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September Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubJCB_21_120x450JCB 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.

Information & Photos © Boisset Collection – All Rights Reserved.

DOS_2022_CA_SparklingRose-750-US Background RemovedDrop 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.

Information & Photos © Drop of Sunshine – All Rights Reserved.

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September Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubCDB-Cuvee-Prestige-bottleCa’del Bosco
Cuvée Prestige Brut
Franciacorta, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Aromas of stone fruit and spring flowers with a lightly savory, pastry like complexity. The palate has a smooth, elegant feel and the finish is dry, light, bright and crisp. A neat wine, well-delivered. Drink now.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 75% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Bianco, 15% Pinot Nero
Region: Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy
ph: 3.15
Total Acidity: 5.55 grams/liter
Volatile Acidity: 0.35 grams/liter
Vineyards of Provenance:

  • 96 Chardonnay vineyards planted on average of 27 years ago, located in the municipalities of Erbusco, Adro, Cazzago San Martino, Corte Franca, Iseo and Passirano
  • 3 Pinot Bianco vineyards planted an average of 21 years ago, located in the municipality of Passirano
  • 17 Pinot Nero vineyards planted an average of 19 years ago, located in the municipalities of Erbusco, Provaglio d’Iseo and Passirano

Harvest period: First and second ten days of August
Average yield per hectare: 7,500 kilograms of grapes, equivalent to 4,7300 liters of wine (must-to-fruit ratio 63%)
Tirage: From April to June of the year after the harvest
Maturation sur lies: For an average of 25 months
Dosage at disgorgement: Equivalent to four grams of sugar per liter

Vinification:
The base wines for Cuvée Prestige are crafted from meticulously selected grapes, expertly vinified in strict adherence to the Metodo Ca’ del Bosco. Upon harvest, the grapes are picked, graded, and chilled, each bunch undergoing careful selection by trained professionals before being processed through an exclusive “berry spa.” This system involves a thorough bunch washing and jet spray process, incorporating three soaking vats and a drying tunnel. The grapes are then crushed in an oxygen-free environment, and the resulting musts are fermented in temperature-controlled steel tanks until the following March.

The wine undergoes an additional seven months of aging to clarify, mature, and reveal the distinct characteristics of its vineyard origin. Subsequently, the wines are meticulously blended with reserve wines from the best vintages, accounting for 20% to 30% of the final cuvée, in a process that imparts the Cuvée Prestige with its unique character. This special technique captures the essence of Franciacorta as envisioned by Ca’ del Bosco. Only after an average maturation period of 25 months does this Franciacorta reach its full expressive depth. The disgorgement process is performed in an oxygen-free environment, utilizing a patented system by Ca’ del Bosco that eliminates oxidative stress and the need for additional sulfites. This process results in a purer, more appealing, and longer-lived Franciacorta. Finally, each bottle is individually marked to ensure traceability.

About Ca’del Bosco:
Ca’del Bosco, founded by Annamaria Clementi Zanella in the Erbusco hills, has a rich history of innovation and quality in winemaking. Beginning with high-density vineyards and the production of its first wine (Pinot di Franciacorta Bianco) in the late 1970s, the winery expanded under Maurizio Zanella to introduce notable offerings like the Cuvée Annamaria Clementi, named after his mother. Embracing modern techniques while maintaining its identity, Ca’del Bosco produces acclaimed wines, including the Vintage Collection and Cuvée Prestige. The winery also promotes art through initiatives like the Ca’del Bosco Sculpture Award, celebrating over 50 years of heritage and excellence in winemaking. Learn more here.

Photo and Information © Iron Horse Vineyards and Vintus – All Rights Reserved

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September Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine Clubdautel-pinot-sektDautel
Pinot Sekt Brut Nature
Württemberg, Germany

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

“Recently disgorged, Chris Dautel’s Pinot Brut Nature shows a clear, delicate and vinous Pinot bouquet with cherry, red apple, brioche and iodine notes. Round and remarkably delicate on the palate, this is an intense, elegant, finessed, well-structured and medium-bodied sparkling wine with fine and refreshing grip of polyphenols.” – Wine Advocate; June 30th, 2020. Tasted from lot L01-22 in April 2022.

