To Dr. Shaqtus, Dr. Shamroq, here’s a glass of grower Champagne from Bereche et Fils, their Beaux Regards, a stony, zero-dosage all-chardonnay bubbly. Champagne wine picks wine randomA couple of weeks ago, a 7′ 1″ 325(+)-lb. graduate donned a cap and gown: Shaquille O’Neal earned a doctorate in education.

Anyway, with the consent of the owner, we bring our own wines (paying corkage fees), and I've found over the years that Sherry, Champagne, Loire Chenin Blanc, and other savory white wines go best with the variety of dishes. The other night I had dinner with a few friends at a favorite Japanese restaurant. I'd never had a Pelaverga before.

So there is hope, from a wine geek’s perspective, that he is a Champagne Socialist who might even be able to talk about the terroir. French voters bid adieu to President Sarkozy at the polls yesterday who was famously, and incongruously, a teetotaler as head of France. Normal,” Francois Hollande. ” So there’s hope.

2006 Benoît Lahaye Champagne Mill ésime , $68, imported by Jeffery Alpert Selections. At this price, it is among the very best Champagnes available in NYC. Been so busy lately with work that I just haven't had time to write here. But I want to share some recent "Whoa," wine and food that really knocked me out. More, please. Briny.

As I was just in Champagne last week and visited many cellars of the large houses … and at the same time read a book published in 1887 titled “Facts about Champagne” that detailed how champagne was made in that long-ago period, I was startled to see two men making sparkling wine using the ancient method described in the book!

Imagine being taken deep inside the caves of Champagne Vilmart and its owner/winemaker Laurent Champs asking which of its golden tresures (behind lock and key) you wanted to break open? was happy to see that a friend who had lived in New York -- and now lives in Champagne -- would be joining us with two of his friends, both buyers.

Champagne perrier jouetDon't the glasses above looking tempting? Herve Deschamps, the chef de cave, was in a different part of France that day yet enjoyed a fabulous tour and tasting.  You might not be aware of the history. the winery opened in 1811. Pierre Perrier developed the vineyards in the family of his wife Rose Jouet.

So after visiting the three champagne festivals, I was lucky enough to get a VIP tour of Champagne G.H. I couldn't resist asking, for even though I am not a poster kind of person the color and vibrance displayed here -- gorgeously dressed people enjoying Mumm Champagne at the opera -- was a happy thought. Champagne News g.h.

So Les Artisans du Champagne was the last fair in this three day festival, and though not the oldest, seemed for some reason the most "old school" -- perhaps because the percentage of extremely well known smaller houses were so prevailent. Champagne News les artisans de champagneMaillard. Paillard. Savart. Hébrard. Gerbais.

The day started out great with a glass in my hand and a few dozen producers pouring their vin clairs and champagne. met an Australian and also saw importer Michael Feuerstein from New York, as well as ex=New Yorker Peter Liem from Wine & Spirits who has since moved to Champagne. So fab! It works for the style. Agrapart. Bérche.

am in Epernay at the Terroirs & Talents de Champagne tasting at the Au Restuarante Theatre.  Okay, so the theme is terrior and the winemakers brought rocks like you see above from their estate and vins clair (still wines) to show how the rocks produce the minerality in the still wine that makes the champagne blend. pours the wine.

The Champagne was fascinating too. felt at first that it might not be Champagne, it had an herbal scent and I just didn't recognize the profile. If it were Champagne, then maybe something with the oddball grapes like Arbanne or Petit Meslier? First, we tried to resolve the main question - was it Champagne?

I am SO excited to visit Champagne next week! heard about the three festivals on LinkedIn from Jiles Halling (My Man in Champagne) and he has been very helpful in helping me set up the trip. The first event is  Terroirs et Talents de Champagne and  takes place in Epernay on  Sunday 15th April at the Restaurant Au  Théatre.

If you think you know Champagne and you only drink Moet et Chandon or Veuve Clicquot, you don’t know Champagne! Telmo Rodriguez was in full cry when I met him in New York City recently. Although the 50-year-old “driving winemaker” studied enology in Bordeaux, worked a vintage at J.L. Just a few brands? We don’t know Rioja.

