With so many AMAZING sparkling wines from around the world, it was tough to select just two that really stood out for me. So, I tried about 4 or 5 in the last couple weeks, and managed to narrow it down to two: Ruinart Blanc de Blanc and Juve y Camps 2005 Vintage Cava.
French champagne; I love it. And my absolute favorite has to be Ruinart. Ruinart is a Blanc de Blanc champagne (made solely of Chardonnay); it is delicate and beautiful. Beautiful toasty bread on the nose, soft delicate bubbles and a mouth coating richness that permeates through the entire glass. Unlike many of the upper echelon champagnes, this isn’t $300, or $200 a bottle. You should be able to find this great sparkler for only about $65-$70 per bottle. I’ve tasted this champagne side by side with Krug, Dom Perignon and Cristal, and in that amazing line up, with all bottles brown paper bagged, Ruinart finished in second place, beating out all but Krug. I love this champagne, and highly recommend it for any occasion!
Juve y Camps Cava, There isn’t much to say about this amazing Value of a sparkler other than find it, buy it, and enjoy it. It’s only about a $15 bottle of sparkling that drinks like a French champagne. The grapes allowed in Cava include Macabeo, Xarello, Parellada, Subirat, Chardonnay, red Garnacha, and
Monastrell. They are an amazing bargain for quality sparkling wines! This cava, has a fresh yeasty bread nose and has a great mouthfeel. This wine is produced with the Méthode Champanoise, and drinks a lot better than the price dictates. If this wine is available anywhere nearby, don’t miss out!!
CHEERS!!!
Happy Holidays and a Bubbly New Years!
Jon Link, Sommelier
