Laherte Frères Extra Brut Champagne Les Empreintes 2015
🎵 Ride like the wind at double speed I’ll take you places that you’ve never, never seen 🎵 -The Rolling Stones Laherte Frères Extra Brut Champagne Les Empreintes 2015 Each example of Laherte Champagne is more stunning than the last. The family’s mantra is to let the terroir speak for itself with a profound respect for tradition, heritage and land through organic & biodynamic practices. A blend of 50% Chardonnay, vines planted in 1957 and 50% Pinot Noir, planted in 1983 in the flint, chalky soils of Chavot. A cuvée of 50% pinot noir planted in 1983 and 50% chardonnay planted in 1957. 5 years on the lees, disgorged in December 2020. Race car meets Audrey Hepburn – racy and sleek. It has precision and grace – the bubbles have so much life and never faltering energy. Full of appealing aromas of sweet lemon cream, tangerine, wild berries, honeysuckle, wet stone, caramel, yeasty dough and hot buttered toast. The aromas follow on the palate in layers of smokey minimality leads into wild strawberries and candied lemon, lemon curd, mushrooms, almond croissant ends on toasted salty hazelnut bliss all backed by racy acidity. It’s just plain lovely.
Venica & Venica Pinot Grigio ‘Jesera’
Four generations of passionate winemakers are the essence of Venica deeply intertwined with the terroir of Collio DOC. The family feels that through sustainable practices, maintaining the character of the soil and protect biodiversity brings them closer to land, nature and the consumer. Their 40 hectares are The soils of the Collio region, known as “Ponka“, composed of marl and sandstone dating back to the Eocene period. The grapes are hand harvested. The stainless steel tanks are sealed to protect from oxygen and undergo 4-8 hours of carbonic skin contact maceration, followed by 6 months on the lees in large wooden barrels and steel containers. Venica & Venica Pinot Grigio ‘Jesera’ Collio DOC 2021 Pleasant and playful in its glittering light copper color. It’s so fresh and lively on the nose – spring wildflowers, nuts, apple, pear, white peach, melon framed by the minerals and citrus. A lively and savory skin contact wine with a creamy texture. The aromas are present in the palate with salted walnuts meets juicy peaches and candied pineapple, bread dough, orange peel and pith gives it a tad of tannins. It’s a fresh and juicy sip that lingers maximin level of goodness. I paired this lovely Collio with Asian chili shrimp noodles with vegetarian gyoza.
Collio Pinot Grigio
This Pinot Grigio from Livio Felluga never disappoints. It’s abound with acacia and jasmine bouquet, green apple, yellow pear, lemon freshness peaches. Supple, creamy texture from a few months of lees ageing in this fuller bodied wine from Collio, Italy. Crisp acidity with rich notes of peaches, apricots, melon are intermingled with the tangy minerality and lemon cream and biscuits. It’s a fresh, savory and melodic between the fruity and savory elements Livio Fellaga Pinot Grigio 2021 Collio, Italy Paired with Calamari with Wasabi Cream and Crispy Salmon Cakes.
Sancaba Pinot Nero
I have a soft spot for Pinot Nero and I am not the only one. Vini Franchetti Sancaba Pinot Nero 2019 Andrea Franchetti is a man who knows his terroir. His vines are part of the family. All organic and sustainable practices in the vineyards. Located southern Tuscany, high up in the hills above San Casciano dei Bagni, the vineyards of Sancaba benefit from cooler conditions which are ideal for growing quality Pinot Nero – high diurnal, altitude and calcium-rich crumbling soils of galestro and alberese rock producing mineral rich wines with vibrancy and elegance. Aged for 6 months in large wood vats and barriques, followed by 14 months in cement Fun fact: SANCABA is an acronym invented by Carlo Franchetti as a tribute to the town of San Casciano dei Bagni. Gemstone ruby pours into the glass with a spec of garnet at the rim. Enter the multilayered aromatics that make my heart skip a beat – cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, forest floor, tomato leaf, minerals, leather and yes, TRUFFLES. Make way for the soft silky tannins, the crips acidity and oh so plush, red fruit, cherry cola meats savory meaty mushrooms intermingled with violets, cloves, minerality and dried sage. So inviting and elegant in every manner. All of the elements purr in your mouth – “take another sip….discover more”. Get this gem while you can, only 5000 bottles produced
Llopart Corpinnat Sunshine
𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕞𝕖 𝕒𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝔸 𝕤𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝔸 𝕤𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕥 𝕖𝕤𝕔𝕒𝕡𝕖 𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕞𝕖 𝕒𝕨𝕒𝕪 — ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕒𝕤𝕙𝕒 𝔹𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕗𝕚𝕖𝕝𝕕 A pocket full of sunshine with the escape of beauty…. 𝕃𝕝𝕠𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥 ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕡𝕚𝕟𝕟𝕒𝕥 𝔹𝕣𝕦𝕥 ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝟚𝟘𝟙𝟘 is a blend of 50% Montònec (aka Parellada), 25% each Xarello-lo and Macabeo made in the traditional method aged on the lees for 10 years. This winery has been producing méthode champenoise since 1887. This high quality producer is located in the heart of Penedes, Spain, 100% organic grapes harvested by hand and entirely vinified on the premises of the winery. This deep gold colored sparkling with small bubbles won’t stop until you finish your glass, they are fine and alive. Deeply generous aromatics of orange marmalade, burnt caramel, vanilla, dried apricot, smoke and caramelized fennel, lemon curd, baking bread, and acacia. It is bright on all fronts, flavors and acidity, from beginning to end. The palate has so many layers, beginning with flavors of sweet pear, grapefruit pith and apple compote. At center stage, toasted hazelnuts wrapped in toffee with a side of espresso and brioche. The grand finale, salted almonds, earthy mushrooms and ginger which lingers in such a beautiful way. Such a striking, elegant sparkling wine. I could suggest pairings for this sparkling but quite frankly, I was blown away with its complexity and character that I enjoyed it on its own with a fall sunset. 🥂
