Champagne & Sparkling

(50% Xarel??lo, 30% Macabeo, 20% Parellada)."My favorite of the two sparkling Cavas is the non-vintage Brut Reserva Cava. Made from a classic blend (for this area) of Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada planted in limestone and clay soils, the wine spends 24 months on its lees before disgorgement. It is an excellent value for consumers looking for alternatives to French Champagne. Lemon/lime, crushed rock and white currant notes are present in this crisp, elegant, refreshing, zesty, dry sparkler. Hints of wheat thins and brioche add complexity.

Winemaker Notes:

"Light straw in color with bright yellow highlights. Aromas of golden apples with a hint of white peach. Well-balanced acidity provide a fresh and lively mouthfeel with a clean dry finish."

The grapes are grown in the Veneto region of Italy, in an area near the Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G.area, on the sloping hills just north of Treviso. Soil is alluvial with an important presence of clay.

Founded in 1887 by Francesco Mionetto in the small village of Valdobbiadene, Mionetto has been the preeminent name in Prosecco for over 125 years. In the heart of the Prosecco region, Mionetto produces the exceptional wines that comprise America's favorite Prosecco brand.

An aperitif-style Champagne, with flavors of creme de cassis, lemon curd and pastry riding a creamy mousse and framed by crisp, well-knit acidity.??

"It is composed of 20% of the Chardonnay grape variety, for elegance and delicacy, 40% of Pinot Noir, for roundness and structure and 40% of Pinot Meunier for fruitiness. Pale gold in color, abundance of delicate bubbles. Floral aromas of fruit with subtle predominance of white fruits: pear, apple, almonds and hazelnuts. Fresh opening, smooth, pleasant and balanced." Winemaker notes

Off-dry, great as an aperitif.

Every year, Billecart-Salmon vinifies base wines from a greater number of parcels than it actually needs for the production of its main cuvees. The tasting committee tastes each of these base wines and selects only the ones that match the standard and the style of Billecart-Salmon. Some of the wines that are not selected are bottled to be part of a second wine from the house, Inspiration 1818.

91 points Wine Spectator
Packs in a lot of complexity for the price, offering aromas of apple, fresh ginger and rubber. The flavors are crisp and layered, with notes of raspberry and spice. Drink now.

Winemaker Notes:
"More than a century before champagne, the Benedictine Monks of the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire in the Southern foothills of Limoux had created France's Very First Sparkling Wine. The Blanquette Brut predominantly uses a local grape variety, the Mauzac. Up to 10 percent of Chenin and Chardonnay are permitted. Fresh, Lively, Crisp and Dry."

"This seems drier than its stablemate, the famous Yellow Label, and is the better for it. There is an urgent freshness here, driven by red currants and tight plum skin flavors. It is lively but full in the mouth, and shows just the right bottle age." 91pts WE

Made using 50 to 60 different crus, the cuvee is based on Brut Yellow Label's traditional blend: 50 to 55% Pinot Noir, 15 to 20% Pinot Meunier, and 28 to 33% Chardonnay.

Dosage of eight grams per liter, the wine bursts from the glass with an expressive bouquet of crisp pear, orange zest, ripe peach and delicate pastry notes. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, with a vibrant core of fruit and admirable balance, despite what might sound like a relatively generous dosage. It is infused with bright acidity and culminates in a persistent, saline finish. Composed in equal parts of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this cuv??e is immediately appealing upon release yet possesses the structure to reward several years of cellaring, revealing the charm of a finely matured Champagne.

The "White Foil" is sourced from top quality vineyards in Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir), Vallee de al Marne and Petite Valle d'Epernay (Pinot Meunier) and the Cote des Blancs (Chardonnay). Pol Roger "White Foil" is traditionally a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir (body and depth), Pinot Meunier (freshness and vigorous fruit) and Chardonnay (elegance and finesse) and is sourced exclusively from juice from the "cuvee" (first pressing). Each final blend contains a minimum of two vintages with the youngest components being a minimum of three years old. Average dosage for the "White Label" is 8g per liter.

