Champagne Nicolas Feullatte, 750ml, Reg: $38.99 SALE: $34.99
It is composed of 20% of the Chardonnay grape variety, for elegance and delicacy, 40% of Pinot Noir, for roundness and structure, and 40% of Pinot Meunier for fruitiness. Pale gold in color, an abundance of delicate bubbles. Floral aromas of fruit with a subtle predominance of white fruits: pear, apple, almonds, and hazelnuts. Fresh opening, smooth, pleasant,
and balanced.
This wine is an ideal accompaniment for Breton lobster and cream sauce, sole morel mushrooms, chicken brochettes with citronella.
Available In-Store!
(303) 468-8100
Christmas week is finally here and the time has come to discuss the most famous of all sparkling wines. Champagne!
Let us be clear, we are not speaking of those cheap California bubbles labeled California Champagne, we are speaking of the granddaddy of ‘em all from the north of France in the Champagne region. Wines from actual Champagne are made following a very strict set of rules that dictates what grapes are allowed, how long it must age, harvest yields, even the pressure used in the presses for the grapes. The California bubblies come with no guarantee of anything.
Champagne is often a blend of over 50 different base wines from different villages and vintages which is why the vast majority of Champagnes are “non-vintage” meaning they don’t have a harvest date on the label. These blends are then aged on the lees (dead yeast) for a minimum of 15 months with most houses aging much longer than this. Once the yeast is removed, then a mixture of wine and sugar to achieve the final level of sweetness desired.
I could go on and on about what is arguably one of my favorite styles of wine, but you have better things to do like drink some!! Here is a handy cheat sheet with all kinds of information to help you decode the mysteries of Champagne. Cheers and have a fantastic holiday season.
Randy Freeland
Bubbles Wine Director
Champagne Marc
Hebrart Premier Cru Brut,
750ml Reg: $48.99
92 Points, Wine Spectator.
A creamy, harmonious version, with a lovely skein of fragrant spice unwinding through flavors of apple, chopped hazelnut, and poached peach. Hints of honey and lemon curd linger on the rich, mouthwatering finish.
Champagne A.
Margaine Le Demi-Sec
750ml, Reg: $48.99
90 Points Wine
Produced from vineyards in
Villers-Marmery, this demi-sec champagne is composed of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. Accents of guava and passion fruit mix with apple tarte Tatin, clementine, honey, and spice, all backed by lively acidity that keeps this lightly sweet Champagne fresh and tangy. A hint of graphite shows on the finish.
Champagne Collet
Brut Art Deco Premier Cru
750ml, Reg: $51.99 SALE: $37.99
This clear and elegant champagne is the symbol of Collet's demand for excellence. Its balance and freshness make it perfect to drink on any occasion. Bright crystal-like appearance displaying a fine and elongated bead. Powerful, fruit-driven nose with floral and mineral overtones derived from the Chardonnay component. High noted to start with subtle richness and distinguished mid-palate texture leading to a long and fresh finish. Collet Brut Art Deco suits itself to aperitifs and refined gourmet occasions, pairing greatly with seafood, Mediterranean and Japanese dishes.