July 2012

North Shore Wine Tasting Group, Magnums of Fun

NV Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs (California) - Chardonnay grape
Fit to be served in the White House: Chandon Blanc de Noirs is the bubbly served at all White House receptions. Wine Enthusiast December 31, 2008
"Made from Pinot Noir, although the color is golden straw, and the wine is light and airy in the mouth. The raspberry and strawberry flavors are the giveaway. Absolutely delicious, with a refined mouthfeel, and the price is a bargain."  90 Points Wine Enthusiast 

"Light gold hue. Forward apple and ginger scents show a defined earthiness. Creamy flavors of orange, butternut, pecan and vanilla. Long close is round and smooth." 
90 Points The Wine News
Chandon Blanc de Noirs is characteristically a delicate salmon color. Dark cherry, currant and strawberry dominate both aroma and flavor with hints of cassis and blackberry. These red fruit flavors build in the mid-palate and finish with a soft, lingering, creamy texture. 

Winemaker Tom Tiburzi suggests you try this versatile wine with everything from fruity to spicy to salty foods including Southwestern, Latin American, Mexican and Asian cuisine. Also pair this mostly Pinot Noir sparkler with the foods you would chose to eat with a varietal Pinot Noir such as roasted beets, mushrooms and salmon. 

As a pioneer of this unique sparkling style since 1974, we showcase the traditional red varieties in this wine. Fruit-driven and full-flavored, this sparkling wine featuring Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier has become one of our most popular wines. The fruit for Blanc de Noirs is blended to highlight the complexity of vibrant California fruit. We source from only the coolest climates with the longest growing seasons throughout California to craft this wine. domainechandon.com 

2000 McLaren Vale Sparkling Millennium Shiraz - Syrah/Shiraz grape
This wine is the culmination of the extraordinary cooperation and efforts of an impressive group wineries in Australia including Coriole, Chapel Hill, Fox Creek, Kay Brothers, Rosemount, Seaview, d'Arenberg, Hardy's, Tintara, Maning Park, Tatachilla, Wirra Wirra.  Some of the finest Shiraz grapes in Australia were used to create this wine.  This wine was created to celebrate the 2000 millenium and only a limited number of bottles in the world exist. 
McLaren Vale Millennium Magnums, are a rare, red sparkling wine, made from Shiraz grapes, produced by the association of McLaren Vale wine in Australia.    mclarenvaleshiraz.com
 
NV Zonin Prosecco Brut (Italy) - Prosecco grape
Very well-balanced and appealing, with the extremely delicate almond note that is typical of Prosecco. An excellent aperitif, it can also be served throughout the meal - including dessert - as long as the dishes are not too strongly flavored.  
Prosecco is made from the indigenous Italian variety of the same name. It is the best-selling sparkling wine in Europe and its popularity is booming as customers increasingly move towards drier sparkling wines. It is the perfect wine for special occasions or impromptu celebrations. Attractively intense; very fruity and aromatic, with hints of wisteria flowers and Rennet apples. Very well-balanced and appealing flavor, with the extremely delicate almond note that is typical of Prosecco. An excellent aperitif, it can also accompany dishes that are not too rich; ideal with fruit salad. An excellent aperitif, Prosecco can be served throughout the meal - including dessert - as long as the dishes are not too strongly flavored. It is ideal with starters like bruschetta, salads, light pasta and Pizza, in particular vegetarian ones.  clubexpress.com
 
2004 Juve Y Camps Cava Reserva de la Familia Brut Nature (Spain) - 33% Macabeo, 33% Xarel-lo and 34% Parellada grapes
Pale gold in color, this cava has aromas of mature white fruits, and toasted bread with hints of citrus in the background. Both the aromas and flavor of this wine are long and satisfying. The Reserva de la Familia, with its freshness and ripeness, suits the palate perfectly. Pair with paté, seafood, rice, and all kinds of fish, white meat and smoked food.
“Light lemon color with a fine mousse and bead and aromas of citrus with petrol notes. Very dry and crisp on a stony, fairly rich palate with light, nutty notes. Lingering light citrus notes on the finish.”  International Wine Review
“Give this stylish wine a few minutes to rev its engine, and you’ll be rewarded with warm pear and apple aromas. The palate is equally nice, as it focuses on apple, pear and peach flavors. The finish is relatively long, clean and pretty, and overall it’s a very nice sparkler with a hint of intricacy and complexity.”  89 points  Wine Enthusiast - Nov. 15, 2008  Best Buy