Tag Archives: Pinot Meunier

January Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubThree-Feathers-Pinot_Pop_bottleThree 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. >

Information and Photos ©  Three Feathers Estate & Vineyard – All Rights Reserved

Clover Hill_Cuvee_RoseClover 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. >

Information © Clover Hill Wines – 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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April Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine Clubcharles-orban-carte-noire-brut-bubbly-bottleCharles Orban
Carte Noire Brut
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Charles Orban Carte Noire Brut Champagne is clear golden in color with elegant, fine bubbles. The nose is delicate, but is dominated by citrus fruits with hints of fudge. On the palate, there is great length. It is smooth with brioche aromas and subtle notes of honey, pine nuts and light tobacco.

Varietal: 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Region: Champagne
Vineyard/Terroir: Troissy – Vallée de la Marne
Vintage: NV
Vinification: Dosage – 10 g/L
Serving Temperature: Serve at 46.4ºF-50ºF
Pairing: Serve as an aperitif, or pair with white meat or fish.
Critical Acclaim: 90 points Wine Spectator

A note of woodsy smoke underscores flavors of tangy plum, candied kumquat, white peach and fresh ginger in this mouthwatering Champagne, backed by firm, citrusy acidity. — 90 points, AN, Wine Spectator

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Orban family has been growing grapes in Troissy, a village on the left bank of the Marne, since 1770. Their vineyards cover 331 hectares and are planted with Pinot Meunier (86%), Pinot Noir (8%) and Chardonnay (6%) grapes. By the end of the 1950s, Charles Orban left the Troissy cooperative and decided to produce his own champagne, selling it under his own name. Over the years, he grew his company from just 800 bottles, to now over 200,000 bottles produced and sold. Since then, the house was sold to a champagne family that continues to uphold the Orban family tradition. Learn more about their story here.

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January Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubLaurent-Perrier_HarmonyLaurent-Perrier
Harmony
Demi-Sec NV
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Demi-Sec was the most popular style of Champagne in the 18th century. Laurent-Perrier continues to make this authentic style with the same pride and care as the rest of their Laurent-Perrier wines.

The Harmony Demi-Sec wine is rich, golden-yellow in color. The nose is robust and expressive, it opens with aromas of candied fruit, almonds and hazelnuts, followed by notes of fresh brioche. Rich on the palate, this Demi-Sec is full-bodied and generous with an elegant, clean finish.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 45% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier. More than 55 crus with an average ration of 94% are used in the Demi-Sec base wine blend. Between 10-20% of reserve wines are used to ensure perfect consistency.
Vinification and Aging: Following a minimum of three years of cellar aging, Demi-Sec receives a dosage of 45 grams of sugar per liter dissolved in wine from the same cuvée. The dosage level results in a Demi-Sec that is pleasantly sweet without being cloying.
Serving Temperature: Serve between 43ºF and 46ºF
Food Pairing: Rich desserts, especially cakes and tarts
Critical Acclaim:

  • Wine & Spirits – 91 Points

Collectors Wine ClubLaurent-Perrier_Grand-Siecle-N24Laurent-Perrier
Grand Siecle
Itération Nº24
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Launched in 1959 by Bernard de Nonancourt, Grand Siècle is Laurent-Perrier’s prestige cuvée and the epitome of the art of blending. Grand Siècle’s elegant bottle was inspired by the work of early 18th century master glassmakers. This cuvée namesake means “Great Century” from the illustrious period of French history during the reign of King Louis XIV, called the Sun King. At that time, art de vivre reached its pinnacle and French gastronomy was born, ushering in the concept of vins de terroir and the first effervescent wines from Champagne.

The Grand Siècle is bright pale, gold in color with a very fine effervescence, persistent sparkle and stead stream of fine bubbles. The nose is fresh, intense and complex with notes of candied citrus developing into aromas of fresh pastry and toasted almonds, with subtle hints of honey and gingerbread. The palate is complex, marrying structure to finesse, resulting in a perfect balance between power and delicacy. This textured wine continues to develop on the palate and in the glass, showing notes of honey, hazelnut, and toasted brioche.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 55% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir:

