November 30 2006

Cover Story  (Counting Bubbles)
Liquid Dessert (Fortified, Icewine, Rarities and B-sides)
Bubble Reviews (From every corner and for every budget)
Taste Bites  (Chocolate Wishes and their Partners in Wine)
Wine Diva-isms  (Tis the season-and I'm a sucker for it!)

Bubbles

for

every
 
Budget

Luxury Bubbles


Pommery Pink "Pop"  Rosé, Champagne France, NV-As a child I would awake to a mandarin weighted stocking on Christmas morn. Never being a fan I would sigh, hike the stocking weights back to the fridge and dump them into the fruit drawer. This year I've penned a request to Santa Baby for a stocking full of Pink "Pop" mini's.
 Adorable, transportable and you don't need a glass, just a straw. Made from the classic Champers trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier this little darling is salmon hued with tiny swirling bubbles. She's fresh berries and  crisp apple with toast and nut aromas. She's  zippy and mouthwatering on the palate with chalky minerals and citrus and a long persistent finish. And as good as she tastes it's all about how good you look whilst sipping her!
Wine Diva perfect!
$18.95+ (approx) 200ml  private wine stores (arriving mid-December)
$72.00  750ml also arrives mid-December
Wine Diva tasted-November 24 2006



Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Particuliere Brut, Champagne France, NV-This Champagne rocks! I have to admit that with the amount of bubbly I drink I must be considered somewhat of an expert.
Somewhere. 
And the Feuillatte is certainly a WD favorite.
This is a creamy, and gentle Champers without heaviness or an excess of yeasty tones. Brilliant and reflective in your glass with lovely mousse and superlative pearls of bubbles that ribbon up the glass.
Aromas are reminiscent of a French Patisserie (think croissant, praline and brioche), creamy white tree fruits and fresh minerals. That creaminess really comes through on the palate with sweetly ripe fruit and honeysuckle. Smooth  and long on the finish. Made from the classic trio-Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Also available in 300ml or 250ml mini's.
$52.99 750ml BC (+802083)
AB 750ml (+500397) MB 750ml(+500397)
$41.05 750ml ON (+537605)
UPC #03282946006835
Wine Diva tasted-November 27 2006

Taittinger Brut Reserve, Champagne France, NV-A creamy luxury Champagne with pretty honey blossom/acacia aromas, crisp apples, juicy citrus and subtle nutty/toasty aromas. Great mouth-filling mousse, fresh and minerally (as opposed to overly yeasty) with perfectly formed delicate little bubbles and a long clean finish. Also in 375ml in some regions.
$54.99 BC LTO (limited time offer for December) regular $57.90 (+457713)
$54.05 On (+814723)
UPC #03016570001030
Wine Diva tasted-November 23 2006

Duval Leroy Brut, Champagne France, NV-Duval Leroy also makes another WD favorite in a hand painted gold  Paris bottle. But this particular Duval Leroy Brut has all the elements I require-creamy texture, rich mousse and a delicate bead of bubbles. Fresh and toasty on the nose with white orchard fruit, crisp citrus and clean minerals on the palate.
$58.14  (+385799) UPC #03259456001001
Wine Diva tasted-November 23 2006

 Lanson Brut Rosé, Champagne France, NV-
Lanson's regular Black Label is one of the best bargains on the Champagne shelf! And as much as I love that Black Label I revel the power and elegance behind the Rosé.
Salmon-y amber in all its gloriousness with a rich mousse and a continuous ballet of  bubbles streaming up the glass. Berries and nut-brioche with a side of citrus and a hint of orchard fruits and flowers. A rich minerally mouth-feel, crisp but with a lovely round body and clean finish. This classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir has a fuller textural style and pairs up well with anything from soft cheeses to your holiday turkey or planked salmon.
$59.99 BC (+172130) $54.95 ON (+172130)
UPC #00692743004089
Wine Diva tasted-November 24 2006

Jacquesson Cuvée No .730, Champagne France- History is being made in this bottle. The number 730 refers to the 730th Cuvée (blend) made by Jacquesson since 1898. Every Champagne house has a style, some crisp, delicate and fruity and some bolder with less  fruity-ness and more toasty/yeasty aromas.  Wine Diva finds the Jacquesson more of the latter-rich and complex  with a powerful mousse and clean minerality supported with deep toasty and nutty aromas. A very elegant Champers made primarily with Chardonnay but fleshed out with the addition of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier!
$59.99 (+347393)
Wine Diva tasted-November 23 2006

Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV-Pour it into a flute; watch the light reflect off of its liquid gold-ness and see how the bubbles dance merrily up the glass.
Here is your special occasion, don't wait for it!
Crisp and clean with mouth-watering apple, creamy lemon and white flowers with underlying tones of toasted brioche. 
I call it the Midas bottle-all the glitters is stunning gold!
$61.95 BC $59.95 ON (+268771)
UPC # 03114080016053
Wine Diva tasted- September 18th 2006

Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial, Champagne France NV- There are two camps of wine drinkers-the Champagne drinkers and the not. Wine Diva is somewhat perplexed by this (but hey I hold no grudges) but is certain that if you are in the not group Moet may very well be your epiphany bubbly. Pristine golden-yellow with voracious bubbles and a bright nose of pretty white flowers, exotic kumquat citrus, orchard pears and apples and fresh mineral aromas. In the mouth, candied citrus rind  ginger with a superbly clean finish.
Oh look my glass seems to be empty...
$63.45 BC $60.95 ON 750ml (+453084)
UPC #03185370000335
$34.95 BC $ 32.80 ON 375ml (+453076)  
UPC #03185370000021

Needs No Excuse Bubbles


Mionetto Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, Veneto Italy, NV- Pale in colour this recognizable Prosecco bottle with it's string tied cork has aromas of soft white orchard fruit, minerals and citrus with star anise spice and faint toasty aromas. The flavours are clean and dry with stone fruit and citrus and fresh mountain stream. Lovely long soft finish and a soft mousse perfect for those that prefer less (hiccup) bubble.
$21.99 (+432369)
UPC #08006220002000
Wine Diva Tasted-November 26 2006





Summerhill Cipes Brut, Okanagan BC, NV- One of the few Riesling based sparkling wines available in our market. The Pyramid-aged Cipes Brut (named for owner Stephen Cipes) is just a splash sweeter than a classic Brut but has great Riesling balance and acidity. Fresh and fruity with a creamy mousse that releases the perfume of sweet apple blossoms, orchard pears and nutty aromas. Crisp, but with a pleasingly lush mouth-feel and persistent bead of bubbles. 
Sushi, chevre or chicken salad anyone?.
$22.95 BC (+314419) Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-November 28 2006

 Sumac Ridge, Steller's Jay Brut, Okanagan BC, 2002- Our home grown hero from BC's favourite wine father Harry McWatters who obligingly loves his bubbles.
Cheers, Harry!
The Steller's Jay is richly golden-apricot with upfront aromas of toast, Bosc pears and fresh-from-the-orchard apples. On the palate the Jay is valiant, loaded with  citrus and mineral flavours. Always a solid and tasty sparkler! The 2002 is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir-which assists in that glorious hue.
$24.78 BC (+264879) $19.95 ON (2001 available)  &Alberta
Wine Diva Tasted-November 26 2006

Wolfberger Cremant Brut, Alsace France, NV-A crisp fair hued sparkler from a classic Alsatian grape variety-Pinot Blanc. Pinot Blanc is notoriously a hard grape to pinpoint aroma-wise but not to worry the Wolfberger is pretty anyways with a fresh, sweet nose of orchard fruits, chalky minerals and soft herbs, sweet spice and floral nuances. Fine persistent bubbles and clean flavour that bellows-Alsatian onion tart please!
$24.99 BC (+710111) Private wine stores
Wine Diva Tasted-November 27 2006

(for trivia on types of sparkling wines see Cover Story)

Graham Beck Brut, Western Cape South Africa, NV- From the first time I tried the Graham Beck I liked this always solid, well-made sparkler. Bold and masculine in style with a robust mouth-filling mousse, loads of toasty and yeasty aromas lifted by mineral, citrus and mixed fruit-compote aromas.
A complex and satisfying sparking wine made from a classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
$24.99 BC (+607747) Private wine stores
Wine Diva Tasted-November 28 2006




Sommariva Prosecco di Conegliano Spumante Dry, Veneto Italy, NV-
Delicate white blossoms, candied orchard fruit, and the pure fragrance of a fresh mountain stream. Don't be fooled by the "Dry" on the label. The Sommariva starts with just a hint of sweetness, which accentuates the silky texture of the wine, and finishes with a subtle hint of hazelnut. Vibrant on the palate and absolutely yummy!
$26.95 BC (+134619) UPC #08028542050033
(Wine Diva reviewed for CityFood July '06-photo courtesy of Kevin Clark)
Wine Diva tasted-June 2006
 