5 Bubbles 5 Questions….
Recent When it comes to the world of champagne, the choices and quality producers are endless. Recently I was interviewed by Bjornstierne Antonson of Champagne Club who asked me the following 5 questions for an article published a few days ago on the Champagne Club website: I am in love with wine and its world, its colors, perfumes and charm. Through travel, connecting with people and most certainly tasting their creations, you discover the passion, the journey and story that each and every bottle tells. Growing up in multi-cultural Montreal, Canada, I was heavily influenced by the city’s diverse food and wine culture. This passion for food and wine grew over time as my travels and experiences shaped my passion. After many years as an IT Project Management Consultant, I moved to the United States with my family where I decided to pursue my true calling, which is everything wine. Being fully bilingual (English and French) has well positioned me as a wine judge in many globally recognized wine competitions. My enthusiasm and knowledge are shared through winery collaborations, online publications, blogs and social media as well as corporate wine events. My wine education led me to my journey of WSET Diploma as well as an ambassador for the Concours Mondiale Feminalise. Which Champagne would You treat … Your parents or in-laws? A Bollinger La Grande Année from an outstanding vintage, say 2008, no question. My parents were each other’s one true love. They were married for 33 years before my father passed away and my mother 10 years later. They had a truly special relationship and a love that lasts a lifetime. It deserves a symbolic La Grande Année of regal finesse and sublime beauty that would take them back to the day they met as kids. 2. You treat your lover? Amour de Deutz, which is a Blanc de Blanc 2011 – the name says it all. I visited the historic Maison Deutz this past year and was instantly enamored – Champagne Deutz’s history, the underground candlelit staircases, the maison and its ambiance are purely magical. This wine is an extension of the art of their Champagne, the love and romance of Deutz. It is truly captivating Champagne – subtle, delicate and enchanting wine with a seductive purity that is indescribable. What better bottle to enjoy with a lover than one that in name represents romance? 3. ..You treat your boss? I am an entrepreneur/my own boss so I would treat myself to a Champagne from a winemaker who I not only greatly admire but had the immense pleasure of meeting, Dominque Moreau of Marie Courtin Champagne. Her Blanc de Blancs Amphora would be my choice. Her wines are single-vineyard, single-vintage, zero-dosage Champagnes from biodynamically-grown grapes raised with meticulous care. However, this is a special project of hers, a unique blend of 60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Blanc, 5% Arbanne – her wines are all aged 11 months in amphora, unfined and unfiltered. So divinely special. 4. …You treat yourself? A Rosé Champagne which I do not enjoy very often. I would open a grower champagne from Laherte Frères Champagne. Laherte Frères Rosé Meunier & Meslier Brut Nature, is a rare blend of 50% Petit Meslier and 50% Meunier. The Meunier is made in the saignée method (hence the incredible color) balanced with the aromatics of Meslier. After a 24-hour maceration the grapes were naturally fermented in a single, neutral barrel then aged on the lees for 36 months, produced in very small amounts (336 bottles of rare goodness). It captures the best of both varietals – the elegant floral femininity of the Meunier, and the Meslier verve and minerality. It’s a beauty of a bottle to just sit back and savor its lovely playful decadence and compelling energy. 5. …You treat a dream guest, and why, and who is Your dream guest? Julia Child – I am not only wine-passionate but cooking-passionate as well. I have been baking and cooking since I was 5 years old. I have had her Mastering The Art of French Cooking cookbook since I was 12. Her perseverance, strength and courage are a true inspiration, as well as her engaging personality, her infectious bubbly laugh and joie de vivre. I would open a stunning bottle of Blanc de Noirs from Champagne Egly-Ouriet and cook one of her infamous dishes such as Boeuf Bourgingnon. Champagne Egly-Ouriet Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Les Crayères NV is amongst the first recognizable grower producers in Champagne. Their meticulous commitment to Pinot Noir through reduced yields, only using tete de cuvée (the first pressing) and extended lees ageing are formidable, a pure expression of their terroirs. This one is from 70-year-old vines, a completely barrel fermented blend consisting of 50% each 2008 and 2009 and aged 70 months on the lees. A deeply concentrated, a Burgundy-like wine with bubbles that I know Julia would love. 6. What piece of music would you listen to drinking wine in question 5 ? ] Chet Baker – It Never Entered My Mind – very chill jazz in the background while we chat, drink wine and cook together.