The Pol Roger family takes extreme pride in more than 160 years producing some of world?????s finest Champagne. Founded in 1849, Pol Roger is one of only a few Grande Marque Champagne houses that remains family owned and operated. Pol Roger owns close to 50% of the vineyards used for their Champagne production, a true rarity in this region of large firms. Using strict guidelines, grapes are sourced exclusively from 1er and Grand Cru vineyards that rate at an average of 95 points on the Echelle des Crus classification system. (In each vintage, the Echelle des Crus system, or ladder of growths, operates on a percentile basis to fix grape prices of each cru, or delimited vineyard area in the Champagne appellation; Pol Roger?????s vineyards, therefore, rank close to the highest quality possible among the Grande Marque Champagne houses.) Prior to final blending each lot is aged on its own, separated by village, vineyard, grower and grape variety. Once blended, each bottle of Champagne Pol Roger is hand riddled in the cellars deep below the Epernay chateau. In effect, each bottle of Cuvee Champagne is hand-made. Pol Roger Champagnes are the marriage of power and elegance. "Pol Roger is the 'gentlemen's' Champagne", as Jean-Paul Kauffman wrote in 'Voyage en Champagne'. "It is not surprising, therefore, that Winston Churchill, and even the British royal family should have made it their favorite over the years. This refinement reflects a whole lifestyle. It is also a source of infinite pleasure. Pol Roger Champagne has a soul, created by the union of a family's spirit and the character of a vineyard".

Fun Fact: Champagne Pol Roger is delighted that their Brut Reserve Non Vintage, has been chosen to be served at the reception following the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales to Miss Catherine Middleton on 29th April 2011.

Organic / Biodynamic

A previous vintage was featured in The New York Times article: 20 Wines Under $20: For When the Weather Is Sultry by Eric Asimov

"Several efforts are underway to differentiate conscientiously produced cava from the run-of-the-mill stuff that dominates the category. The Classic Penedes appellation is one of them. Those producers under this classification must make their own wines, instead of buying them. If they grow grapes, they must farm organically, and the wines must be aged at least 15 months after the initial fermentation. Loxarel farms biodynamically, and makes this wine with the three classic cava grapes, parellada, macabeu and xarello (of which Loxarel is an anagram). For a $15 wine, this bottle has great delicacy and finesse."

Organic

90+ points Wine Advocate
The 2022 Brut Reserva was produced with a blend of 40% Xarel.lo, 30% Macabeo and 30% Parellada from organically farmed vineyards and aged for at least 20 months with the lees in bottle. It comes in at 11.5% alcohol, a pH of 2.95 and a dosage to complete eight grams of sugar. It's young and fruit-driven, not too sweet, approachable and pleasant. It feels serious, clean and harmonious, very drinkable. 37,000 bottles produced. It was disgorged in February 2025, but like all Corpinnat wines, the disgorgement date is printed on the back label.

Winemaker's Notes:
According to a document written in Latin and dated 1385, a Llopart family?????s ancestor, Bernardus Leopardi, was granted some vineyards located in the present country estate Can Llopart de Subirats. Over the following centuries the Llopart family combined the cultivation of traditional agricultural Mediterranean products: grapevine, wheat and olive. At the end of the XVIII century the Lloparts decided to devote themselves exclusively to wine growing. The secular dedication to vine cultivation, elaboration and wine growing reaches its turning point, after intense testings, with the production of the first Cava Llopart bottles at the old country house cellar in 1887. In the early 1950s, Pere Llopart i Vilaros gave his cellars a new drive. He actively contributed in launching the "craft cavas" and consolidated cava Llopart as a high quality product.

91pts Wine Enthusiast:
"A blend of 80% Pinot Noir with 20% Chardonnay, this rose sparkles in well-hewn acidity, a dry mix of white peach that's fruity and decadent in creamy waves of soft texture and yeasty bubbles. It finishes with length and breadth, an ideal match for the table."

