As we dash towards the end of 2012, Im going to end this years worth of columns with a bang! Well, a pop actually, because were talking Champagne. In fact, its going to be more of an indulgence since youll have to reach a little deeper into your pockets for this weeks recommended wines.
If theres ever an excuse to drink proper Champagne, the stuff coming from the French region sharing the name, New Years Eve fits the bill perfectly. I recently had the good fortune to sit through a fantastic tasting of Champagnes with Trialto Wine Agencys David Scholefield, a respected local wine guru who has spent the majority of his career importing wines from around the world. Trialtos specialty is Wines of People, Place and Time, and these Champagnes offer all of those things very special wines to cherish.
Dont be afraid to break the bank this week my next column will be on killer wines for under 15 bucks. Deal? Perfect.
Gosset Grande Reserve Champagne NV | France | $74.99 | BC Liquor Stores
From the oldest wine house in Champagne the first New Year they rang in was 1585 comes this complex, fruity and floral widely-available sparkler overflowing with lemon fizz and fresh lime zest. Extra points go to this one because the bottle is absolutely gorgeous. A perfect complement to salty snacks and cheeses.
Pierre Gimonnet Extra Brut Oenophile 2005 | France | $85-ish | Private Wine Stores
Referred to as an emerging superstar in the Champagne world, the first sip proves why. Made from 100 per cent Chardonnay and expressing lovely minerality. After noting that there was plenty of fruit-driven concentration, I couldnt help but enjoy the distinct aroma of kettle-cooked potato chips. In fact, go ahead and enjoy a handful while pouring yourself a second glass!
Varnier-Fanniere Brut Grand Cru NV | France | $78-ish | Private Wine Stores
You want to talk hand-crafted, small production? How about this tiny four-hectare estate producing 2,500 cases a year, the equivalent of some of our smallest Okanagan wineries! This one is also 100 per cent Chardonnay, grown on chalk that translates well to the palate, mingling with fresh lemon curd and marmalade slathered on a fresh-baked baguette. Smoked salmon, goat cheese and seared scallops in brown butter would all be a treat!
Jean Milan Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Spécial NV 375ml | $45-ish | Private Wine Stores
Intimate New Years for two? This half-bottle will certainly do the trick! Another small producer crafting a perfect balance of fruit, minerals and acidity! The citrus is a touch more exotic here, with pomelo, mandarin and a few zests of key lime. Its so delicious that I like to think of these bottles as personal-size, if you drink straight from the bottle, no one has to know!
While the last three Champagnes here are available in a few private wine stores, their supply is quite limited. Kitsilano Wine Cellar had the best stock of all of these, as of this printing. To follow up on any of them, visit Trialto.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year!
