The wine is a very pretty bright light yellow with a steady stream of tiny bubbles. Pears, yeast, and a touch of smoke are on the nose. Smoke is stronger on the palate, underlying deeper fruits, a blend of baked apples and fresh apples, fresh baked bread and a touch
In my experience, vins clairs tastings are a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of the wine before the bubbles, and to imagine their development over time; they are a unique foray into the magical kingdom of champagne. Early in the life of a bottle of champagne, before bubbles have
The color is very pale yellow with a caramel tinge, bubbles are small and moderately active. The nose is lovely, deep with an underlying umami richness beneath fresh pears and apples. On the palate tart apples take the lead, driven as much by bright acids as apple flavors. The apple
Here in Champagne, one often says that champagne is first and foremost a wine. However the characteristics of this wine change significantly with the adding of the dosage (a mixture of base wine and cane sugar) at the time of disgorging. Today's most popular Champagne style is brut—which often contains 6 to 12
‘Tis the season for Oscar parties. If you really want to impress your friends during this Sunday’s festivities, don your tux or gown, get behind the bar, and whip up some of these cocktails inspired by some of the nominees. The George Clooney 3 oz. Hendrick’s gin Juice of ½
Golden with a delicate mousse. Mineral nose with a hint of fresh almonds. Complex, intense champagne, with lots of citrus (grapefruit, Meyer lemon, tangerine) flavors. Long pastry finish. WHO: Pierre Gimonnet WHAT: Champagne WHERE: Cuis, Champagne, France WHEN: 2005 HOW MUCH: around $64 (media sample)
Pale yellow color. Delicate white blossom and mineral (iodine) nose. Quite linear champagne, almost flinty on the palate, some citrus notes and a lingering saline finish. Pair with sashimi. WHO: Paul Goerg WHAT: Champagne WHERE: Vertus, Champagne, France WHEN: NV disgorged in 2011 HOW MUCH: around $50 (media sample)
Bright coral pink champagne, with red currant and Florida grapefruit on the nose. Very smooth and rounded champagne, with flavors of red currant and pomegranate, a hint of ripe red apple and a lingering rounded finish. Pair with a red fruit dessert. WHO: Tarlant WHAT: Champagne WHERE: Oeuilly, Champagne, France