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SUMARROCA Brut Reserva Cava 2018
Origin: Penedes, Spain
Retail: $14.95 | $13.45
Once the largest farm in the entire Penedes region of northeast Spain, the Sumarroca family took over in 1999 and remains involved daily in the operations of the estate, and has a strong commitment to very sustainable farming practices, zero irrigation in the fields, and following strict organic regulations in order to produce the best fruit possible. The Cava Brut Reserva is made from the traditional Cava varieties Xarel.lo, Parellada, and Macabeo, plus the addition of Chardonnay to add an element of texture and fruit to the final wine. After harvest, each grape’s must goes through primary fermentation separately in stainless steel before being bottled together with a small dosage for a second fermentation in bottle. These bottles then rest for at least 20 months before disgorgement and release to the market.
This Cava is bright straw yellow with tiny, persistent bubbles and fragrant citrus fruits and apples on the nose. The palate is fresh and crisp with a lovely texture and acidity and apple fruit and earthy tones from Xarel.lo.
41% Parellada, 27% Xarel.lo, 23% Macabeo & 9% Chardonnay
R.S. 7 g/L
Champagne Trouillard Extra Sélection Brut
Origin: Champagne, France
Retail: $34.95 | $31.45
The Trouillard family has been part of the Champagne business in Epernay since the 19th century with Lucien Trouillard, the founder, showing an interest in Champagne at an early age. He produced his first bottles in 1896, at the age of 17. They are located in Hauvillers – the heart of Champagne – 5 kilometers from Epernay, at the crossroads between the Marne Valley and the Montagne de Reims. Hautvillers is where Dom Perignon produced his first Champagne in 1668 – his grave is just 10 meters from the property. Today the Trouillard and Gobillard families own 30 hectares of vines located primarily in Hautvillers’s Premier Cru vineyard. The winery is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, balancing new quality assurance methods with champenoise traditions. Grapes are hand-harvest end of September-early October, then pressed to maintain the freshness and fragrance of the fruit. Selected from 15 different vineyards located in the Marne Valley, in the Aube and the small Mountain of Reims.
With a light amber color and fine bubbles, full-bodied with a full mixture of white fruits. Dominating taste of hazelnuts and grilled almonds. This is a crisp, delicate, fresh, creamy and elegant champagne with just a touch of yeastiness.
35% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay
R.S. 8g/L
Schramsberg Brut Rose 2018
Origin: North Coast, California
Retail: $45.95 | $41.35
Schramsberg Vineyards focuses on producing the finest and most complex handcrafted sparkling wines in California. Preserving century-old traditions, many of our viticultural and winemaking practices are still carried out by hand. OMost of Schramsberg’s viticultural and winemaking practices are carried out by hand: grapes are hand harvested, the wines are handcrafted, the bottles are stacked and riddled by hand in our underground caves. Unique among California sparkling wine houses, Schramsberg Vineyards ferments 25% of its juice in oak barrels to produce a richer, more luscious style. Schramsberg has also developed a library of reserve base wines that are barrel aged for up to 10 years. These wines provide additional refinement and complexity to the finished products.
The character of the wine is most strongly influenced by bright, flavorful Pinot Noir grown along the coast from southern Mendocino County to northern Marin County. A very versatile wine; try it with sushi, salmon, rock shrimp, pizza, roast chicken, BBQ ribs, caprese and Panzanella salads, red berry tarts, and an array of cheeses, charcuterie, nuts and fresh fruit.
62% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay
R.S. 10 g/L