is elegant and refreshing, with baby bubbles and a delicate balance of dryness with soft floral notes. Created by an American woman who moved to Nuits St Georges in Burgundy, France, this cuisine and cocktail friendly wine elevates and celebrates every day. On the nose, there are bright aromas of fresh strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate, combined with notes of lilac and violet. Chardonnay provides a depth and structure, while the Ugni Blanc offers natural acidity and freshness. The light-bodied Gamay provides vibrant fruit expressions and a smooth texture. The flavor is deliciously seductively smooth and versatile. It has the perfect balance of freshness, fruit, acidity, and sweetness.

Varietal: Chardonnay, Ugni Blanc, Gamay
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Sugar: 12 g/L
Fermentation: Steel Tank at 51ºF
pH: 3.25
Awards:

90 pts. – Buy Buy, Wine Enthusiast
93 pts. – The Tasting Panel Magazine

FOOD PAIRING:
This Brut Rosé complements a range of foods, from savory to sweet. Pair with spicy Asian dishes, risotto, BBQ, lamb, duck, chicken, prosciutto, pizza, soft cheese (like brie or goat), cheesecake, crème brûlée, strawberry shortcake or berry pie.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Le Grand Courtâge is a female founded French wine company which offers an affordable luxury to encourage people to elevate and celebrate every day, and cultivate joy in the spirit of Joie de Vivre. Owner Tawnya Falkner took the leap and gave up her career in San Francisco to move to Burgundy, France to pursue her passion for wine. Meaning ‘the Great Courtship’, Le Grand Courtâge symbolizes the courtship between French and American wine culture, grapes from different regions and the old and new world. Learn more here.

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May Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on April 28, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Devaux
Cuvée Rosé
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The addition of a small quantity of Pinot Noir vinified in red and rosé before secondary fermentation gives softness and roundness to this champagne. It is golden rose in color with aromas of ripe raspberries and white fruits. On the palate, it’s a rich and elegant fruit-driven rosé. There are notes of fresh red fruits with a touch of licorice rounding out the finish.

Varietal: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
Origin: Pinot Noir from the Côte des Bar and Chardonnay from Montgueux and Vitry
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 8 g/L
Vinification: Alcoholic Fermentation in stainless-steel vats followed by malolactic fermentation
Bottling and Secondary Fermentation: 6 to 8 weeks
Maturation in Cellar: 3 years minimum
Riddling and Disgorging: 4 to 5 weeks
Extra Aging in Cellar After Dosage: 3 months minimum
Dosage: Brut
Critical Acclaim:

93 Points – World Wine Championship
93 Points – Beverage Testing Institute
92 Points – Wine Enthusiast
90 Points – James Suckling

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Serving Temperature: 46-50ºF
Sensations: Singing, soft flowers, light fruits
Circumstances: Light meals, late evening, afternoon
Cuisine: Cured meats and fish, crab cakes and duck

ABOUT DEVAUX:
Champagne Devaux was founded in 1846 and is deeply rooted in the Côte des Bar region of southern Champagne. Uniquely, its early legacy was shaped by a remarkable line of women who led the house through its formative years, expanding its reputation across borders and establishing a foundation of excellence. In 1987, the last heir, Jean-Pol Auguste Devaux, entrusted the brand to the Union Auboise cooperative—now Groupe Vinicole Champagne Devaux—ensuring its continued growth. Today, Devaux is known for its high-quality, Pinot Noir–driven Champagnes, crafted with a focus on sustainable viticulture and extended aging. Learn more about the winery here.

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Posted on March 28, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Juvé & Camps
Reserva De La Familia
Gran Reserva Brut Nature
Cava
Penedès, Spain

BUBBLY 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

Langlois-Château
Crémant de Loire Blanc Brut
France

BUBBLY 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

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