Folc English Rosé
If you haven’t had the utmost pleasure of meeting Folc Rosé yet, I insist you stop what you are doing and go meet this elegant sweetie pronto. Pours a palest of pale salmon pink color in the glass. Playful aromas of crunchy strawberry, cranberry, peach, elderflower, pink grapefruit and a soft spice hum. Bright, crisp and clean dry English Rosé made from 7 varietals, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, Reichensteiner, Schonburger and Dornfelder, it beckons you to stop what you are doing and just savor the zen moment in your glass. All of the flavors are in harmony with the aromas that lingers with zesty strawberry jam, raspberry, lime and cream. This wine just brings joy. Pair it with your best friend over charcuterie and cheese board after a long day, share the laughter and beautiful sips
Rémy Massin et Fils Special Club Trésor Pinot Blanc 2015
Nice to meet you, where have you been, I can show you incredible things – Taylor Swift Champagne Remy Massin et fils is the result of a traditional know-how inherited from the last five generations of wine-growers. Since 1865 they have been tending vines in Ville-sur-Arce in the Cote des Bar. Remy Massin was founded in 1974 and is still to this day a family wine business. This champagne is part of their Club Trésor, limited production and releases, 100% Pinot Blanc with minimum of 60 months on the lees. Champagne Rémy Massin et Fils Special Club Trésor Pinot Blanc 2015 Delicate floral sensations of cherry blossom and Anjou pear, grapefruit pith and lemon zest, minerals, hints of biscuit, sweet pastry dough and caramel. The citrus zest and juiciness of the ripe apples and pears, blood orange and burnt honey awakens you senses. A highly delicate blend where the character of the Pinot Blanc subtly reveals its terroirs’ DNA. A refined and energetic elixir on every level and moorish till the last sip. Crab cakes, shrimp ceviche or nothing at all, this lovely disappeared as fast as the cork popped.
Bermejo Malvasia Volcánica Brut Nature
Bermejo Malvasia Volcánica Brut Nature Creating his own style of sparkling, winemaker Daniel Martín revived the 18th century estate in 2001, making wines of pure from indigenous grapes respecting each true ethos character. Traditional method sparkling from the rich volcanic soils of Lanzarote, 100% Malvasía Volcánica (the name should tell you something), are aged on the lees for 20 months. Bright pale yellow with a beautiful fine sparkle. Very aromatic spirit of citrus, apple, pineapple, smoke, chalk, fennel and biscuity goodness. Such a fresh acidity accompanies the clean crisp citrus alongside marzipan, tart pineapple core, fennel, salinity, ending in a smokey almond skin ginger finish. Swirling & beguiling in its uniqueness. Pair with a jalapeño tuna avocado sushi roll, bluefish pate.
Cascina Corte Langhe
Nebbiolo and amphorae? Curious…. Read on to discover a modern winemaking version of Nebbiolo Cascina Corta Apmphorae 2016 Langhe, Piedmont Cascina Corte is located in San Luigi, on the beautiful hills surrounding Dogliani. Sandro Barosi & Amalia Battaglia restored this 17th century farm into a thriving organic winery and farm. The low yielding grapes which make up Langhe Nebbiolo Amphorae are cultivated in a plot in Monforte d’Alba, home of the noble and adored Nebbiolo. Natural, natural and natural – fermentation, yeasts, unfiltered organic farmed, 12 months fermentation in barrels followed by 11 months in Tuscan terracotta amphorae and a further 2 months in the bottle. Glistening garnet in the glass with the Nebbiolo character we love of cherry, rose petals and violets, wet earth, chalk and spice. Softness is the word that comes to mind for this wine – the fine supple tannins, the silky mouthfeel, and delicate yet noticeable flavors – the savory anise and black pepper, tar, cherry and raspberry, slight hints of tobacco and chocolate Round and generous yet delicate in nature unlike the big bold Nebbiolo that may come to mind. The beauty of this wine is that it’s ready to drink now, no need to put it away and patiently wait. Such a cool wine, what can I say.