Absinthe Esmeralda

The colour is transparent with slightly greenish reflex. On the nose mainly anice and liquorice, which are clearly perceived also in the mouth. Very hot, due to the high alcohol content (72%). The aftertaste is savoury and pleasant. It last for a long time. When water is added (as it should), the colour becomes a cloudy milky white, the flavours more nuanced and the alcohol less prominent. Continue reading “Absinthe Esmeralda”

Cuvée Fleur de Craie Brut

The colour is medium straw, with very fine, long-lasting bubbles. On the nose grapefruits and pears, accompanied by buttery notes. In the mouth fresh and tasty. The aftertaste is medium long.

The Cuvée Fleur de Craie is a champagne made by Bolieu with 100% Chardonnay grapes from vineyards planted in 1972 and 1973, the year I was born. The vineyards are located in Bassuet at the edge of the Côte des Blancs. Continue reading “Cuvée Fleur de Craie Brut”

Marcperler

The colour is pale straw, with fine, but rather short-lasting bubbles. On the nose subtle aromas of mandarin, grapefruits and candied fruits. In the mouth pleasantly fruity and refreshing. The aftertaste is also discreet, but pleasant and medium lasting.

This sparkling wine is made in Ticino by Agriloro assembling Sémillon (more than 50% of the blend), Arinarnoa, Tannat, Egiodola and Carmenere grapes. Continue reading “Marcperler”

Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé

The colour is medium salmon, with very fine, medium-lasting bubbles. On the nose strawberries and raspberries. In the mouth elegant and well balanced. Very smooth. The aftertaste is medium long.

This prestigious champagne is made by Laurent-Perrier with 100% Pinot Noir grapes. It is a Brut with 9g of sugar per litre.

The base wines come from ten of the best vineyards in Champagne, in particular Ambonnay, Bouzy, Louvois and Tours-sur-Marne. Continue reading “Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé”

ADN de Meunier Rosé Brut

The colour is deep salmon, with very fine, medium-lasting bubbles. On the nose canine rose, strawberries, bred crust. In the mouth firm tannins, which is unusual for a Champagne, and lightly salty. The aftertaste is medium long.

This Rosé Champagne is made 100% with Pinot Meunier grapes from the Marne Valley by Christophe Mignon, an independent vigneron that cultivates his vineyards and makes his wines in harmony with the lunar calendar and according to biodynamic principles. Continue reading “ADN de Meunier Rosé Brut”

Ratafia Didier Barbe

The colour is pale amber. On the nose fruits under spirit, walnuts, wood. In the mouth smooth and sweet. Well balanced. The aftertaste is drying and last for a pleasant while.

Ratafia is made from the standard Champagne grapes, using left over grape juice of the harvest from the third or fourth press, to which alcohol is added to avoid fermentation. Various herbs, aromatic plants and walnuts may be added for a couple of months of maceration. Continue reading “Ratafia Didier Barbe”

Malard Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs

The colour is pale gold, with fine, medium-lasting bubbles. On the nose mandarins (a lot), mirabelle and candied fruit. In the mouth flavors in harmony with the nose. Full bodied. The aftertaste last for quite a while.

Blanc de Noirs is white Champagne made exclusively from red grapes: Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. Blanc de Noirs Champagnes are, on the whole, richer and fuller bodied than wines with a major component of Chardonnay. Continue reading “Malard Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs”

Brut de Muid

This Blanc de Blancs is made with 100% Chardonnay grapes using the traditional method and spends two years on the lees. It is a simple, but well made sparkling wine.

Although overall I consider it a very pleasant sparkling wine, I find it hard to write tasting notes. I therefore avoid it. Seems like that even Champagne wines are often so subtly aromatic that the effervescence may mask their delicate bouquet. Not sure it is also the case with this Blanc de Blancs… Continue reading “Brut de Muid”

Ziliani “C” Brut

The colour is medium straw. The perlage is delicate. On the nose a hint of Danish pastry, with some apples and pears. In the mouth not much, beside the bubbly sensation. No aftertaste worth mentioning neither.

This Franciacorta sparkling wine is produced by Cantina Chiara Ziliani with a blend of 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir. Continue reading “Ziliani “C” Brut”

Clairette de Die Clairdie Tradition

The perlage is delicate. On the nose very aromatic, with notes of melon, peach, pear, and mandarin. In the mouth delicate and refreshing, with some residual sweetness.

Clairette de Die Tradition wines are sparkling wines made under the Clairette de Die appellation of the eastern part of the Rhône Valley wine region. Continue reading “Clairette de Die Clairdie Tradition”