WINE SELECTIONS • SPARKLING WINES
( 94 ) Antica Fratta Franciacorta Brut Chardonnay and Pinot Noir ( Italy ). White flower and stone fruit with a hint of almond . Pear and white peach along with a hint of citrus complete the package . Traditional method as always , and an excellent example from Lombardy . ($ 39.95 )
( 93 ) Ferrari Brut Trentodoc NV ( Italy ). Produced in northeast Italy , this chardonnay-based sparkling wine demonstrates what the mountainous region of Trentino contributes , in terms of flavor and elegance . Nearly two years of bottle aging provide complexity , and contribute to the long , delicious and balanced finish . ($ 26.99 )
( 93 ) Santa Julia Blanc de Blancs NV ( Argentina ). Produced from 100 % organic chardonnay grapes , the fruit is preserved by using the charmat fermentation and careful aging . A pale gold in the glass , the nose is dominated by tree fruit , with touches of spice . The finish mirrors the palate , with plenty of fruit , and elegant effervescence . ($ 14 )
( 93 ) Marie de Moy Premier Cru Champagne ( France ). An impressive white flower- and pearladen nose that is fun and deep . The crackling texture lights up the pear / citrus fruity palate and drives from first sip to the crisp finish . ($ 48.99 )
( 93 ) Marie de Moy Rosé Champagne ( France ). Bright floral and cherry aromas jump out of the glass while the red fruit is complemented by stone fruit and a touch of spice on the finish . As the wine opens , the smooth fruit melts more and more into the energetic texture . ($ 49.99 )
( 93 ) Marie de Moy Blanc de Blanc Champagne ( France ). Elegant with a toasty vein that runs through the layers of ripe apple and pear flavors . From start to finish the wine is dynamic , velvet-textured and powerful with acidity that dances across your tongue . ($ 49.99 )
( 92 ) Colligny Pere & Fils Brut Champagne ( France ). Bright with fine bubbles and ripe apple notes that are complex and give this Champagne a smoothness . The zesty acidity pushes energy into the velvety texture and gives a finish that delivers . ($ 24.99 )
( 92 ) Colligny Pere & Fils Rosé Champagne ( France ). Light , delicate strawberry flavors are laced into this Champagne and give it character .
The fun bubbles , green apple and peach blossom notes provide a nice canvas and elegance for the ever-present , distinct red fruit layers . ($ 24.99 )
( 92 ) Borrasca Premium Cuvee ( France ). Big flavored and smooth , with ripe toasty green apple notes all over the nose and palate . This wine is ambitious and delivers a full finish that continues on for quite a long time . ($ 24.99 )
( 92 ) Borrasca Premium Cuvee Rosé ( France ). Full , rich and approachable , this elevated rosé shines with light raspberry and juicy cherry notes . The mouthfeel is fun and smooth , with a balanced acidity binding everything together . ($ 24.99 )
( 92 ) Colmant Brut Reserve NV ( South Africa ). A great place to look for sparkling wines that gets overlooked is South Africa . What a shame . Starting with an enticing nose of exotic fruits and toast . A frothy mouthful of dried mango , ripe apple and pear flavors shine through on the long , luxurious finish . A wonderful wine worth seeking out . ($ 34.99 )
( 92 ) Chanoine Heritage Cuvée Brut Grande Reserve Champagne ( France ). Powerful and balanced , this pinot noir-heavy blend has hints of cherry and sweet spice on the nose . The rich fruit flavors are backed by a good acidity to provide a zip and snap to the finish . ($ 38.99 )
( 92 ) Duntze Brut Reserve Champagne ( France ). Smooth and rich pear and golden apple flavors are prominent all over this powerful wine . A beautiful floral nose and white pepper element on the finish give this wine layers and layers . ($ 36.99 )
( 92 ) Marie de Moy Brut Champagne ( France ). Zesty and ripe , with green apple and a coating of honeysuckle in the background . The acidity , texture and bubbles grip the inside of your cheeks while the fruit notes power on to the outstanding finish . ($ 46.99 )
( 92 ) Mionetto Prosecco Rosé DOC 2020 ( Italy ). Rosé prosecco is a new category approved by the Consorzio . In this case , the 10 % pinot noir is fermented in the same method of the glera , which makes up the balance of the wine . The Mionetto rosé enjoys clean and bright fruit , more fresh than baked . The fruit dominates the palate , as well as the lingering , clean finish . ($ 15 )
( 91 ) Poema Cava Dulce NV ( Spain ). Pale golden color . Ripe green apple and hints of banana on the nose . Honeyed apricots , peaches and other dried fruits on the palate . Nice and balanced , with a touch of dryness on the moderate finish . Enjoy with funky cheeses , chocolates and other desserts . ($ 11 )
( 91 ) Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut , North Coast Sparkling Wine ( CA ). A sparkling wine with great body . Just a touch of biscuit notes on the body , almost a touch of a savory quality , solid acidity . Can be enjoyed with or without food . Traditional method . ($ 31 )
( 91 ) Cleto Chiarli Centenario Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC Amabile ( Italy ). Dark-grape purple in color , easy light bubbles , fresh flavors . This is a touch sweet ( Amabile ) and a perfect pairing with spicy food or charcuterie . This is really balanced between the sweetness and the acidity ; makes you wonder why you don ’ t drink more of this with dinner . ($ 14 )
( 91 ) Decoy Brut Cuvee ( CA ). This debut offering pretty much completes the overall Duckhorn portfolio — what bridge have they not crossed ? Expanding their horizons one more time , they use the time-proven success for the shared winemaking teams and shared sourcing from prime site all over California . Classic blend of 49 % pinot noir , 47 % chardonnay and 4 % pinot meunier . Vinified in the methode champenoise . Final dosage is French oak barrel-fermented Napa chardonnay for a final elegant touch . Toasted apple , pear , citrus and yeast dominate the nose . Good acidity with a hint of sweetness . Exceptional value for this category . ($ 27.99 )
FOUR STARS
( 90 ) Juve & Camps Gran Reserva Brut Cava 2017 ( Spain ). Fresh and vibrant with aromas of peach blossom and green apple . Generous notes of guava and citrus zest dance on the palate . A great value from Spain ($ 19.99 )
( 90 ) Borrasca Brut Cava ( Spain ). A bright , fun wine , with green apple and citrus from top to bottom that gives the wine energy . A toasty round mouthfeel carries the fruit from the mid-palate to the finish . ($ 9.99 ) BD
30 Beverage Dynamics • September / October 2021 www . beveragedynamics . com