As the guests speak French and sip Laurent Perrier champagne, I look at the many framed paintings on the quaint wall-paper covered wall. “Welcome!” says vivacious yet petite Laure d’Aramon, nee Manencourt, who grew up at Chateau Figeac. At 8:00, fellow journalists and I make our way to the “big house” where Laure’s mother Marie-France lives.

Always elegant hosts, the Cathiards ended the tasting with a round of Louis Roederer Brut Premier champagne, a tour of the cellar (Daniel takes great pleasure in opening it via remote control), and dinner. It was especially important to pay close attention to the tannins.". Of course, the second wines were delicious too.

"Krug champagne!". Well, what else would you expect when having dinner with Jean-Michel and Jean-Charles Cazes at the restaurant inside the exclusive Cordeillan-Bages hotel in Pauillac. The hotel (managed by Relais & Chateau) is gorgeous and the atmosphere is very refined and relaxed. 14 carat gold, you see.

It is just the thing to quench the heat and get the party going as a sweet alternative to champagne. and compare the price of a 1st cru Sauternes to a Grand Cru Champagne and you will see which makes more financial sense. "Gorgeous weather for tasting Sauternes!". the delicious golden sweet wine of Bordeaux.

There’s lots to savor: the author suggests American wine can handily undercut French wine on price, urges an Eastward expansion of vineyards in the US, and notes that Champagne wasn’t considered wine by government policy. SIPPED: circa 1933. Fortune.com republished a lengthy archive article from 1934 over the weekend.

Pierre Moncuit – Quite delicious champagnes, overall. It’s the time of year when distributors and/or importers have annual (or semi-annual) portfolio tastings. Yesterday was the Polaner Selections tasting and I dropped by for a while in the second half. Below are a few impressions and photos. The rosé has a lip-smacking acidity.

poured a second glass and diced up a little Yancy's Fancy Champagne Cheddar as a snack. A few weeks ago, while I was taking a little time off with the wine, I received some New Zealand wines from TGIC Importers. Both were produced at the Omaka Springs Estates in the Marlborough region. One, a Sauvignon Blanc and the other was a Pinot Gris.

My first chance to try the unsulfured Champagnes from David Leclapart’s 3 hectares f vines planted to 90% chardonnay. Also, unphotographed, the Francois Bedel Champagnes were also notable. Since walk-around tastings offer only glimpses of a wine, not the progression over an evening, I offer you some literal snapshots here.

Maybe try a throwing out a Champagne name since there are some good ones that may be available and, at least, it will add to the celebratory air. Heading to visit a non-wine friend who graciously offered to pick something up for us. So what’s the best I could ask her to pick up at a supermarket? reader mail wine travel

Mike told me that he’s most proud of the Champagne and Burgundy selections, and they are particularly deep, with many grower Champagnes (though the only Selosse is the Initiale!). Well, Vintry Wine and Spirits has plenty of trophy bottles, but it also has some reasonably priced and very drinkable ones. New York City wine shops

2001 was not a very good vintage in Champagne. This wine is all Bouzy, a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, but it reminded me of a wine I tasted a few years ago by Moutard that is made with the obscure grapes of Champagne, things like Arbanne and Petit Meslier. cannot tell you how excited I am about this. Some wine too.

guess I liked it because I still think too many people don’t trust their own pallets, instead preferring to rely on “experts”  Hogwash I say…check out this cool article about how much the experts really know… EXPERTS FAIL CHAMPAGNE TASTE TEST [.]. wine tasting

Would you drink wine if it weren’t for the alcohol? Researchers at UCLA are threatening to put this difficult question to wine enthusiasts as they move a “sobriety pill” to clinical trials. Of course, we already have a device for sobering up: the credit card statement. Read more at NewScientist.com. wine science

Three stars indicates a champagne of the highest class, demonstrating a completeness and expression of character that places it among the very finest wines within its context. Much has been written and many debates take place about how to rate wine. There are of course other rating systems, and their effectiveness is also debatable.

this is the name of the sparkling wine of the same name that is often compared to the finest champagne. Like Champagne, Franciacorta is made with the traditional method, which means the same bottle used for the secondary fermentation is what consumers buy in the store. “Welcome!” visitors. The wines we try are: Prima Cuvee Brut. Saten.

