Pieropan Soave Classico 2014
A lovely, spirited Soave Classico from the Veneto region, utterly fresh and bright with notes of Meyer lemon zest, white flowers, dried honey, and almond extract. Aged on fine lees in concrete, the effect of which is largely textural, lending minerally undertones of wet pomace, and slight autolytic character. A nice lingering finish. Clean and […]
Piccini Vino Spumante Extra Dry NV
A straightforward Prosecco made in the Charmat method from the Treviso province. Piccini’s Vino Spumante Extra Dry is bright and lively with notes of freshly cut yellow apples and cheery meadow flowers. On the palate, fine bubbles and a dash of citrus race across a lovely acid spine. It’s very pleasant and very quaffable. A […]
Château Belleuve Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2000
Earlier this year, I was invited to attend a dinner showcasing several vintages of Vieux Château Certan. François Thienpont was on-hand to explain the wines, and I felt lucky indeed to be seated next to him throughout the evening. Château Bellevue is managed by his brother, Nicolas and vigneron, Stephane Derenoncourt. A blend of 80% Merlot […]
Meyer-Fonné Crémant d’Alsace Brut Extra NV
A charming blend of 60% Pinot Auxerrois, 20% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Blanc, and 5% Pinot Noir. The Meyer-Fonné Crémant d’Alsace Brut Extra sees only a minimal dosage and sports an autolytic nose of biscuit, apples and lilting white flowers. On the palate, a very fine, delicate mousse is bolstered by moderate acidity and subtle creaminess. […]
Chicken au Champagne with Crémant d’Alsace
While the original recipe for Chicken au Champagne calls for Brut Champagne, this dish is certainly versatile enough to partner with a less pricey option like a Crémant. In this case, I used the Willm Crémant d’Alsace Blanc de Noirs and I particularly enjoyed how relatively easy this meal is to prepare, making it a satisfying weeknight […]
Amarone Braised Beef Short Ribs with Creamy Polenta and Mission Fig Glaze
I couldn’t bring myself to use an entire bottle of Amarone as the cooking wine for the short ribs, instead I substituted a bottle of 2011 Palazzo Delle Torre from Allegrini. Pallazzo Delle Torre is a blend of Corvina Veronese and Rondinella, traditional varieties that go into the making of Amarone, and part of the grapes that […]
Allegrini Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2010
The 2010 Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a stunning and seamless blend of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Oseleta that have been air-dried for 3-4 months, or until the grapes lose around 50% of their volume. Voluptuous notes of incense, fresh road tar, figs, blackberry reduction and cedar waft from the glass. The palate echoes […]
Yves Cuilleron Saint-Joseph L’Amarybelle 2012
I would love to revisit this after its had another decade to develop, the 2012 Yves Cuilleron L’Amarybelle is classic Saint-Joseph with complex layers that unfurl at a leisurely pace, revealing notes of blackberries, balsamic, damp tilth, incense, bay leaf, pink peppercorn, and violets. On entry, the initial impression is one of silkiness—a bit deceiving, […]
Tarlant Champagne Cuvée Louis Brut Prestige NV
Tarlant’s Cuvée Louis Brut Prestige is a blend of four vintages, 85% from 1999 and the balance from 1998-1996. From the famed chalky “Les Crayons” vineyard, it is an elegant blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. Beautifully, concentrated aromatics of brioche, dried apple, tangerine, white flowers and spice. Fantastic purity, depth and focus, […]
Lilbert-Fils Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru Cramant 2004
This lovely 2004 Grand Cru Grower Champagne from Lilbert-Fils. The site is only 3.5 hectares, so, on the petite side, though that is certainly not the case in terms of what this bubbly delivers. Wonderful nose that reminds me of fresh, toasted raisin bread slathered in butter along with citrusy, minerally notes. Piercing acidity on […]