Fitz-Ritter Riesling Sekt Extra Trocken NV
Apricot, dewy pear and a whiff of diesel and laurel leaf anoint the nose. Delicately embroidered bubbles play off tightly coiled acidity that gathers at the sides of the tongue—Fritz-Ritter’s Riesling Sekt is the very picture of lightness—chalk and slate-flecked minerality burbles along, twining a pretty streak of candied pink grapefruit on the finish. 12.0% […]
Apothic Californian Sparkling Red NV
An excellent value, Apothic’s latest introduction to their lineup is a Californian sparkling red made from a bevy of undisclosed varieties. It’s a deep shade of carmine red, with a steady stream of lively bubbles—morello cherries, vanilla, and strawberry jam made up the nose and palate with a subtle touch of orange pith shining through […]
Bollicini Sparkling Trio NV
Sparkling Cuvée NV Straw-hued and gently sparkling, Bollicini’s Sparkling Cuvée is the latest in a trio of canned wines I’ve received to evaluate. And while not complex, this undisclosed blend of “Italian white varietals” has plenty of charm—orchard fruit, apples, white peaches, and pears and acacia honey are in abundance with a touch of lemon […]
La Marca Luminore Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore NV
Sun-dappled and clinquant as its name suggests, a fine net of bubbles wells up from the core of La Marca’s aptly named Luminore Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. Delicate aromas of d’Anjou pear, white peach, granulated honey, parchment, and linden blossom wink in and out of focus. Crisp and vibrant on the palate, it lacks the […]
Mionetto Il Prosecco N.V.
The color of sun-bleached straw, Mointetto’s charming non-vintage Il Prosecco is delicately embroidered with notes of granulated honey, dewy orchard pear, spring flowers, and chamomile. Expect a soft, unobtrusive mousse held aloft by a bright acid vein that courses through this crisp and inexpensive Italian bubbly. 6% g/l RS, 11.0% ABV | Sample Mionetto 88 […]
Altemasi Trento Brut NV
A genial sparkling chardonnay from the Trentodoc, the Altemasi Méthodo Classico Brut has an aromatic profile yellow apples and pears, white flowers, and lemon curd. It’s crisp on the palate, with brisk, cascading bubbles and linear acidity. Lemon pith and wet shell at the close. 12.5% ABV | Sample Altemasi 88 Points
Prosper Maufoux Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé NV
A lively, cheerful bead set against a vibrant background—the sort of orangey-pink one finds in a sunset—sets the stage for this ebullient Crémant de Bourgogne from Prosper Maufoux. Aromas of peach, candied orange peel, crème fraiche, and hazelnut spread grace the nose. On the palate, limestone-etched acidity gives lift to more tender notes of peach […]
Domaine Bousquet Brut Rosé NV
Ninety points because I was caught quite off guard by this elegant sparkler from Domaine Bousquet. A blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay—all organic fruit grown at high elevation in Argentina’s sparce and arid Tupungato district, it’s fine-boned and as one might expect, graced with high acidity. Aromas of white peach, white flowers, […]
Josep Masachs Mas Fi Cava Brut Rosé NV
From the Josep Masachs family, the Mas Fi Brut Rosé is a celebratory shade of salmon. Crafted with 100% estate-grown Trepat, delicate aromas of pie cherry, strawberry, apple blossom, and graham cracker are held aloft on a nose tickling net of fine buttles. It’s fresh on the palate, with just a hint of autolysis—no doubt […]
Juvé & Camps Reserva Essential Xarello Brut 2014
The winemaker at Juvé & Camps attributes this Cava’s round, rich mouthfeel to the presence of polysaccharides released during fermentation, as well as during the process of maturation on the lees. Indeed, all of the wines in this lineup display autolytic features to a greater or lesser degree. The 2014 Reserva Essential Xarello Brut also […]