Our Club decided to ring in the New Year at our January 6th Wine Tasting meeting with a cheer and hope for a better year ahead. To mark this celebratory occasion, we chose to sample sparkling wines, whether they be champagne, prosecco, crémant, cava or others. We discovered that champagne and crémants are historically made in France, prosecco in Italy and cava in Spain and are based on the variety of grapes grown locally and their climate and soil conditions. However, there are many other countries and regions around the world producing fine sparkling wines waiting to be explored. Everyone enjoyed their selection and shared their findings with the club. We would like to pass on some of our comments to you.
For a quick review of the location and type of sparkling wines from Europe, click on the link below:
Champagnes and Sparkling Wine Regions in Europe
Several of our members discovered that they had plastic corks and were surprised to learn that they were screw on caps with the appearance of corks. Others had traditional corks which can be dangerous in the wrong hands. To learn how to safely remove the cork from a champagne or sparkling wine bottle without injuring your guests, see the YouTube video below….
Next month, each member of the club will sample and share their comments on their own personal favourite wine.
CHÂTEAU DE MONTGUERET, Crémant de Loire
Reviewed by Timothy Sulisz
This Crémant de Loire is a sparkling wine that tastes very much like a Champagne, as it is produced in the same way by using the Brut Méthode Traditionnelle, where the second fermentation is in the bottle of a dry wine to trap the small bubbles produced by the process. It is made from a blend of three grapes. Natalie Maclean says that the Chenin Blanc grape in this blend lends aromatics, the Chardonnay offers the floral notes, and the Cabernet Franc gives it structure. Its style is light and fruity and the crémant is brut (or dry), as are most Champagnes. It is 12% alcohol content and has 10 g/L of sugar. It sells for $19.95 for a 750 ml bottle, which makes it a third or a quarter of the price of Champagne.
The LCBO describes the crémant as being pale lemon-green in colour; with classic lifted aromas of mineral, herbs, honey and citrus; and has a taste that is medium-bodied with orchard fruit, lime and mineral flavours. Another reviewer in Wine Align describes it as pale straw in colour with a medium intense nose and fine mousse. This sparkling wine features lightly buttered toasted brioche, yeast, lemon/lime, pink grapefruit, green apple, McIntosh apple, pear, lemon grass and limestone. Medium body with good acidity that pairs well with food, and a long length.
I found this crémant delightful and truly enjoyable with my appetizer of Mary’s crackers, Swiss cheese by Ziggy’s and a little rhubarb and orange jam on the top that I prepared for the Wine Tasting club meeting. Later in the evening, Maggie tried the crémant by mixing it with orange juice to make a mimosa. She said that it was delicious and that the bubbles held up well after the wine was resealed.
The bottle is very attractive using green and gold colours, and would impress guests if you were entertaining. You could serve it at brunch as a mimosa, or to accompany Eggs Benedict with Dill Hollandaise. Other suggestions by wine reviewers are to pair it with seared, lemony Scallops; Smoked Salmon; or even fried chicken.
It is rated as a 90 by Natalie Maclean and is a gold medal winner at the 19th Concours National des Crémants. I would certainly buy it again and think that it is a great option for entertaining or celebrating the New Year or other special occasion.
BOTTEGA, Gold Prosecco
Reviewed by Mary Mulligan
The striking packaging of the Gold Prosecco from Bottega Spa is an apt foreshadowing of what waits within. Bright and lively, this elegantly styled, fresh and floral Brut Prosecco will deliver aromas of fresh pear, fresh pastry, cantaloupe and pear drops. Its moderate alcohol and easy-going nature make it a great choice as an aperitif or for parties. It is perfect for seafood, or turkey dinners.
Bottega Gold Prosecco is a sparkling white wine made in Veneto, Italy and has an alcohol content of 11%. It is rated D-Dry with a light and fruity style.
The price of a 750 ml bottle at the LCBO is $27.95. It is also available in 200 ml bottles for $7.95 if you would like to try it before purchasing a larger bottle.
To learn more about Prosecco wines, see the video below:
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 