Tag Archives: Sparkling wine

Marcato, “iPrandi” Brut, Lessini Durello DOC, Italy NV $10-14.5

Think of Italian bubbly and we probably think of Prosecco, maybe Moscato or Lambrusco.

However, hidden in North Eastern Italy, smack dab between Venice and Verona, lay the Lessini hills. Here an ancient grape called Durello thrives. The name may come from its thick skins, or high acid. It may be native. Either way, it loves the volcanic soil. basalt. Elevations are high. Thus Lessini Durello has its own DOC. Continue reading

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‘MERICA: Domaine Saint-Vincent Brut, Albuquerque, New Mexico USA, NV

With the sun setting and the staccato of fireworks and screams building in the neighborhood, it’s time for my palate to get patriotic. Tonight we pop fizz with Domaine Saint-Vincent’s Brut from the highland, cool nights near Albuquerque, New Mexico: … Continue reading

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Torre Oria, TORREORIA, Brut, 100% Macabeo, Cava (Requena), Spain NV

100% Macabeo, aka Macabeu, aka Viura (a player in the classic Cava triumvirate, alongside xarel-lo, perellada).  Never tried it as a single varietal Brut.  Rare for Spain.  Tasted non-blind without food.  Let’s see: It looks clear, with a medium minus … Continue reading

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Ridgeview Merret Bloomsbury, Sussex 2009

I plunk a bottle on the table. “English Quality Sparkling Wine” the label proclaims. No, that is not a euphemism for beer. It is Ridgeview’s hopeful claim to the crown of Champagne. Odd though it seems, across the Channel, Southern … Continue reading

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FABRICATED.FIZZ.

A lifetime has passed since I picked up Vidal Blanc juice, fresh from harvest in New York’s Finger Lakes on October 23rd. Between then and present, my wine underwent fermentation, fining, cold stabilization, and at least three rackings. Once the … Continue reading

Posted in CABERNET CRISES: MY FOURTH WINE, OENOLOGICAL ODYSSEY | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments