With a helpful assist from Jeff G., we tonight opened a number of bottles of teh bubbly stuff with a number of our neighbors to spit in the eye of a still-delayed Springtime here in flyover country.
Francis Boulard Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs had a creamy texture with zippy acidity and very little toastiness. If Chardonnay always tasted this good, I'd drink a lot more of it.
Laurent Tripoz Cremant de Bourgogne Narture Brut was far more linear than the Boulard, with more minerality. A leaner bottle of fizz, it had a very pleasing transparency to it.
François Pinon Vouvray Brut Non-Dosé was its usual, joyous self. Appley, buoyantly fruity with a ripping good acidic streak and a few mineral notes, it constantly prompts the question of why I pay more for other bubblies.
Andi Knauss Riesling Sekt Zero 2012 was the hit of the party. Definitely Riesling in character with a hint of petrol and simply packed with mineral notes and a beautifully acidic finish. This was the first wine to disappear.
Dom. Belluard Ayse Mont Blanc 2013 prompted my constant refrain of "this was made from a grape you've never heard of." Sparkling Gringet never tasted so good. And what a unique wine! Herbal, with floral notes and rainwater-like clarity, it held its own in this august company.
Mark Lipton
Francis Boulard Champagne Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs had a creamy texture with zippy acidity and very little toastiness. If Chardonnay always tasted this good, I'd drink a lot more of it.
Laurent Tripoz Cremant de Bourgogne Narture Brut was far more linear than the Boulard, with more minerality. A leaner bottle of fizz, it had a very pleasing transparency to it.
François Pinon Vouvray Brut Non-Dosé was its usual, joyous self. Appley, buoyantly fruity with a ripping good acidic streak and a few mineral notes, it constantly prompts the question of why I pay more for other bubblies.
Andi Knauss Riesling Sekt Zero 2012 was the hit of the party. Definitely Riesling in character with a hint of petrol and simply packed with mineral notes and a beautifully acidic finish. This was the first wine to disappear.
Dom. Belluard Ayse Mont Blanc 2013 prompted my constant refrain of "this was made from a grape you've never heard of." Sparkling Gringet never tasted so good. And what a unique wine! Herbal, with floral notes and rainwater-like clarity, it held its own in this august company.