PHOTO CREDIT : © LOKI _ AST- STOCK . ADOBE . COM
SPARKLING WINES
For this round of wine reviews , we asked our national panel of experts to recommend some of their favorite sparkling wines . As always , these selections include brief tasting notes , a rating and the wine ’ s retail price , which can vary from store to store and market to market . Unless noted otherwise , the price reflects a 750-ml . bottle .
FIVE STARS
( 96 ) Herdade de Rocim Mariana NV ( Portugal ). This blanc de blancs , produced from the arinto grape variety , is clean , elegant and focused . A great aperitif wine . Perfect match for shellfish and other seafood , as well as poultry . Certified as organic and vegan . An outstanding price / quality ratio . ($ 18.50 )
( 95 ) Campolargo Espumante Bruto Rosé 2017 ( Portugal ). This 100 % pinot noir rosé shines in the glass with a delicate salmon hue . The nose is primarily red fruit , with hints of spice from the extended aging . The finish is well balanced , and tapers off with notes of lovely baked fruit . ($ 28 )
( 95 ) Piper-Sonoma Brut Reserve NV ( CA ). Piper- Sonoma is one of the very first wineries where a
Champagne house decided that California could provide the conditions for world-class sparkling-wine production . The reserve is a prime example of how correct they were . Mostly chardonnay , the partial fermentation in barrel adds complexity to the nose and palate . The tree fruit and subtle spice elements are an integral component of the long and luxurious finish . ($ 25 )
( 95 ) Dr . Konstantin Frank Brut 2017 ( NY ). This pioneering upstate New York winery is famous for planting some of the more esoteric wine varieties . This sparkler is produced , however , from the traditional Champagne varieties . Extended aging provides complexity , as well as finesse . Bright and clean on the nose and palate , the finish is exceptionally long and balanced . ($ 24.99 )
( 94 ) Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvée ( CA ). A small majority of pinot noir adds depth and body to this lovely , balanced Carneros sparkler . Chardonnay and a touch of pinot gris provide
RATING SYSTEM |
Five stars ( 92-100 points ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship . |
Four stars ( 86-91 points ) A superb wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back . |
Three stars ( 80-85 points ) An above-average wine at a reasonable price point , one that many consumers will enjoy . |
16 | WINTER 2021 • CHEERS @ HOME WWW . CHEERSONLINEATHOME . COM