The new law is certainly worth celebrating but don’t think about popping Champagne unless it is purchased at a store in NJ. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New Jersey? Surely, the local wine, right?! For reasons of parity, that’s too bad. 938 annual fee. Gee… thanks. smallwinerytax.”

It is resistant to cold weather, which might explain why it grows well in the Champagne region. Quick! What is one of the most sensual, aromatic products in the world, right up there with exquisite perfume and exotic flowers? Wine, of course. Well done!" Le Nez du Vin ," she whispered. What is Le Nez du Vin , you ask? Tracy Ellen Kamens, Ed.D,

Pommery Champagne POP Earth (France, Champagne). Sattui Vineyard champagne N.V. Pommery Champagne POP Earth (France V. bubbles: gorgeous, fast moving, tiny. beautiful to behold. nose: med+ intensity, brioche, toasty, very delicious. palate: dry. The palate is medium bodied with citrus as well as brioche and baked apple.

If it's an old white wine or champagne, you need to chill it, of course. I was given an amazing birthday gift in November, an old bottle of wine by Produttori del Barbaresco, the 1959 Riserva. This is very exciting - how often does one get to drink a bottle that old? In my case, not very often. How do you open an old bottle of wine? Steak.

ChampagneAck–I winced with each strike!

Peter generously brought a bottle of Selosse Champagne from France for my birthday in the fall. And a concrete reminder, if we needed one, that Champagne is a great table wine. An unusual pairing, maybe, but Champagne is great with fried food, and the pickles didn't intrude at all. Well, of the last few months anyway.

So now after two and a half days of drinking $$$$ of very fine champagne ( as a guest! LOVED this champagne. The Montgueux vineyard sites were originally held for the Montrachet of Champagne & are located near the gates of Troyes—the former capital of Champagne. Champagne NewsJacques Lassaigne is a 4.7

The second time was when Bruno Paillard himself made a big splash at a big Champagne event for the press last year. To see more Champagne visits please click here. Champagne News bruno paillardThe other guests at the table, at least the ones from the UK, seemed to know it.

It was one of the most fabulous experiences of the already impressive trip, as it really drove home what Champagne is all about. Champagne is an exercise in the art of blending. To see more visits to Champagne houses, please click here. Champagne News Champagne Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin l'hotel du marc m.

Drive up to the home/winery of winemaker Francis Boulard -- who makes some of the finest Champagne I have ever tasted -- and you will see a modest farmhouse, colorful children’s toys in the large driveway, and … a trampoline. One of the problems with being biodynamic in Champagne is the cold, wet, rainy weather. Finally, the tasting.

Ah, Bollinger … Established in 1829 in Ay, France, it’s almost impossible to know the magic of this incredible Champagne house until one has experienced a tour led by M. Yet then again, the Champagne houses are closed to most so it leaves us educators to spread the magic. Champagne News association of wine educators bollinger M.

While champagne from big houses can be excellent, it is most often a blend, of vintages, varieties and vineyards. The vibrant, young champagne captured the that one person took pains to find in Hong Kong (for a third less than NYC, incidentally) the following week. “Will you wear a wool hat?,” What can you do? wine picks

Joining us for lunch and a glass of La Motte Cap Classique sparkling wine (absolutely incredible, and I had just returned from Champagne) was CEO Hein Koegelenberg, who told us more about the winery and led us for a tour of the Museum. It has just won best of Wine Tourism this year for South Africa. Fabulous visit! link]. News S.

NV Aubry Champagne * (from Andronicos). stars France USA 2009 NV Chablis 2010 1 star Paso Robles Champagne Cotes du Rhone 4 starsDeep dull straw color, almost gold. Hay, dried nuts and tart peaches on the nose. Very mild effervescence. Despite all that, not as good as I remember. 2009 Dom. Light yellow gold. Good value. Red color.

asked Manuel, how his experience with Port and Champagne influenced his winemaking… “The influence of Port is about character -- it’s about power,” says Louzada. Champagne on the other hand is the opposite. He studied agriculture, engineering, and agronomy and eventually returned to Portugal where he set to work making Port wine.