  • Grand Siècle Iteration Nº24 is made exclusively with 100% grand cru grapes from eleven of the most outstanding villages. These grapes are from exclusively hand-picked plots, selected from exceptional years and chosen for their complementary traits to provide structure, freshness and finesse in perfect harmony; Chardonnay always being the majority, with the balance being Pinot Noir:
    • Chardonnay Grands Crus: Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
    • Pinot Noir Grands Crus: Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy, Verzenay, Tours-sur-Marne and Mailly
  • Grand Siècle Iteration Nº24 is always a blend of three complementary years, which have been declared vintages by Laurent-Perrier: 2007 (60%), 2006 (20%), and 2004 (20%) vintages:
    • 2007: noted for its freshness, the Chardonnays are complex with aromas of white fruits and citrus and the Pinots Noirs open and fruity with a dominance of yellow fruit
    • 2006: noted for its finesse with rich, complex Chardonnays and Pinots Noirs with red fruit aromas
    • 2004: noted for its freshness and structure with fine, balanced Chardonnays and high quality Pinots Noirs

Vinification and Aging: The best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines are kept in reserve tanks in the dedicated Grand Siècle cuverie at Laurent-Perrier. After the base blend is crafted, it is put into bottles that will mature for up to 11 years on the lees in the cellar before disgorging.
Serving Temperature: Serve between 50ºF – 53.6ºF
Food Pairing: The creaminess and complexity of Grand Siècle perfectly complements refined dishes such as noble fish and lobster, or any dish with truffles or mushrooms.
Critical Acclaim:

  • James Suckling – 97 Points

ABOUT LAURENT-PERRIER:
Laurent-Perrier is the largest independent, family-owned, woman-owned House in Champagne. Passed down from generation to generation, the house is now managed by Alexandra Pereyre de Nonancourt and Stéphanie Meneux de Nonancourt, daughters of the emblematic Bernard de Nonancourt. In 2014, Stéphane Dalyac joined the daughters as Chairman of the Management Board, and in 2019, Alexandra’s daughter, Lucie Pereye de Nonancourt joined the team representing Grand Siècle in France and worldwide. This successful hand-over between generations has given the winery the ability to craft traditional and elegant champagnes for over two centuries. Laurent-Perrier suits every occasion and offers a unique experience for all senses through their innovative and comprehensive range of champagnes. Learn more about their history here.

© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
Chef de Caves, Michel Fauconnet: © Photo by Laurent-Perrier
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
Stephanie & Alexandra de Nonancourt © Photo by Laurent-Perrier
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
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July Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubChampagne_Taittinger_Brut_La_Francaise-bottleTaittinger
Brut La Française
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Taittinger Brut La Française is pale gold in color with fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, there are delicate aromas of peach, white flowers, vanilla pods, and brioche and the on the palate there are flavors of fresh fruit and honey. Excellent with foods such as seafood and white meat.

Analysis: 12.3% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier
Appellation: Champagne, France
Aging: 3-4 years on lees
Winemaker: Alexandre Ponnavoy

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Taittinger Brut La Française is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier wines from at least 35 villages. The high proportion of Chardonnay (40%) is unique among fine nonvintage Champagnes. The presses are located in the vineyard for immediate pressing of the fruit after the manual harvest, and the resulting must is cold fermented under temperature-controlled conditions. After resting until the end of winter, the wine is blended, and then the final cuvée undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle in Taittinger’s cool cellars. The aging of Brut La Française on the lees for almost 4 years, more than double the legal minimum of 15 months. This extra time in the cellars allows the wine to reach the peak of aromatic maturity, and the result is a delicately balanced Champagne, known for its consistently excellent quality.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Taittinger family has managed the Champagne House for nearly a century. Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, grandson of the founder, has maintained this commitment for 40 years and today he shares it with his son, Clovis and his daughter, Vitalie who both work beside him. Their aim is to always achieve excellence with their work. “Having our family name on a bottle places demands and responsibilities on every minute. It conveys both the skills and knowledge of the past and a commitment to the future,” Clovis Taittinger.  Champagne Taittinger is one of the few remaining family owned and operated Champagne houses. The firm is distinguished for its extensive vineyard holdings of 752 acres, including prestigious Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims regions. Unlike most large houses, Champagne Taittinger relies primarily on estate grapes for its portfolio of Champagnes. Also unique are the higher proportion of Chardonnay in its wines that gives Taittinger its signature style, and the time devoted to aging the wines before release—most often greatly exceeding the legal requirement, in a practice that also has become a Taittinger hallmark. Learn more about the family business here.

