I think after a little time off during these last few months, it's good to start the new season with some bubbly. A toast to the fabulous summer of 2010!
I really enjoyed this sparkler from the Loire region of France. It's made with the same method as to make Champagne, only using the Chenin Blanc grape variety. It's like Champagne but cheaper! Remember, you can't call just any sparkling wine Champagne. The wine has to actually come from the region of Champagne. This is a great value sparkling wine.
Tasting note from the latest Vintages magazine distributed by the LCBO:
"This is classic and assertive chenin blanc, with notes of wool, hay, citrus oils and baked pear. Its intense personality requires you to be a devotee of the variety, but if you are, this is so deliciously satisfying, it's not to be missed. Score - 90. (Wine & Spirits, April 2009)"
While this wine isn't going to have you thinking about the complexity of aromas and flavours, it will get any party started. It's a fun wine. With it's minerality and zest, it can be used as an aperitif or with Thai and Asian dishes. I served this wine beside baked chicken with avocado and mango salsa. Yum!
A great read on this wine and Chenin Blanc:
http://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks/wine/brut-vouvray-chenin-blanc/13821
What is Vouvray? (voo-vray)
A region in the Loire Valley of France. A white wine from this region is still or sparkling, made from the Chenin Blanc grape variety.
Yummy yummy! I really loved this wine. The bubbles were small and well integrated. That's what you want in a Champagne - small and persistent bubbles. The finish just lingered on my tongue well after I swallowed this fine bubbly. If you want to splurge on something special, then grab this bottle of Taittinger ... and share it with me. :)
Tasting note from the LCBO Vintages magazine:
"Taittinger Brut Réserve is a [blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir] from 40 different vineyards and matured to perfection. Such a high proportion of Chardonnay is seldom found among the great Champagnes. This crisp and elegant Champagne is beautiful choice, with baked red apple, toasty, spicy, citrus, peach skin flavours ... (Kim Tan, www.sceneadvisor.com, Dec. 29, 2009)"
http://www.taittinger.com
Click on the picture above to read more about the wine from the producer itself.
I've updated the Toronto events section. The fall season means the return of wine shows!