He asked Jeremy Noye of Zachys for some suggestions for deals and his seasonal sale advice was limited to Champagne, not wine in general as Lifehacker stated. Anyway, if you do see Champagne on sale that you like, plug it in to wine-seracher.com and pull the trigger if it is a real deal. Well, it had been a few years … Champagn

During this time there was also discussion of the 'no new planting rule" as there is concern that without it Champagne can end up like Bordeaux with so many hectares under vine the wine sells for a Euro a bottle. Still today too many people use the Champagne name in a generic way and a lot of CIVC activity is devoted to stopping imposters.

We tend to value the idea of vinifying individual plots separately, as in Burgundy, and increasingly now in Champagne. Not too long ago I was fortunate enough to attend a dinner featuring the wines of Noël Verset. The company was great, and so were the food and the wines. Verset did not de-stem the grapes and supposedly crushed them by foot.

During dinner, the five of us are ushered into the drawing room where we are served champagne and canapés by the charming hostess, and then make our way to the dining room. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?” the woman’s voice says, incredulous. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. As this is France, wine is served as well – C’est le vie!

Sarah and I then walked down that evening to Ma Cave Fleury, owned by a member of the well known Champagne house, Fleury. Their Extra Brut 1995 vintage Champagne is one of the best Champagnes I’ve had the luck to taste. Le Repaire de Bacchus, Vente, Achat, Vins, Champagnes … www.lerepairedebacchus.com/.

Enguerrand Baijot, Brand Director, Lanson International Americas hosted a fabulous party last night at the Bubble Club where guests could taste 7 styles of Champagne Lanson. Founded in 1760, Lanson is one of the oldest Champagne houses. Marianne Fabre-Lanvin and a friend. News Enguerrand Baijot Brand Director marianne fabre-lanvin

He was puzzled by the persistence of the bubbles, pointing out that he likes to decant many (grower) Champagnes and that reduces the fizz. As several small producers in Champagne are making their bubbly more wine-like with less fizz, perhaps giving sparkling wines some air and serving in wine glasses will be a good way to go.

Oysters on solid champagne with apple compote, gingerbread, cumin, curry, ginger confit. "20 wines!" exclaimed a fellow particpant at today's Master Class tasting of Catalunya wines led by Josep Roca, Co-Proprietor, Sommelier, and Wine Director of the (Catalunya based) Michelin 3-star restaurant El Celler. The menu follows. Penedès. Empordà.

Antonio Galloni of Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate replied to her that the WA has not reviewed Champagne without a disgorgement date since 2009. After the jump, check out Champagne writer Peter Liem, who is pro-disgorgement labeling, giving his reasons why they are important. ” Champagne wine labels

Paired very nicely with several light cheese bits, especially a Havarti and the Yancey's Fancy Champagne Cheddar. Last week I came home from work at the usual time (10:15pm) just wanting a nice red wine to sip on, with maybe a few bites of cheese or chocolate. Suggested retail of $14 , but easily found on line for as low as $10.

Peter Liem is an expert on Champagne and Sherry, and probably several other wine regions too, although he would never say that himself. In fact, perhaps the thing that he is worst at in the world is self-promotion. He just knows that much, and his sensibilities are that nuanced. So without further ado. They portray life after Tio Pepe."

The champagne meet and greet led to a presentation in which we learned "insider secrets" from Gerard Basset MW, who was interviewed by Frank M=Smulders MW. so now we are having beer (!) Of the 20 students, five of us (all women) are MW students, with the rest being sommeliers.

So here is what is on the program for today: A reception featuring a "glass of champagne " (will report on which one) and "finger food.". Josef Schuller, first Master of Wine in Austria. So excited! Very honored too that this is a bursary (scholarship) related to the Master of Wine programme, in which I am a student.

When I think of most of the wines that I love, be it Burgundy, Loire Valley wines, Beaujolais, and even Champagne, I think of those wines as representing a specific place. I knew a very small bit about Sherry wines before I came to Jerez. Now I know a little bit more. And I don't mean Burgundy as a place, for example.

