A Toast to Sparkling Wines
From WineStyle's Jill Stacey
The dress is picked out, you’ve selected the caterer, and the band is booked ~ Congrats! You have done the hardest part of planning a wedding. Now you can relax and start to create the opportunity for memories. The most meaningful, memorable words of wisdom will be spoken during the toast and congratulations that are spoken at the reception. Champagne is great and we have reviewed a few quality champagne’s that aren’t over priced and will please the pickiest of palates. But remember, this is your wedding and you should serve something that you enjoy.
True French Champagne ~ Remember our earlier articles, Champagne comes from Champagne France and must be made in a specific method. Briefly the differences on the label are:
- NonVintage – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay blended vintages in a very dry method – aged 15 months in bottle.
- Vintage Brut – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay barrel aged 3 years in bottle.
- Prestige Cuvee – Best of the Best Blend of grapes come from the greatest vineyards – Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
- Blanc de Blanc – 100% Chardonnay Grapes
- Blanc de Noir – Pinot Noir Grapes
What is meant by Dry? The level of sweetness of the wine determines the category of Champagne.
- Extra Brut – Very Very Dry 0 to .6% sugar
- Brut – Very dry less than 1.5% sugar
- Extra Dry – Off –dry 1.2 – 2% sugar
- Sec – Lightly sweet 1.7 to 3.5% sugar
- Demi- Sec Sweet 3.3 – 5% sugar
- Doux – Quite sweet more than 5% sugar
Labels are hard to read, so use the information above to decipher the label so you can decide what you want to drink. Below are some recommendations of good quality French Champagnes that are not over priced:
Henriot Brut Champagne – 92 pts and rated as the #1 Champagne in the New York Times. Pale gold hue with light green highlights. Intense, complex floral nose with a touch of white fruit. Fruity, sharp, lively, persistent in the mouth with a mainly citrus aftertaste. This blend cannot be described any better than comparing it to a bouquet of flowers. $60 - $65
Duval Leroy – Blanc de Chardonnay Vintage 1998 – Ages very nice and very sophisticated. Light greenish gold color with fine mousse. Aromas of white fruit, toasted brioche, dried fruit, and butter. Racy and elegant wine, very fine with a tight finish. $55 - $58
Duval Leroy Paris Brut ~ A beautifully gold painted bottle of Paris done by Leroy Neiman. A quality wine with a beautifully romantic theme. Powerful and elegant fresh fruit, white flowers, honeysuckle and hazelnut aromas. Well balanced, full flavored and fresh with a rich, elegant and silky long finish.
Sparkling Wines
Champagne is the culinary equivalent of a Ferrari, it’s expensive and everyone knows it but a 1965 Mustang can get you from point A to point B just the same and not cost you a fortune! Granted, if you love Champagne than go for it, I like it too. But, if your budget doesn’t allow for $65-$150 a bottle, then compromise. There are so many great sparkling wines out there that everyone will love.
 Gruet Blanc de Noirs ~ New Mexico ~ New Mexico? Yes, these are French wine makers that came to New Mexico and have been producing award winning incredible sparkling wines~ A fine salmon color, aggressive mousse and a lovely fruity wine with plenty of immediate charm and toasty aromas. There is also an explosive juicy flavor of raspberry. And get this ~ $16 - $17
 J Vineyard Rose Brut ~ California ~ A beautiful rose bubbly from the Russian River Valley…..Perfect for that special occasion or even making an ordinary day a special occasion.
Tobin James Dream Weaver ~ California ~ A great name for a wedding! Aromas are reminiscent of figs, grape blossoms, pippin apples and fresh melon, blended elegantly with nutty aromas. Fresh, with flavors of apple, melon and lychee.
Charles de Fere Cuvee Jean Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut ~ France ~ Looks like a champagne with incredible resemblance but it’s location is only 40 miles away and lots of dollars below! A beautifully, delicate floral bouquet, modest fruit flavors, perfectly balanced on the palate, with a long lasting sparkle. $10 - $12
 Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards ~ Almond Champagne A naturally fermented white wine with pure almond added so it’s guaranteed to dazzle your guests. Makes an occasion special ~ great with picnics, desserts and cuddling! You’ll think “Oh My Gosh!” $22 - $24
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