Brut Rose grapes are harvested by hand during the cool morning hours to ensure they arrive at the winery in pristine condition. Fermentation is conducted at cool temperatures, mainly in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and fruit intensity. A few selected lots are aged in French oak barrels to add depth, complexity and spiciness to the final blend. A small amount of red Pinot Noir is added to the blend before bottling to create the beautiful pink coral color. An average of 18 months????? yeast aging adds complexity, contributing subtle bread dough flavors and layers of creaminess. The wine is then disgorged and a dosage added back to balance the wine?????s acidity. The dosage includes a Pinot Noir fermented in traditional Burgundian fashion, which contributes an extra measure of depth, color and robust fruitiness.

(45% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier; 8 g/l dosage) A lovely rose in an almost vinous style, with mouthwatering acidity and a fine, lacy mousse carrying appealing flavors of ripe raspberry, white cherry fruit, star anise, mandarin orange peel and honeysuckle. Lightly chalky on the lasting finish. Enjoy with food.??

The production secrets and the vinification method of this cuvee go back to the origins of the House of BILLECART-SALMON and have been handed down for seven generations. The Brut Rose is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir vinified as red wine.

90pts Wine Spectator
"The Laurent-Perrier NV Brut is a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 15% Meunier, and is based on 2009 plus 15-30% reserve wines from two or three vintages. Citrus colored, this signature LP has a refined, fresh and elegant nose with brioche and delicate citrus flavors. Lean, refined and elegant on the palate, this is a dry and silky textured, vivacious, and perfectly fresh and balanced aperitif Champagne. It does not have the opinion-dividing thrill and tension of the Ultra Brut, but will probably find more friends." 90pts WA

"A harmonious Champagne, with a vibrant backbone of acidity and a well-knit mix of poached pear, lemon preserves, smoke and toast. Very accessible. Drink now through 2018. 22,000 cases imported."

"Smoky and focused, with an intensity to the racy acidity and tightly knit flavors of white peach, chamomile, crystallized honey, pickled ginger and pink peppercorn. Exhibits lovely texture and offers a long, mineral-tinged finish." 92pts WS

"The wine shows a superb, golden yellow color with a beautiful luminosity and a fine and persistent mousse. The nose is clean and intense with warm, rich notes of brioche, French toast and roasted almonds. On the palate the wine is very supple and harmonious, with notes of honey and minerals on the long, sustained finish. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is produced from a blend of 100% premiers crus Chardonnay grapes from the best of recent vintages. Grapes from the estate vineyards in Sillery and Brimont (ancestral home of the Ruinart family) are joined by carefully selected grapes from other premiers crus vineyards in the C??te de Blancs and the Montagne de Reims." Winemaker notes

Expressive red berries, flowers, mint and crushed rocks burst from the glass as this energetic wine shows off its pure vibrancy and class. Coutier's NV Brut Rose is another clear winner. Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are fermented in stainless steel.

92 points Wine Spectator
This bright and zesty Champagne is lightly juicy and appealing, offering flavors of Honeycrisp apple, ripe white cherry, biscuit and pickled ginger. Balanced and lacy in texture, with a lingering, spiced finish. Drink now through 2022.

91 poinrts Burghound
Pretty notes of toasted bread, yeast, orange peel and white peach introduce rich, full-bodied and borderline creamy flavors that are shaped by a relatively soft effervescence before terminating in an agreeably dry, clean and focused finale. This is drier than the 7 g/l would usually suggest but I underscore that it stops short of austerity. Lovely stuff fashioned in a "drink me now" style.

Winemaker's Notes:
Segura Viudas hand crafts distinctive, artisan methode champenoise sparkling wines according to Cava traditions begun over 100 years ago. Steeped in rich Spanish heritage and situated on an estate that dates to the 11th century, Segura Viudas draws on this legacy, blending it with modern winemaking to create sophisticated yet approachable Cavas. The Segura Viudas wines come from the renowned Penedes region of Spain just outside of Barcelona. Reserva Heredad is the estate’s crown jewel?our tete de cuvee?a Cava blended from just Macabeo and Parellada that enjoys aging on the lees for 30 months or longer and riddling by hand.
The opening aromas are from aging on the lees, lightly smokey, with touches of biscuit or bread, which are followed by hints of honey, fruit and flower petals. The palate is excellent, fruity and full of flavor, with dried fruits delivering a delightful sense of abundance.

