Sparkling Wine - Blanc de Noirs

This is a Méthode Champenoise sparkling wine, meaning that it is made the same way as Champagne, with a second fermentation taking place in the bottle. It is made from 100% Pinot Noir, a red grape, but pressed quickly & lightly after harvest to yield a very light colored juice. Hence the name Blanc de Noirs, meaning a "white" wine from "black" grapes.

 

Though it is a light colored wine, there is an added level of dimension from the red grapes in the form of a red apple skin aroma, & a spicy, almost nutmeg, finish. The palate has the crisp acidity of a gala apple, & a marzipan creaminess indicating time spent on the lees during the traditional second fermentation.

 

Soft & nutty cheeses are an easy & delicious pairing, as is caviar & blini. Honestly, though, we just can't resist pairing sparkling wines with fried foods! Croquettes bring out the spiciness in this wine, while fried mushrooms play on the earthy notes of the Pinot Noir.

 

Cheers,

Big Dog Vineyards