Tag Archives: March Bubbly Club

March Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubGranPassione_Prosecco_DOC_bottleGran Passione
Prosecco D.O.C. Spumante
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Crisp and delicate effervescence. A light pale yellow color, delicate and complex bouquet nose with fruity notes of peach and green apple and secondary notes of acacia and lilac. It is fresh and light on the palate, with balanced acidity and body; harmonious with a long persistent pleasant aftertaste. 

Varietal: 100% Prosecco (Glera)
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Sugar: 14-16 g/L
TA: 5.5-6.0 g/L
Appellation: Processo DOC, Veneto, Italy
Harvest: Second half of September
Cellaring: 2 years
Serving Suggestions: Ideal as an aperitif, or serve with hors d’oeuvres and delicate first courses. Also wonderful with sushi, fish and shellfish. Serve at 46-50ºF.

VINIFICATION:
Grapes are hand-selected both for area of origin and overall quality. After gentle pressing of the grapes and clarification of the must, fermentation takes place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. After fermentation is complete, a second fermentation occurs by small additions of yeasts and sugar, and takes place in glass lined tanks. This lasts for about 45 days and is known as the Martinotti-Charmat method. The resulting wine has small bubbles (less “fizzy” than champagne).

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Gran Passione wines come from Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, lands with endless history, eternal art and lush nature. Thanks to the presence of many native vines, original and refined wines are often produced in this region. Gran Passione believes in creating elegant wines, with a classic style, for those who enjoy the simple pleasures of good wine and food. They combine the best of Italian wine traditions with a cosmopolitan vision to celebrate life, beauty and happiness. Learn more here. >

Information and Photos © Wine Sellers Ltd and Gran Passione – All Rights Reserved

Pizzolato-Prosecco-Spumante-Muse-bottleLa Cantina Pizzolato
M*USE Prosecco Spumante
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This wine opens with alluring aromas of jasmine, beeswax and Bosc pear. The juicy, elegant palate delivers green apple, lemon zest and hazelnut alongside bright acidity and refined persistent bubbles.¹ Straw yellow in color, there are aromas of golden apple, pressed flowers, white peach and mint with a soft, crisp, effervescent, dryish light body and a sleek, medium-length Meyer lemon, sage, and plantain finish. A dry and palate-opening Prosecco that will make a great aperitif.

Varietal: 100% Prosecco (Glera)
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 0.11 g/L
Residual Sugar: 8 g/L
Appellation: Traviso Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy
Terroir: Pebbly and permeable soil. Allowing good drainage.
Training System: Pendelbogen training system
Certification: BIOS Italy
Serving Suggestions: Ideal as an aperitif or enjoy with a variety of entrees.
Critical Acclaim: 89 Points – 2021 Vinous; 88 points – 2021 Wine Enthusiast Magazine

VINEYARD:
The estate is located in the rich and flourishing countryside in the north of Treviso, and the vineyards are situated on the plains and hillsides near the Piave River.

VINIFICATION:
Grapes are handpicked and vinified using the Italian Charmat method, with temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel and secondary fermentation in sealed tanks for 30 days. The wine is then promptly bottled and released.

Information © Natural Merchants; 1. Wine Enthusiast; and 2. Tastings.com; – All Rights Reserved

Pizzolato-Fields-ProseccoLa Cantina Pizzolato
Fields Prosecco
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Made with organically farmed grapes, this wine opens with aromas of citrus blossom, and Bartlett Pear. Its bright palate showcases notes of white peach, lemon zest and almond with crisp acidity and refined bubbles.¹ 

Varietal: 100% Prosecco (Glera)
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 5.4 g/L
Residual Sugar: 10 g/L
Appellation: Treviso Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy
Terroir: Pebbly and permeable soil. Allowing good drainage.
Training System: Pendelbogen training system
Certification: BIOS Italy
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with sushi and sashimi, spicy Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, crab quiche, Mexican street tacos, and cured meat charcuterie boards with tangy, salty cheeses such an Italian Casatella or French Camembert.
Critical Acclaim: #9 Top 100 Best Buys of 2020 – 2020 Wine Enthusiast Magazine; 90 points & Best Buy – 2019 Wine Enthusiast Magazine

VINEYARD:
The estate is located in the rich and flourishing court-side in the north of Treviso, and the vineyards are situated on the plains and hillsides near Piave river.

