How come I’m always the last person to find out really important shit, like that Champagne is the greatest drink ever invented? I arrived late at this party, but I’m here now and I am making 2013 the year of Champagne. I wonder if it is that, like most people, I thought Champagne was only for “special occasions.” Sure, celebrate with Champagne, go for it, but it is also great to have with Thai food on a Monday night. Or maybe fried chicken on a Tuesday. I’m sure you get the point, or at least I hope you do.
Anyway, this bottle of André Clouet Grand Reserve NV really stands out amongst recent Champagne I’ve tasted. It’s from a great producer, with a nice range of wines, and at about $40, it is very fairly priced for the quality in the bottle. The Grand Reserve is all Pinot Noir blended from three successive vintages. It is all apples and pear skin with a nice toasty richness. Drink this stuff on its own or pair it with anything that tickles your fancy.
Good morning…
Did you know that of the 1750 different bottles that were tasted across theLocalSip in the last five months in NYC, 12% were bubbly, 9% Champagne.
I’m with you. A newbie and just learning (I tasted a lot) to enjoy Champagne as wine. Simple phrase, big change for me.
And honestly, Grower’s Champagne to this Natural wine blogger is not as interesting as what happens with single vintage, single vineyard and more interesting even non dosage. Stuff i can taste.
And of course not just Champagne but bubbly of all sorts.
Now that i know that I can get really great natural bubbly for under $40 down the street, I’ve started beginning my meals with it and layering it into my days.
Let’s lift a glass of this one of these days!
Arnold… thanks again for your always insightful comments! Let’s put a date on the books and chat over a glass (or two!)…. Cheers, Greg
Hi Greg,
I concur. One can prefer Bordeaux over Burgundy, Barolo to Brunello and Rioja to Ribera, but no other sparkling wine can hold a candle to champagne! I only wish I could afford to drink it every day!
Tom, thanks again for your thoughtful words… how true, there is only one Champagne! It may not be an everyday thing, but I am making part of my week thing… All the best… Greg