Mionetto "Sergio" M/O Prosecco Extra Dry, Veneto Italy, NV.-Visually stunning and smartly masculine (that way your man can't say no) the Sergio Spumante is a piece of countertop art! It's black, label-free bottle has elegant lines and a long neck but its beauty is more than just in its design. Luscious floral aromas-citrus blossoms and frangipani slip over a delicate crisp texture that offers persistent bubbles and a creamy-ultra smooth mouth-feel.
 A blend of Prosecco, Verduzzo & Bianchetta
Wine Diva reviewed for CityFood July '06-photo courtesy of Kevin Clark)
$26.99 BC (+515551) UPC #08006220110576
Wine Diva tasted-June 2006 re-tasted- November 27 2006



Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut, California, NV- A rich golden shade with an excellent mousse and bubbles set for party mode! Toast, berries and hazelnuts with lemon meringue pie aromas. Bright and full in the mouth with a creamy texture that rapidly moves into spiced citrus rind, fresh minerals and white fruit flavours. And the bubbles just keep partying....
Great California sparkler made with Champagne style. 
$29.99 BC (+192898) UPC #00033293111009
Wine Diva tasted-November 27 2006

Peter Lehmann Black Queen Sparkling Shiraz, Barossa, Australia, NV-I am often asked about sparkling Shiraz. People are curious, by nature but seem to wait for someone else to make this particular sparkling plunge first. Brilliant garnet-purple with a happy pink mousse topper. Rich blackberry, spice and eucalyptus aromas with bold fruit flavours, bittersweet chocolate and just a snap of tannins. Much dryer than other sparkling Shiraz wines on the market which would make it a great optional pairing with meat, turkey, stews and even barbeque.
$35.00+ BC (+290429) Private wine stores
AB (+719737)
Wine Diva tasted-November 28 2006
 
(for trivia on types of sparkling wines see Cover Story)

Party Bubbles

Coltiva Lambrusco Di Modena, Emiglia Romagna, Italy, NV- And now for something completely different! Lambrusco (also the grape variety name)must be tasted to understand. Purplish/red in colour with random frizzante bubbles and a pink frothy cap. Intriguing aromatics of red berries and blackberries a combo of sweet and intense. Sweet herbal, liquorice and 5-spice with a dusty sweetness on the palate. The perfect sparkling wine for a cold wintry night that will stand up to some pretty robust dishes or simply served as an aperitif.
$9.99 BC (+ 343087) UPC #08001929093618
Wine Diva tasted-November 27 2006
 

Chamdeville Brut Blanc de Blancs, France-A bubbly under $12.oo is pretty amazing. A bubbly under $12.00 that's a tasty score! Fresh juicy apple, with a sweetish "grapey" aroma and hints of eau de vie. Crisp citrus, candied rind and dry cider flavours in the mouth. A nice simple quaffer, affordable and a real crowd pleaser. Perfect for mimosa's.
$11.99 BC (+187740)
UPC #00603568009012
Wine Diva tasted-November 23 2006


Yellowglen "Pink", Australia, NV- Well a Wine Diva can't go wrong with anything that's called "Pink" can she? This is a bottle that will impress your guests visually and taste-fully while keeping you within your party budget.
Delicate pinky hue, medium bubbles and aromas of strawberries, soft orchard fruit, subtle floral nuances and citrus rind. Fun, bright and zippy with crisp citrus and mineral flavours.
$12.99BC (+89268) $13.95 On(+683183)
UPC #00098137113236
Wine Diva tasted-November 15 2006

Valdivieso Extra Brut, Chile, NV-Valdivieso has been making sparkling wine since 1879 so they really know what they're doing! This Brut is a lovely golden-yellow shade with toasty aromas, hints of sweet orchard fruit  (apple-pear) and just a drop of melon . Crisp in the mouth, zesty citrus, minerals and yeasty flavours with a white grapefruit-y finish.
Brut-ish dry but not bone-dry. Very good mousse, highly affordable and a clean food friendly finish.
$13.99+ BC (+28523) Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-November 22 2006


 

Segura Viudas, Brut Reserva, Penendes Spain, NV-Unless (until recently) you've been underage or living in a bubble (pun intended) Wine Diva bets you've had this go-to sparkler at a wedding reception, restaurant or party-somewhere! And there's an obvious reason why. Its very good and very affordable! Fair in colour-a refreshing pale yellow with glinting golden bubbles.  Its loaded with crisp tree fruit, apples and zippy lemon-lime and a hint of toast. Juicy citrus and mineral on the palate,  clean and dry with a long, delicately spiced finish. You can never go wrong with this bubbly! *December special $13.99!
$14.99 BC (+158493) UPC #00033293690009
AB (+158493)
MB (+158493)
$13.95 ON
Wine Diva tasted-November 29 2006