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June Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubMumm_Napa_Brut_PrestigeMumm Napa
Brut Prestige
Napa Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Brut Prestige is Mumm Napa’s signature sparkling wine. It is relaxed, yet elegant, featuring bright flavors of citrus, red apple, stone fruit and vanilla with notes of honey, and gingerbread spice. Its vibrant flavors are balanced by a fine acidity and a rich, lingering finish.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Gris & Pinot Meunier
Residual Sugar: 1.1%
Style: Brut
TA: 7.0 g/l
pH: 3.15
Time en Tirage: 18 months
Aging Potential: Drink now
Critical Acclaim: 91 Points Wine Enthusiast – March 2017

FOOD PAIRING: This wine pairs beautifully with hors d’oeuvres, crab cakes, smoked salmon, fresh greens, salads, or grilled chicken and vegetables.

VINEYARDS:
The Brut Prestige is a blend comprised of the best selected grapes from different grower locations across the Napa appellation. Each harvest, the grapes are hand-picked in the mornings to ensure they arrive to the winery in perfect condition.

WINEMAKING:
Fermentation is completed in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures, this preserves the fruit’s intensity and freshness. A few select logs are aged in French oak barrels to add depth, complexity and spiciness. From there, the finished blend goes through a second fermentation with about 18 month’s yeast aging, adding complexity, and layers of yeast dough and creaminess. Next, the wine is disgorged in brut style and part of the dosage is added back after being aged for another 3 months to balance the acidity. 

Mumm_Napa_Brut_Rose_Tech_Sheet_-_ConsumerMumm Napa 
NV Brut Rosé 
Napa Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Mumm Napa’s signature Rosé is coral-pink in color. It features fresh aromas of black cherries, red berries, and citrus. On the palate, this Brut Rosé has mouth-filling flavors of rich, robust red fruit flavors, rounding out to a very elegant finish. The Pinot Noir is responsible for the soft texture and forward fruitiness, while the Chardonnay plays a roll in the wine’s structure and elegance.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
Appellation: Napa County
Residual Sugar: 1.15%
Style: Brut
TA: 7.0 g/l
pH: 3.10
Time en Tirage: 18 months
Critical Acclaim: 91 points Wine Enthusiast – December 2015

FOOD PAIRING: Pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses, grilled salmon, roast duck, or spicy Italian or Asian dishes.

VINEYARDS:
Each harvest, the Brut Rosé blend is selected from the best grapes from up to 50 grower locations throughout the Napa appellation. Similar to Mumm Brut Prestige, the grapes are hand-harvested in the early mornings to ensure they arrive at the winery in perfect condition.

WINEMAKING:
Each individual vineyard lot is fermented separately at cool temperatures in small stainless steel tanks, this helps to preserve the individual flavors, freshness and intensity of each fruit. A few select lots are aged in French Oak barrels to create further depth and complexity to the wine. To create the coral-pink color of the wine, a small amount of red Pinot Noir is added to the blend before being bottled. From there, the wine is yeast aged for an average of 18 months to add further complexity and creaminess to the wine. Next, the wine is disgorged and a dosage is added back to balance out the wine’s acidity. The dosage includes a Pinot Noir fermented in traditional Burgundian fashion, creating an extra layer of depth, color and robust fruitiness to the wine.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Established in California in the late 1970’s, Mumm Napa follows traditions from their French heritage. Their roots can be traced back to a leading International Champagne in France, GH Mumm. Today, the winery continues to follow traditional French wine making techniques to create their award winning, hand-crafted sparkling wines. Learn more about their story here.

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May Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine Club2016ArgyleVintageBrutBottleWebArgyle Winery
Vintage Brut
Willamette Valley, Oregon

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The 2016 sparkling wine vintage in the Willamette Valley was generous yet refined, highlighting the alluring precision the region has to offer. Knudsen Vineyard, in the protected Dundee Hills, brings supple depth and elegance.  While Spirit Hill Vineyard, in the windy confines of the Eola-Amity Hills, brings tension and mineral backbone. Fresh seashore, white peach, and toasted brioche are framed around a creamy center and long, graceful finish.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 55% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier
AVA: Willamette Valley AVA
Harvested: Aug. 23 – Sept. 2, 2016
Brix at Harvest: 18.6
Barrel Aging: 70% Stainless Steel, 30% Neutral Oak
Dosage: 3 g/L
Malolactic: 0% Malolactic Fermentation
Critical Acclaim: 91 Points Wine Spectator; 90 Points Wine Enthusiast

FOOD PAIRING: Serve with creamy, salty, or lean and lemony cheeses, such as a Brie, Triple Cream or Bleu Cheese. 