This Cava defines elegant refreshment, even in it’s presentation. It is a perfect companion for creamy pastas, such as alfredo. It marries perfectly with meat dishes, such as pork and chicken.

90 pts Wine Advocate
The NV Brut Rose Prestige is gorgeous. It shows lovely length and focus in an understated style that is quite appealing. There is tons of depth to the fruit as the wine opens up in the glass. The Rose Prestige can be enjoyed as an aperitif, but it also has enough body to pair beautifully with a wide range of foods. This is a great version of the house?s Rose. This is Lot L1204SZ07700. Disgorged May 2011 (not indicated on label). Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014.

90pts-Wine Enthusiast:
"Glimpses of golden ripe mirabelle plum and the slightest hint of lovage create a lovely nose and continue to feature on the creamy, finely foaming palate. The body is wonderfully light, framed by foamy autolysis and pervaded by citrus peel freshness. A totally individual but refreshing Austrian fizz."

Offers a palate of beautifully bright and vibrant, fresh fruit that is incredibly refreshing;with notes of white fruit, candied almonds and green apples. Exceptional on its own or a perfect
with oysters, sashimi, light fish & salads.The Brut Millesimato is very dry.

80% Pinot Nero, 20% Chardonnay from vineyards located in Alta Langa.
Handpicked, selected, and kept separate according to their vineyard location. Only free-run juice.
First and second fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The lots mature in tank until May, and are then blended and bottled prior to secondary fermentation. A minimum of 36 months on the lees. All bottles are hand-riddled. Average production: 7,500 9L cases

Franciacorta Millesimato: Grapes come from a single harvest (minimum requirement is 85%). The wine must spend a minimum of 30 months on the lees, and may not be released until at least 37 months after harvest.

Winery Notes:
"Crisp, clean and delicate with fine bubble caressing the palate. Intense sensations of apples and peaches drive a pleasant aftertaste, that is reminiscent of fruity and floral aromas."

"Light straw in color with bright yellow highlights. Aromas of golden apples with a hint of white peach. Well-balanced acidity provide a fresh and lively mouthfeel with a clean dry finish." Winemaker notes

The grapes are grown in the Veneto region of Italy, in an area near the Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G.area, on the sloping hills just north of Treviso. Soil is alluvial with an important presence of clay.

Founded in 1887 by Francesco Mionetto in the small village of Valdobbiadene, Mionetto has been the preeminent name in Prosecco for over 125 years. In the heart of the Prosecco region, Mionetto produces the exceptional wines that comprise America's favorite Prosecco brand.

#10 on The Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2022.

98 points Wine Spectator
This vivid Champagne shows up-front and linear definition, thanks to rapierlike acidity, with finely meshed flavors of ripe black cherry and mandarin orange fruit, raw almond, anise and cardamom spice as well as a touch of honeycomb, which all unfurl and expand on the fine, creamy palate. Sleek acidity continues through to the finish, with additional racy character provided by a streak of minerally saline and chalk, which gains momentum through the midpalate and rings out on the well-cut, lasting finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2040.

"The effusively fruity, light bodied Pink offers terrific floral notes, persistent effervescence and a clean, delicate finish. There is perfect body and weight in this crystal clean and pure sparkling wine. It?????s an ideal aperitif to enjoy any day of the year. It?????s simply amazing!" - Riondo

Organic

Made from 100% Chardonnay from the Mont Royal, Chanet and Grand-Vaux parcels, all on steep, east-and-west-facing slopes of blue limestone-clay marls, the Cr??mant du Jura is aged on the lees for three years before disgorgement. Clean and mineral, this wine is bone dry, with slight tart apple fruit. There is no dosage applied, shaping a pure sparkling wine that clearly expresses the profound terroir of this remarkable region.