VINIFICATION:
Grapes are handpicked and vinified using the Italian Charmat method, with temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel and secondary fermentation in sealed tanks for 30 days. The wine is then promptly bottled and released.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Organic since 1991; environment, research and sustainability are Pizzolato’s core values. Documented evidence reports the presence of the Pizzolato family in Villorba as early as 1719, and for more than five generations, the family of Settimo has owned and operated the winery and vineyards of Pizzolato Organic Wines. Choosing organic means drinking wine that has a respect for the environment. The family is dedicated to continuously learn from their environment, and they understand that this approach means each vintage will be different from the next. Learn more here. >

Information © Natural Merchants; La Cantina Pizzolato; and 1. Wine Enthusiast – All Rights Reserved

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March Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubChandon
Brut Rosé
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Chandon Brut Rosé is vivacious and juicy. It’s a bright, dry Rosé with a refreshing lightness – perfect for sipping all year. On the eye, it is vibrant pink with an energetic bead and mousse. The nose is extremely fruity with subtle floral, toasty, mineral and brioche notes. On the palate, there are flavors of strawberry, red cherry, raspberry tart, red currant, pomegranate and notes of pastries or scones.  The creaminess, acidity and finish are all perfectly balanced with very little sweetness.

Grapes for Brut Rosé were sourced from multiple cool-climate appellations, ensuring complexity and consistency in this vibrant, smooth style. Grapes were harvested at night to keep the fruit cool and preserve freshness. Harvest begins early August to retain acidity and capture Chardon’s signature vibrancy.  State-of-the-art presses lower pressing times, limiting the the juice’s contact with the grape skins to avoid bitterness.  Primary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks.  The second fermentation occurs in the bottle and the aging process begins. A minimum of 12 months aging imparts a creamy complexity balanced by juicy red fruit notes.

Varietal: 57% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 3% Meunier
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Brut: 9.5 g/L
Serving Temperature: Serve between 49ºF – 54ºF
Pairing: Perfect match for a sunny day, or paired with slightly spicy dishes, grilled burgers, paella, smoked salmon, gumbo, or duck fat fries.
Critical Acclaim: 2020 Wine Enthusiast – 90 pts.

Cocktail Recommendation: The Chandon Mirosa
3 oz. Chandon Brut Rosé
3 oz. Pink Grapefruit Juice

Chandon-Brut-bottle-150x525Chandon
Brut
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Brut is the signature style of Chandon and the go-to bubbly for entertaining, sipping and gifting. It showcases the fruitiness, vibrancy and freshness of Northern California’s warm, sunny days and cool nights. On the eye, it is vibrant straw yellow in color with an energetic bead and mousse. The nose is very heavy in fruit, with medium floral and brioche notes, and light toasty and mineral undertones. The palate is intense and fruity with subtle complexity. There are key flavors of green apple, citrus, pear, biscuit, almond and white flowers. 

Grapes for Brut are sourced from multiple cool-climate appellations, ensuring complexity and consistency in the lively, juicy style. A minimum of 12 months aging imparts a creamy complexity, balanced by an elegant mouthfeel.

Varietal: 73% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Noir, 1% Meunier
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Brut: 9 g/L
Serving Temperature: Serve between 49ºF – 54ºF
Pairing: A refreshing aperitif, or an ideal match with any salty or creamy dishes such as oysters, caesar salad, fried chicken or calamari
Critical Acclaim: 

  • 2022 Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards – Double Gold Medal winner
  • 2021 SF Chronicle Wine Competition – Double Gold Medal winner
  • 2021 Santé International Wine & Spirits – Double Gold Medal winner
  • 2021 Wine Enthusiast – 90 pts.
  • 2020 Wine Enthusiast – 90 pts.