Varietal: Pinot Noir
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Region: Württemberg, Germany
Vineyard: Multiple Vineyards
Soil Type: Mostly limestone with sandstone and clay inclusions
Fermentation/Elevage: Fermented in 300 liter oak barrels
En Tirage Aging: 24 months
Farming Practice: Practicing Organic
Critical Acclaim: Wine Advocate – 92 points; James Suckling – 92 Points

DAUTEL WINERY:
Since 1510, there has been a long tradition of winemaking in the region. Situated in the heart of Württemberg, Dautel produces wine in and around Bönnigheim and alot has changed in the course of 500 years.  After Ernest Dautel graduated from Geisenheim University, he left the local cooperative.  This was quite an affront as his father had been the founding member, but Ernst Dautel realized the enormous potential of his vineyards and wanted to produce great wines equal to those he had tasted during his travels in Italy and France.

In 1985 Ernest started maturing his best red wines in barrique barrels. He produced blended wines, as well as single-varietal wines and fought for the permission to plant Chardonnay vines. Admitted as a member of VDP, the Association of German Quality Wine Estates in 1999, Ernest Dautel’s accomplishments gained wide recognition and awards.  Today, the Dantel family continues their pursuit of excellence and focus on quality-oriented work in the vineyards and organic cultivation.  Greening soil between vine rows and using beneficial species increases the biodiversity of the vineyards and stabilizes the ecological system. All vineyards are harvested by hand, critically selecting the best grapes. This results in several rounds of harvesting in each vineyard, yielding top-quality wines. Winemaker, Christian Dautel prefers using slightly larger oak barrels than usual, with the goal of producing elegant and complex wine. Learn more >

Dautel Winery, Christian Dautel
Michaelsbert Appellation
Christian Dautel

Photos and Information © Dautel, Skurnik and Wine Advocate – All Rights Reserved

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September Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubGran Passione_RoseGran Passione
Prosecco DOC Rosé (NV)
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Prosecco DOC Rosé has a fine, bright perlage and is light rose in color. The nose has a delicate and complex bouquet with fruity notes and hints of peach, green apple and lemon. There are also hints of floral notes of acacia and rose on the nose. It is fresh and light on the palate, with balanced acidity and body. This wine has a round and full-bodied structure; it is intriguing on the palate, dry and soft, with a pleasantly long finish.

Varieties: Glera, Pinot Nero
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Region: Veneto, Italy
Soil: Clay
Serving Temperature: 46.4ºF-50ºF
Pairing Recommendations: Enjoy as an aperitif or with fish soups, grilled fish, and courses based on mushrooms.

VINIFICATION:
After a team of oenologists select the best wines for the sparkling winemaking process, the wine is filtered in steel tanks, with the addition of must and selected yeasts, for the second fermentation (Martinotti-Charmat method) at a controlled temperature of 57.2ºF-59ºF. Once the wine has reached the required pressure levels, alcohol and sugar content, it is refrigerated, cold stabilized (28.4ºF-26.6ºF), filtered and controlled before bottling.

VENETO REGION:
This climate is temperate. Mitigated by the sea, the chain of the Alps protects the region from the northern winds. Winters are cold and humid, and summers are hot and muggy with medium temperature variations.

ABOUT GRAN PASSIONE:
“Gran Passione”, meaning “great passion” creates wines that express the hard work and traditions of the land and combines those with a cosmopolitan vision to celebrate life, beauty and happiness. Their wines come from Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia – two of the most (arguably) important Italian regions for viticulture and excellent wines. Learn more about their concept here.

© Information by Gran Passione.

BiancaVigna_Cuvee 1931BiancaVigna
Spumante Rosa (Brut Rosé)
NV Cuveé 1931
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Salmon pink in color, this sparkling wine is an intriguing blend of the typical Prosecco variety Glera and Pinot Nero. A very fine and persistent perlage opens to ethereal perfumes of spring flowers, orchard fruit and distinctive notes of red berries, enhanced by a delicate hint of aromatic herbs. The fresh and silky palate reveals rich fruit (white peach, cherry) to conclude in a refined finish with bright acidity.

Varieties: 95% Glera, 5% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.3
Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 10 g/L
Region: Veneto, Italy
Vineyard: Soglio, Veneto
Soil: Clay
Yield: 60 hl/ha
Harvest: Hand harvest in Mid-September
Aging: In stainless steel tanks on lees
Vinification: Secondary fermentation for 45 days in stainless steel tanks, with the addition of yeast and sugar
Cellar: San Pietro di Feletto
Production: 2,000 cs
Critical Acclaim: 91 pts. Wine Enthusiast “Editor’s Choice”; 90 pts. Vinous Media

BiancaVigna_Prosecco DOCBiancaVigna
Prosecco Brut NV DOC
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Prosecco DOC is a well-balanced, fresh and bright wine, whose medium-body and clean finish make it a refreshing summer beverage or ideal choice for an aperitif. Aromas and flavors of sliced green apples and pears are complimented by a more mineral note of slate.