We opened with the Roederer brut premier Champagne, and that was enjoyed by everyone but the few bubbles haters in the room. Sometimes you can seek solace in wine. Our town was shaken by an unthinkable tragedy this week. Right now, all I want from wine is to act as a bit of a balm. They really liked the wine too. alcohol. find these wines ).

failure to do so undermines all of these wine-growing regions and, as the research shows, runs counter to the expectations of the consumer," said Bruno Paillard, representing the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne. Results from a recent poll of U.S. Key findings from the poll of 1,000 U.S. This poll shows that U.S. and beyond.

Produced in the classic Champagne method, it is aged for a minimum of one year in the bottle on the tirage yeast. Very cool idea -- Israreli sparkling wine! Gilgal Brut is made from a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir grown in the cool climate of the Golan Heights. ancient giants were believed to have built the concentric circles!).

While i have not had every Franciacorta wine, the ones I have enjoyed from this DOCG appelation have been the equal of Champagne in terms of finesse and elegance. In fact, during one session during a Society of Wine Educator's conference, the audience blind tasted Franciacorta vs. Cru Champagne. Italy News bellavista Franciacorta

The most important take-away point from today's presentation addressed the question of "why Cava" over Prosecco or Champagne. The simple reason, according to Marnie, is that Champagne is too expensive for even a seasoned speaker like Marnie to order in a restaurant (and everyone else, too!).

The point of this post, however, is to tell you that my teeth, after just those two small glasses before dinner, feel exactly as they did after a day of tasting vin-clair in Champagne with Peter Liem ! Just had to quickly tell you this: What they're saying about high acidity in the 2010 Mosel Rieslings.I think they're not exaggerating.

Cesar Baeza of Brotherhood, also a producer of a sparkling wine, exuded charm and reminded our group that Brotherhood was making "champagne" (they are allowed to say this on the label) since before California was part of the United States! Matt Spaccarelli of Benmarl. Do you live in NYC? Michael Migliore – Whitecliff Vineyard.

On a dark, rainy morning in Manhattan select members of the wine trade entered Benoit restaurant on 55th and were greeted with the best Champagnes and still wines in the world. "What a treat!". At the head of this all was Michael Feuerstein, owner of Selection Pas Mal. Still, all were fabulous. Truly, the wines spoil one for anything else!

He says that he doubts there will be many vintage Champagnes made. have no idea what 2010 will bring in the finished wines of Champagne, in Burgundy, in the Jura, or in the other places I love. Okay, now that I have your attention. I'm talking about Beaujolais, Muscadet, Chinon and the other Loire Valley sites. But I have high hopes.

Apparently a lot of people know about this combination, this antithetical pairing of delicately nuanced Champagne with the greasy heavy fist of fried food. remember reading Peter's post about this a while back, and thinking, "Hmmm, I'd sooner take a bottle of Champagne to drink at a monster truck rally." wines from Ambonnay.

Tropez is fairly wild and decadent with wealthy patrons spraying expensive champagne at one another and bikini-clad patrons dancing to loud disco music. The champagne list is quite extensive, rose wine is served by the magnum, and you will find some excellent choice Bordeaux on the list. "Now all we need are sun umbrellas!"

Cédric Bouchard is one of the leaders of the new wave in Champagne. He comes from a Champagne family - his father is an old school grower, but Cédric does things differently. He wants to make wine, and he happens to be doing this in Champagne. Let me first say that it is not a joke, what they say about Champagne out of magnum.

Had a glass later in the evening with a Yancy's Fancy Champagne Chedder cheese, made right here in the Finger Lakes. Grilled a few NY strip steaks this past week-end and looked forward to opening a nice red wine for change. Seemed to be stuck on Finger Lakes white wines all summer. Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.5% Merlot. Lots of nice aromas.

One, you are told, is from Champagne. It must be Champagne, you think. The other was a famous brand Champagne I won't reveal just yet. The story goes that Zanella moved to Franciacorta when he was fifteen, then saw Champagne and was struck by the idea of making a sparkling wine in Franciacorta. But no!