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In 1987, Argyle was founded by Rollin Soles to produce sparkling wines in cool-climate of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Today, Argyle Winery produces sparkling wines, Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Rieslings. All Argyle Sparkling wines are 100% Argyle grown, vintage dated, made from hand-picked, cold press grapes, bottle fermented, aged on yeast for a minimum of 3 years and ‘disgorged on demand.’ They have earned acclaim for their elegance, character, and uncommon ageability. Learn more about their history here.

© Photo by Argyle Winery

MSC_SparklingBrutRose2020_Bottleshot_3000px_300ppiMcBride Sisters 
Sparkling Brut Rosé 
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Grown sustainably in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Hawke’s Bay is one of the most prestigious fine wine regions in New Zealand and the source for McBride Sisters’ delicious non-vintage Sparkling Brut Rosé.

This Sparkling Brut Rosé has gentle floral notes of rose petals, strawberries and cream, and loads of freshly crushed red berries. The red fruits carry through the palate, where cranberry, peach, strawberry, and raspberry take center stage. There is a hint of toasty complexity and some creamy richness from time on lees that lead into a dry finish with lingering hints of spice.

Analysis: 12.6% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 64% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 6% Merlot
RS: 9.4 g/L
pH: 3.4
TA: 6.2 g/L
Critical Acclaim: 92 Points, Gold Medal, San Diego International Wine & Spirits Competition

FOOD PAIRING: Pairs beautifully with everything from seafood to fried chicken.  

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The McBride Sisters were raised separately among the vines of Monterey, California and Marlborough, New Zealand. Destiny led them to each other, and they quickly bonded over their shared passion for good wine and a desire to shake up the industry. In 2005 they started a wine company together. Today, the award-winning McBride Sisters Collection wines directly reflect the terroirs of the sisters’ youth, with wine styles and flavors designed for all palates. Learn more about the sisters’ story here.

© Photo by McBride Sisters

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April Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubGoldschmidt_BlancdeNoir-NV-Bottle-Shot-webGoldschmidt Vineyards
Blanc de Noir Sparkling Wine
Sonoma County, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Light copper-rose hues; Goldschmidt Blanc de Noir shows vibrant raspberry, bing cherry, and wild flower. A mix of zesty cherry, white peach, and fresh strawberry flavors mingle with medium-bodied bubbles to form a creamy palate. Subtle notes of honeysuckle linger in the finish.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 53% Chardonnay, 39% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier
Appellation: 100% Sonoma County
Vintage: NV
pH: 3.20
Dosage: 1.2
Cases Produced: 120

WINEMAKING:
“We make our sparkling wine not only to be lively and lifted in the nose but also to have complexity and longevity. The addition of Pinot Noir adds its characteristic tangy, red berry and orange flavors while the Chardonnay provides the main structure and liveliness. Producing white wine from a red grape is very difficult. We harvest in the cool morning and press very gently, balancing the bright fruit flavors with crisp acidity. By pressing this way we get less color and tannin. Barrel fermenting both the Chardonnay and the Pinot also adds more weight and body. Yeast contact in the bottle for two years brings all elements together with the yeast also providing its own elements of texture and creaminess. This wine will last up to 10 years under proper storage conditions.” – Goldschmidt Vineyards

FOOD PAIRING: Serve with soft cheeses – those with delicate flavors and smooth, creamy textures. In particular, try fresh, soft, and bloomy-rind cheeses made from cow’s milk, like Brie, Camembert, Brillat-Savarin, triple crème, or Chaource.  Try with macadamia nut-crushed halibut or pork tenderloin with fresh rosemary and lemon thyme.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Yolyn and Nick Goldschmidt are owner/vintners, and Nick is the winemaker. The winery offices are located in Healdsburg, California. Goldschmidt Vineyards is a vehicle by which Nick and Yolyn present their innovative way of wine making and wine presentation. There are two brands under their portfolio – the prestigious Goldschmidt Vineyard label and the international Forefathers label. The Goldschmidt Vineyard label is a program designed to showcase single vineyard source wines from both the Alexander Valley and Napa Valley Oakville appellations. The goal is create wines that highlight the distinct characters, benefits and attributes derived from these site specific harvests. Goldschmidt Vineyards Cabernets are crafted with the best possible resources to achieve exceptional richness, quality and balance – the hallmarks of world-class wines.

