A Blanc de Noirs (literally, “White from Blacks”) Champagne is a sparkling white wine (elaborated through the Traditional Method also called “Méthode Champenoise”) produced in the Champagne region of France from black grapes only (Pinot Noir and/or Meunier) …(read more)…
A Blanc de Blancs (literally, “White from Whites”) Champagne is a sparkling white wine (elaborated through the Traditional Method also called “Méthode Champenoise”) produced in the Champagne region of France …(read more)…
You will often hear French people talking about some wines being referred to as “vins mousseux”. It is a catch-all term for all sparkling wines, regardless of production method. This includes sparkling wines made through the Ancestral method, the traditional method (“méthode champenoise”) and tank method sparklings…
When making sparkling wine using the traditional method (méthode Champenoise), bottles may be kept after the second fermentation is finished but before they are disgorged. They can be kept on their necks, upside down, so that the lees stay in the bottle’s neck (“sur pointe”) (which makes the disgorgement process Read more…
The process that causes tiny particles to group together is called “flocculation.” The traditional method (Méthode Champenoise) of manufacturing sparkling wine involves this intended process. The lees will flocculate and gradually travel toward the bottle neck during the second fermentation that takes place in the bottle (i.e., the traditional method).
Comments = it is a very good deal in terms of quality for that price. We really feel the fruity profile of the Pinot Noir in this wine, with a good level of Acidity and creamy bubbles. At around 22 euros per bottle, it is a no brainer!
Final Grade = B+
Comments = this wine offers a good expression of a Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC (not to be confused with cheap & industrial Lambrusco). It is very fruity (mainly cherry) with no secondary aromas and a lighter body than Lambrusco Salamino DOC and Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC. This Lambrusco di Sorbara can be considered a classic example of a traditional Lambrusco (this DOC is the most renowned of the 3)
Final Grade = B+
Comments = this wine offers a very good expression of what a Saten Franciacorta should look like. The Medium+ finish and the lack of tertiary aromas (despite long aging) prevents it from having a better grade (but note than in that case, the price should be around 45 euros)
Final Grade = B+
Comments = this wine offers a great value for money and a better quality compared to most 10 euros sparkling wines
Final Grade = B
Comments = the medium acidity, medium length finish, and coarse texture prevents this wine to be graded higher
Final Grade = B