The staff then tried to soothe nerves by offering everyone champagne and whisky. The London riots are simultaneously shocking and horrifying, so much so that the prime minister even came back from his Tuscan vacation to appear to address the issue. The rioters moved on the Michelin two-star restaurant, The Ledbury , in Notting Hill yesterday.

Or the Champagne section where the buyer didn’t get the memo about the exciting grower Champagnes that have made it to our shores in the last decade. My curiosity was piqued: was this state store a wine lover’s nirvana, delivering on the promise of great prices thanks to their bulk buying? bit of both. wine shops

Many Champagnes too. For example, Sherry and Champagne both come from very chalky soils. And in the case of Champagne, the chalk combined with extended contact with lees? Wine can have a savory taste, I've experienced it countless times. For example, Jura wines, some red and almost every white have a certain umami taste to me.

NV Dosnon & Lepage Champagne Brut Recolte Noire , about $55, JD Headrick Selections. Absolutely delicious and I would say a terrific value in the world of Blanc de Noirs Champagne. Honestly, if you like Champagne, try this wine. Fino/Amontillado is not allowed to be labeled as such, and so the wine is called Fino.

The preferred pronunciation, however, is not “Brit-ane&# to rhyme with Champagne, but rather “brit-an-yuh,&# as in Rule Britannia. Since the use of the term Champagne is prohibited for bubblies made outside the Champagne region, other terms such as cava or Sekt have been popularized. What do you think? winespeak

My good friend Peter returned from Champagne the other day and to my great happiness, he came for dinner that very night. was thinking of Champagne, or maybe a Huet demi-sec, but I remembered the 1999 Hirtzberger Riesling Smaragd Singerriedel that I bought about a year ago, on Peter's advice actually. I'd love a scandal in Champagne."

The Cod was served with Shirley's home made potato salad, fresh peas and a tomato/cuke salad in light olive oil and champagne wine vinegar. On our last visit to NYC, I was able to visit my new favorite NYC wine store, 67Wines at 179 Columbus Ave and 68th. Shirley found this shop a few months ago on her last visit to NYC with Pam.

The evening started with Billecart-Salmon champagne on the lawn in front of the chateau, and then a tent dinner with langoustine and steak, served with 2009 Schlossgut Diel Goldloch Riesling, Grosses Gerwachs, and 2003 Chateau Phelan Segur 2003 en magnum. In the past, a large fire was lighted in each village.

But as an NBA fan, when I read about the bottle of Champagne Mark Cuban bought to celebrate the Mavericks NBA title I found something to share From the Wine Enthusiast Blog… Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban spent a whopping $110,000 while celebrating at the trendy nightclub [.]. I’m going through another of my writing slumps.

Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, celebrated the team’s NBA victory by ordering a $90,000 of Ace of Spades Champagne. SIPPED: bling. No word on the exact size of the “huge&# bottle, but I’m sure it was drained faster than you could say Salamanzar. Of note: he did leave a $20,000 tip. MSN ]. SIPPED: mo money.

One caveat: probably not great for Champagne. Have you ever been cycling home and thought, “Gee, I’d love to stop at that wine store but I have nowhere to put a bottle because I do not have a backpack or paniers or a basket or anything!&# Well, this clever little gizmo available on Etsy will solve all your problems! wine random

Celebrating Monday’s Champagne Grand Tasting 2011, at the Plaza with a bit of prose in notes: Disgorged just seven months back This dame’s done her time On lees A whiff of perfumed talc He breathes deeper as she passed Apple stalked by savory She takes her own hand And circles Becoming one with herself -St. [.].

Communications Director Thibaut Le Mailloux (with champagne). I was on an airline flight in business class," a woman once told me, "and when she offered Champagne, I expected the real thing. Few Americans differentiate between a sparkling wine and a Champagne, yet it is an important difference. Champagne office.

Recently, I attended dinner party at Adour, an Alain Ducasse restaurant in Manhattan, that was all about Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Rare. The pairings were spot on perfect -- never let anyone suggest you could not make a meal out of champagne! Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut. Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Rare Vintage 1999.