Segura Viudas Lavit Rosado Brut, Penedes Spain, -
A wine the colour of fresh strawberries should of course have aromas strawberries, no?. It has that and more-cranberry and blackberry sweet spices and pepper with citrus and a squirt of melon. Bold and energetic with delicate streaming bubbles and a dry clean finish that cries out for almonds and salty cheese and a room full of friends playing trivial pursuit.
$16.49 BC (+122796) *December special $15.49!
AB (+714613)
MB (+122796)
$13.95 ON (+673533)
Wine Diva tasted-November 28 2006
 

Paul Cheneau Cava, Spain, NV-A bold primary-hued wrapped bottle with a pop-art senorita waving a blue fan. I love bubbles, I love Cava so why shouldn't I love it if it's wrapped up prettier than the others! Fresh and vibrant with persistent bubbles and lovely aromas of apple, hazelnut and almond praline, minerals and delicate blossoms. Crisp and refreshing with a hint sweet citrus on the palate. Not just a three dressed up as a nine!
$16.90 (+488114) UPC 00839154000075
Wine Diva Tasted-August 31 2006
 

(for trivia on types of sparkling wines see Cover Story)

Mionetto IL Prosecco, Veneto Italy, Frizzante NV-
With its jaunty little crown cap and bowling pin body the IL screams fun! The medium-large bubbles tickle your nose with aromas of fresh citrus peel, white flowers and tropical fruit. Crisp citrus juice, minerals and hints of herbs make the IL Prosecco an easy sipping drink-perfect for parties.
Also available in a cute little sister size "aggettivo" mini at select private wine stores so you can have your own individual bottle!
Wine Diva reviewed for CityFood July '06-photo courtesy of Kevin Clark)

$17.99 750ml BCLDB (+378638) $12.85 ON (+558053)
$9.99+ (+463968) mini at Private Stores
UPC #00727760500594
Wine Diva Tasted-June 2006

Bottega Petalo Moscato "Il Vino dei Poeti", Veneto Italy NV-I discovered this pretty Moscato several years ago while living in Toronto. It has classic grapey Muscat  aromas of honey-blossoms, musk melon and apricot jelly. Its a delicately sweet wine, light golden in colour with small interspersed bubbles. The wines initial sweetness hits your tongue, becomes snappy with candied citrus on the mid-plate before smoothing out into a  long kiss of wild honey and rose water.  At 6.5% alcohol its a great breakfast or dessert  wine choice. Not a dry wine-but full of effervescent flavour!
This could be Wine Diva's Christmas-morning-with-paneforte Moscato!
$17.99 BC (+580993) $13.10 ON (+897702)
UPC #08005829220648
Wine Diva tasted-November 27 2006


See Ya Later Ranch Brut, Okanagan BC, NV- What a lovely shaped bottle, bottom heavy but elegant, clean and simple with a postage-stamp label and clean, foil-free top. Superbly mouss-y with  aromas of fresh baked croissant, white orchard fruits and a floral. Mineral, fresh citrus and a creamy texture make this sparkler an affordable BC wine to show off to your out of province holiday visitors!
Being 100% Chardonnay the French would say it's a Blanc de Blancs (white from white)-that'll really impress your guests.
$19.81 BC(+75648)
Wine Diva tasted-November 26 2006

Cantina Breganze Prosecco, Veneto Italy NV-This lovely Prosecco is quite aromatic. She features the perfume of Meyer lemon, rose petals and juicy orchard fruit. In the mouth she's dry, crisp and clean flavoured-full of citrus zest, chalky minerality and green apple. Medium 'frizzante' bubbles, delicate mousse and a smooth refreshing finish. Cin Cin!
(Wine Diva reviewed for CityFood July '06-photo courtesy of Kevin Clark)
$19.99 BC (+335414)UPC #00839131000616
Wine Diva tasted-June 2006
 

Valdo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene "Marco Oro"  Spumante, Veneto Italy NV- A rich mousse tops the glass when you uncork and pour the Valdo. Pretty, lifted citrus blossom and peachy aromas supported with earthy mineral notes. Crisp and clean on the palate with flavours reflective of the aromas in addition to the very classic, zesty and subtle white citrus rind flavours so commonly found in Prosecco.
(Wine Diva reviewed for CityFood July '06-photo courtesy of Kevin Clark)
$19.99 BC (+550111) UPC #08002335104066
Wine Diva tasted-June 2006

Go To Next Section

November 30 2006

Cover Story  (Counting Bubbles)
Liquid Dessert (Fortified, Icewine, Rarities and B-sides)
Bubble Reviews (From every corner and for every budget)
Taste Bites  (Chocolate Wishes and their Partners in Wine)
Wine Diva-isms  (Tis the season-and I'm a sucker for it!)