Tasting Notes – Festive Sparkling Wines – 12.04.2024

presented by Megan Gadway of 3 Keys Wine Distributors

Blanc de Blanc Brut Bertrand Monceny Sparkling ~ NV

This sparkling wine is made by the classic ‘méthode traditionnelle’ which is the same method used in Champagne. Only the finest and ripest grapes were selected, delicately pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain the purity of fruit.
Appellation: Bourgogne, France
Grapes: Chenin, Ugni Blanc, Colombard – 11.5% ABV

Tasting notes: This delicious sparkling wine has a great golden color and deeply rich with a fragrance of hazelnuts and toasted grain. Hints of poached buttered pears abound offering a long-lasting finish that lingers with great flavors.
Pairing: It pairs well with fish, poultry. It is wonderful as an aperitif, and great with appetizers.
Producer: Bertrand de Monceny

Lulu Sparkling Brut Rosé ~ NV [93 pts “Gold” – WA Wine Awards]

Lulu’ is a name that defines someone as an exceptional or extraordinary being, but more importantly, someone willing to struggle and endure hardship to yield equally exceptional results. From the farmers who pick our fruit and tend to our land, to the winemakers who put their heart and soul into every grape they press and bottle they cork. Lulu represents those people, as much as the final expression of their labors, in every bottle.
Appellation: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington, US

Grapes: 95% Syrah, 2% Pinot Gris, 2% Cab Sauv, 1% Grenache – 12.5% ABV
Tasting notes: Delicate pink hues. Enjoy notes of fresh red berries and underlying hints of white flowers and apples. Effervescent with notes of strawberry and red fruits.
Pairings: All celebrations.
Producer: Lulu Wines (1,500 cs produced)

Cave du Turckheim Crémant d’Alsace ~ NV [91 pts WE]

Cave de Turckheim’s vineyards and winery are situated in the picturesque medieval village of Turckheim. For more than 50 years, through the expertise of passionate local winegrowers and winemakers, Cave de Turckheim has continued to produce beautiful wines reflecting a kaleidoscope of flavors. These wines were born from a subtle alchemy of the passion of the growers and winemakers, Alsace’s respect for tradition and the exceptional soils of this terroir.
Appellation: Alsace, France
Grapes: 34% Pinot Blanc, 33% Auxerrois, 33% Pinot Grigio/Gris

Tasting notes: Boasts refreshing aromas and flavors of green apple, with hints of orange blossom, honeyed apricot, white flowers and spice.
Pairing: Goes well as an aperitif. Seafood, poultry other white meats & pastry.
Producer: Cave de Turckheim

Babylonstoren Sprankel ~ 2017 [Veritas 2021 Double Gold]

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, set at the foot of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek wine valley. It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, fine food and wine, and evokes a sense of wellbeing. This flagship Cap Classique is made in the traditional method over four long years. As various altitudes create different microclimates, our winemakers carefully select chardonnay grapes from different vineyards on the farm. Expect a vibrant, fruity and crisp Cap Classique with a fine mousse. It will maintain freshness and a refined finish for years to come. The distinctive packaging by hot artist-designer Peet Pienaar uses a butterfly theme linking to the great garden and the farm’s rich heritage.
Appellation: Simonsberg-Paarl, South Africa
Grapes: 100% Chardonay – 12% ABV
Tasting notes: Light straw hue with a youthful tinge of green. Leaving it on the lees in excess of four years adds the richness of Granny’s butter biscuits and brioche to the vibrant citrus and crunchy apple flavors. Perfectly rounded and balanced with crisp acidity, ripe fruit and palate-cleansing mousse, inviting another sip.
Pairings: Delicious on its own but will be superb with simply prepared seafood dishes such as fresh crayfish or line fish with a beurre blanc sauce.

Producer: Babylonstoren