Varieties: 100% Glera
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 12 g/L
Region: Veneto, Italy
Vineyard: Monticella and San Pietro di Feletto (Conegliano/Valdobbiadene)
Soil: Chalky
Age of Vines: 11 years (Monticella), 25 years (San Pietro di Feletto)
Average Altitude: 300-490 feet above sea level
Yield: 60 hl/ha
Harvest: Mid-September
Aging: Stainless steel vats
Vinification: Secondary fermentation with selected yeasts, in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks (cuvée close) for a minimum of 60 days followed by tartaric stabilization at low temperature in stainless steel tanks on lees
Bottling: Isobaric bottling after sterile filtration
Cellar: San Pietro di Feletto
Release: December
Production: 8,333 cases per year
First Vintage: 2007
Critical Acclaim: 91 pts. Vinous Media; 90 pts. – Vinous Media (2020); 90 pts. – James Suckling; 90 pts. – Falstaff Magazine; 90 pts. Wine Enthusiast

ABOUT BIANCAVIGNA:
The Moschetta family has a history of grape growing, dating back over a century cultivating grapes from the historic vineyards in the prestigious San Galla area. The family had always sold their grapes to the local cooperative and various wineries in the area. It wasn’t until 2004, Elena Moschetta (sister) and Enrico Moschetta (brother) team decided to combine Elena’s extensive business and managerial experience with Enrico’s 20+ years of expertise and familiarity with the vineyards and Prosecco wines, founding the BiancaVigna winery. Learn more about their history here.

© Information by BiancaVigna of Indigenous Selections.

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September Bubbly Club

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Astraeus RoséBubbly Wine ClubWaterkloof
Astraeus Rosé Pinot Noir MCC
Elgin Valley, South Africa

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

“In Greek mythology, ASTRAEUS, father of the four wind gods and the stars was an astrological deity known as the god of the dusk. Appropriately he married Eos who was the goddess of the dawn. Together they had many children, one of whom was named Boreas: God of the cold north wind, which howls relentlessly through Waterkloof’s vineyards and so defines the character of our grapes and resulting wines. While many people believe Waterkloof’s logo depicts a blowing man, it is actually a blowing god – Boreas. No myth, this palest of pale MCC rosés is a true product of nature.” – Waterkloof Wines

This is a lightly colored Pinot Noir Rosé with fine bubbles and not an overpowering mousse. It gives off floral and mineral aromas and strikes a fine balance on the palate between elegance and fine supporting structure. It can be enjoyed on its own or with some classic red fruit desserts.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
TA: 6.2g/l
pH: 3.2
Residual Sugar: 5.24 g/l

ABOUT THE VINEYARDS:
The grapes for Astraeus were sourced from an organically farmed vineyard in Elgin Valley, in the Western Cape of South Africa. Here, the Pinot Noir grapes receive enough cold temperatures during the winter season, as well as during the growing season, with Elgin Valley’s natural level of cloud cover. Elgin has a big diversity in soil types, but this particular vineyard consists of Table Mountain sandstone, which imparts a minerality to the wine.

Vineyard Work 1

WINEMAKING PROCESS:
This hand harvested Pinot Noir is whole bunch basket pressed for the purest juice; no further maceration is allowed. The juice is then left to settle naturally for 12 hours. From there, wild yeast fermentation, with no additions, takes place in old 600 liter barrels, where the wine spends 9 months on the lees. With bottling, champagne yeast is added and the wine is left in bottle on the lees for a further 11 months; after it is disgorged and left under cork for a further 7 months, the wine is ready to be released.

HISTORY OF WATERKLOOF:
In 1993 Paul Boutinot commenced his search for a vineyard site with the potential to produce truly fine wine with a defining sense of origin. The classic areas, capable of growing naturally balanced grapes such as the Cote d’Or, Chablis, Paulliac, Barolo, etc. were either unavailable or unattainable (rich men’s toys), so he had to find a new classic. It took ten years to narrow the search down to a small area on the south-facing slopes of the Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay in the Cape. As soon as he was led up a steep ravine opening out into a hidden amphitheater of potential, all his experience and intuition told him: THIS IS IT! Waterkloof was born, and the hard work began.  Learn more about the Waterkloof story here >

Photo by Waterkloof: Harvest Report
Photo by Waterkloof: Vineyard in the Spring
Photo by Waterkloof: Cellar Work

 

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