Cocktail Recommendation: Sparkling Margarita
3 oz. Chandon Brut
1 ½ oz. Tequila Blanco
1 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
½ oz. Agave Syrup
Salt for the Rim

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1973, by Robert-Jean de Vogüé and John Wright, Chandon is one of the first French-owned sparkling wine ventures in United States. The two carefully selected their vineyards, and are now considered to be amongst some of the best quality sparkling wines in California. Domaine Chandon is located in Yountville, within the Napa Valley, California.  With their Head Winemaker, Pauline Lhote, and her skilled team, the Chandon Winery is able to combine their skilled winemaking knowledge with French techniques to produce innovate, beautiful, vibrant wines. Learn more about their story here.

About-Domaine-Chandon-Entry

© Photo by Chandon Winery

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March Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubGruet Blanc de NoirsGruet
Blanc de Noirs
New Mexico, United States

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Pale salmon in color, this full-bodied wine has a fine mouse and a creamy, rich texture. Complex aromas and flavors of raspberry, baked pear and cherry are complemented by a hint of toasted vanilla. The balance of fruit, minerals and crisp acidity lead to a round mouthfeel and lasting finish.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay
AVA: American
pH: 3.12
Total Acidity: 70 PPM
Residual Sugar: 0.8% g/L
Fining: Sterile pads
Filtering: Diatomaceous earth
Aging: Aged en tirage for a minimum of 18 months
Vintage: NV
Critical Acclaim: 90 points Smart Buy; Top 100, Wine Spectator Best Buy; Year’s Best Summer Sparklers, Best Sparkling Wines for $25 or Less Wine & Spirits

WINEMAKING:
French for “white of black”, Blanc de Noirs describes a sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir grapes that are gently pressed and its juice runs off the skins. Gruet’s Blanc de Noirs NV was first released in 1990. Following the success of their Brut release, Gruet Winery wanted to add a non-vintage wine using Pinot Noir, similar to the classic blends of NV Champagnes.

gruet-brutGruet
Brut
New Mexico, United States

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Aromas of green apple, citrus and minerality make for delightful start to this traditional sparkler. Gruet Winery’s Brut NV offers bright, crisp acidity complemented by a touch of yeast on the delightfully long finish. A classic house style!

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 75% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir
AVA: American
pH: 3.07
Total Acidity: 76 PPM
Fining: Sterile pads
Filtering: Diatomaceous earth
Oak: Bottle aged
Aging: Aged en tirage for a minimum of 18 months
Vintage: NV
Critical Acclaim: #1 Sparkling Wine – Top 100 Values of 2016; 90 points, Smart Buy, Wine Spectator; Top 100 Best Buys of 2018, Wine & Spirits

WINEMAKING:
“Brut NV was our first wine released in 1989. As the predominant grape used in Champagne, we wanted our first sparkling wine to express the finesse of Chardonnay.” – Laurent Gruet

gruet-brut-rose-webGruet
Brut Rosé
New Mexico, United States

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

A beautiful garnet in color, this Rosé NV has a delicate, fine mousse and rich, fruit flavors. This full-bodied sparkler starts with floral and berry aromas which introduce flavors of cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry, finishing delicately with zesty acidity. 

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
AVA: American
pH: 3.14
Total Acidity: 68 PPM
Fining: Sterile pads
Filtering: Diatomaceous earth
Aging: Aged en tirage for a minimum of 18 months
Vintage: NV
Critical Acclaim: Top 100 Values of 2018 – Wine Spectator

WINEMAKING:
This Rosé NV was first released in 2004 under limited production. The wine’s color and taste was inspired from sparkling Rosés from around the world. The wine is made in the “Saignée” method by adding 2% still Pinot Noir to the blend to create the beautiful garnet pink color.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1984, Gruet Winery specializes in Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines. Family owned and run, the New Mexico-based winery produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – based sparkling wines and small collection of still wines, with roots originating from Gilbert Gruet’s Champagne house in Bethon, France. More than 25 vintages later, Gruet Winery has achieved unprecedented acclaim and remains a favorite of the nation’s top sommeliers.

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