Champagne and caviar tonight? SIPPED: running the numbers. With all the discussion about alcohol levels in wine, I’m pleased that the results of an extensive story I did for Wine & Spirits magazine is now online. See our summary discussion.) SIPPED: Stiff upper lip. The cellar is valued at about £800,000 ($1.3 million). Guardian ].

The good news is that Champagne sales are up around the world. and in 2011, Perrier-Jouet remains the classic among the Champagne houses. As is typical in Champagne, some reserve wine is added to maintain the classic style. This was paired with Perrier-Joet Fleur de Champagne Brut, one of the top selling wines in the USA.

SIPPED and SPIT: journalists at sommelier competitions. Alan Richman participated in several events of the Best Sommelier in America contest. During the course of it, he nearly sets his suit on fire and leaves such a mess trying to open a bottle that he says, “It looked like Freddy Krueger had entered the competition.&# SPIT: corks.

Ed McCarthy, author of Champagne for Dummies and co-author of other Dummies wine books led this seminar on Chianti Classico, which is its own DOCG region within the Chianti area. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. It is an earthy wine, with assertive tannins. It would be a great pairing with pizza and pasta with a spicy red sauce component.

Laherte Frères Champagne Brut Tradition , $39, Imported by Selection Pas Mal. Jacques Lassaigne Champagne Les Vignes de Montgueux Blanc de Blancs , $45, Jenny & François Selections. Diebolt-Vallois Champagne Brut Ros é , $60, Imported by Petit Pois Corp. The best bottle of Poulsard that I've had. in NYC. Kind of amazing.

guessed a red grape-based wine from Champagne, probably Bouzy. A lot of people don't like blind tasting, but I enjoy it a lot. The point for me is not to try to guess the wine, although that is fun and definitely a part of the learning experience. But still, it's good to check in on these things from time to time. It's possible, anyway.

Some Champagne news to share with you, some of it I can directly confirm, some rumor: Frank Pascal's wines are now available in the United States. At about $60 it is a bit more expensive than some entry level wines, but it is a very high quality wine that will delight the red grape Champagne lovers out there. That's right.3 cases.

In an extensive waste of the journalism world’s precious resources, Zack O’Malley Greenburg has uncovered what we have known since 2006: Armand de Brignac is mediocre Champagne at best and Jay-Z profits from it! Reader mailbag: finding Ace of Spades champagne. If he has a financial stake in it, so what? Douchebauchery chronicles.

With the high prices of Champagne, Cava (sparkling wine produced in the 'traditional method' from Spain) is seen by many as a fabulous alternative. " Cava is a sparkling wine in exactly the same way as Champagne is a sparkling wine. Eva Bertran of Freixenet pouring Grand Riserva Segura Viudas. Yet why "alternative?"

They have some real gems, leaders in their appellations, like Lassaigne in Champagne, Binner in the Alsace, and Tournelle in the Jura. tasted the new releases from Champagne Jacques Lassaigne , the excellent producer in Montgueux. Sablonettes Chablis Domaine Oudin Lassaigne Champagne Binner Jenny and François Domaine de la Tournelle

The moves notably included promoting Antonio Galloni to a greater role, as Galloni took over reviewing California wines from Parker himself as well as adding coverage of Burgundy (ex-Beaujolais) to his beat that already included Champagne and all of Italy. Chaptalization is an accepted practice in Burgundy, Champagne and other regions.

Following your late afternoon arrival and settling in, we serve a Champagne reception, followed by a “ fine wine dinner&# with us at La Madèlene - 4 courses of typical Provencal fare prepared expertly by Jude and each course accompanied by a different fine Rhone wine from my cellar chosen carefully to pair with the food. link].

Some odds and ends to wrap up my recent trip to Champagne: First of all, I was wrong when I said that Peter Liem hasn't yet written about single-vineyard wines in Champagne. Amazing wine - must age more Champagne. walked by the old vertical press at Champagne Pierre Peters. And speaking of Peter.he was a great host.

My final visit of the Champagne trip was also one of the grandest, a visit to Champagne Salon. For a Champagne house of such stature, it was a bit startling to see how little wine there is in the cellar. This was a wonderful way to close out my first visit to Champagne, by tasting the storied wines of Salon.