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November Bubbly Club

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Bubbly Wine ClubBouteille Fiche BrutRidgeview
Bloomsbury Brut
Ditchling, Sussex, England

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

“Our sole focus in the winery at Ridgeview is minimal intervention, to let our exceptional grapes speak for themselves and nurture the juice into making the best wine possible. Balance is at the heart of all of our wines, making the most of the full fruit flavors in harmony with our wonderful cool climate acidity.”

Bloomsbury is light golden in color with a fine, persistent mousse. Citrus fruit aromas with hints of melon, peach and honey. Chardonnay dominance brings finesse, along with crisp freshness. The Pinots add depth and character leading to a beautifully balanced finish. Will age gracefully over time as the Chardonnay matures.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier
Altitude: 5m-65m ASL
Vineyard Age: Between 8 and 22 years old
Exposure: South & Southeast
Soil: Clay & Limestone, Flint & Loam
Bottle fermentation on the Lees: 12-18 months
Memorable Moment: Official wine served for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Critical Acclaim:

  • SILVER Decanter World Wine Awards 2018
  • SILVER OUTSTANDING International Wine and Spirit Competition 2018
  • 90 pts. – Decanter 2013
  • 90 pts. – The Wine Advocate (NV)
  • 91 pts. – AG Vinous (NV)
  • 90 pts. – Wine Enthusiast (NV)
  • 92 pts. – Wine Enthusiast 2015
  • 91 pts. – Wine Enthusiast 2014
  • 92 pts. – Wine Enthusiast 2013
  • 90 pts. – Wine & Spirits (NV)

PRODUCTION:
Whole-bunch pressed to limited pressure, and to give a low yield of 62% volume to weight. A natural cold settling takes places without the use of enzymes. Fermentation at a moderate temperature of 60.8-64.4°F in stainless steel using natural yeast. Malolactic fermentation is carried out.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Ridgeview story began in 1995, when Mike and Chris Roberts decided to release a vision, nurtured for many years. With a love of England and a passion for wine, they investigated the English wine industry with a view to understanding the type of wine production they felt would thrive best in the cool climate of Southern England. Their research pointed towards traditional method sparkling wine made from the three classic varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. At the time, sparkling wine production in England was largely unexplored and unproven, so the dream to create world class sparkling wine in Sussex was a certainly a risk.

Nestled at the base of the beautiful South Downs with their chalky soils, the perfect site was found – the ridge with an unforgettable view. It was here the journey began. Whilst the vines were gently nurtured towards their first harvest, we were busy creating one of England’s only underground cellars and building a state-of-the-art winery. Ridgeview’s first grapes were harvested and pressed; the wines were bottled, then hidden away in the cellar to age.

Over 20 years later, production has increased to more than a quarter of a million bottles and Ridgeview is sold across the world. Their winery continue to invest in the most modern, specialist machinery and proudly crafts every element of their production methods on site- from hand picking all of their grapes, gently pressing them to extract maximum flavor, bottling, riddling, disgorging and labelling. Learn more about Ridgeview Winery here.

Simon Roberts

Head Winemaker: Simon Roberts

WINEMAKER:
Founder, Mike Roberts MBE, was originally at the winemaking helm ably assisted by his son Simon, to whom he passed his considerable knowledge and experience. Simon Roberts is now Ridgeview’s Head Winemaker, supported by a highly experienced and talented winery team.

A natural winemaker with a skilled palate, Simon likes minimal intervention as a Winemaker and would rather let the grapes speak for themselves. Simon trained at Plumpton Wine College and gained experience in Australia. Now responsible for the day-to-day Winemaking at Ridgeview, Simon has the support of a fantastic team. In his spare time Simon can be found coming up with culinary creations in the kitchen. Learn more about the Ridgeview team here.

© Photo by Ridgeview Wine
© Photo by Ridgeview Wine – Winemaker, Simon
© Photo by Ridgeview Wine
© Photo by Ridgeview Wine
© Photo by Ridgeview Wine

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