The nose is striking, different, confusing, the sort with aromas that make you tear through the spice rack trying to identify them. The smells are grassy, dry, piquant, and they proved to be basil, rosemary, and a light powdering of cardamom. On the palate it was very different. The herbal
This funky little can should fool you about what is inside. With less than 1% residual sugar, this is true sparkling wine and not a gimmick. This fruit forward bubbly also comes in a tradition glass bottle, but the straw-adorned travel-size cans add a bit of zestiness to the boring
This peony pink-colored sparkling wine is definitely not produced in the traditional méthode Champenoise (what, no cans in Champagne?). The bubbles dissipate rather quickly after being poured into a wine glass. Best to drink this straight out of the can. Beautiful aromas of roses and grapefruit rise from the glass
The relationship between tradition and innovation is not a linear one. Sometimes, it can even go full circle. Take appassimento, for instance, an Italian tradition of partially drying grapes before turning them into wine that is taking hold considerably in Canada’s Niagara region. The appassimento style of winemaking began in
Burgundy is the kingdom of pinot noir and chardonnay, responsible for almost all wines in the region. Almost all, since a few other varieties are allowed and sometimes dominate certain appellations like Saint-Bris (sauvignon blanc) and Mâcon-Cruzille (gamay, for the reds). Made by Domaine Guillot-Broux, a family-run, careful organic producer, imported
In a previous article, here on Palate Press, I wrote just how impressed I’ve been with the sparkling wines from Nova Scotia, in Atlantic Canada. After visiting the province in August, while judging at the Canadian Wine Awards, I discovered many other good bubblies, as well as the Tidal Bay
The perfect little wine for light meals like chicken or fish with salad. The nose has peaches, flowers and minerality, and a nice tinge of chalkiness. This is a very fresh-feeling wine, with some apparent residual sugar. The fruit is upfront, then some mild, grapefruity acidity kicks in under the fresh, young red fruits on the end-palate.