The Black Dress Traveler

Sparkle Every Day: Seven Days of Bubbly!

The fireworks and confetti of New Year’s Eve may already seem like a distant memory but there’s an easy way to keep that ebullient feeling all year long – sparkling wine! Whether you opt to pop the cork on Champagne or Cava, Trentodoc or Crémant, make 2020 the year that you promote sparkling wines to a featured character, not just a guest star, in the drama of your life.  

My friends know that I love to pop open a bottle of bubbly whenever we get together, not just for special occasions. I enjoy taking my palate on a journey around the world by exploring different sparkling wines and I’m smitten by the ritual of bubbly. It takes a bit of time and attention to unwrap the foil, remove the cage, and pop the cork but sparkling wine rewards your diligence with effervescence that you can see, taste, and feel. It truly makes every moment, even nights with Netflix and takeout, a little more special. With this in mind, I present these seven sensational sparkling wines, one for each day of the week, for your consideration. Cheers!


Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve ($69)
Affectionately known as “Champagne Charlie”, Charles Heidsieck was the dapper and savvy French gentleman that was the catalyst for America’s love affair with Champagne. His legacy lives on in the beautiful wines that bear his name. I actually toasted 2020 with this lovely blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Luscious, crisp, and creamy, a sip of this elegant bubbly will make you say ooh la la!



Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée ($50)
I always smile when I sip Bruno Paillard’s elegant Champagne. Delicate but not wimpy, this crisp and nuanced bubbly shows the magic that happens when smart choices are made at every step of the winemaking process; from the vineyards to disgorgement. A blend of Pinot Noir (45%), Chardonnay (33%) and Pinot Meunier (22%), it is crafted exclusively from the first pressing of the grapes so that the wine is built on a foundation of the purest juice.



Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco Premier Cru ($42)
I recently toasted a friend’s birthday with Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco Premier Cru and everyone gave it a rave review. An assemblage of 7 Grands Crus and 13 Premiers Crus, this blend of Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (40%), and Pinot Meunier (20%) has impressive verve, minerality, and richness. Crisp with a decadent hint of cream and a smidgen of sexy smokiness. Trés chic!



Langlois-Chateau Crémant de Loire Brut ($24)
Champagne isn’t France’s only sparkling wine. In other French regions, traditional method wines are called Crémant. This lovely sip from the Loire Valley is a blend of Chenin Blanc (60%), Chardonnay (20%), and Cabernet Franc (20%) is juicy, round, and crisp with impressive oomph and texture.

Ferrari Brut Trentodoc ($28)
Take your love of bubbly to new heights with Trentodoc. Known as “Sparkling Wine from the Mountains”, the name Trentodoc combines the place of origin (Trento) with the Italian wine classification DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata). I recently visited the region’s most acclaimed producer, Ferrari, and can attest to the wonderful influence that the mountainous terroir has on the wines. The fresh air, warm days, and cool nights provide an optimal environment for the grapes to achieve balance. You can taste it. Made in the traditional method, Ferrari Brut is a fresh, crisp and elegant expression of 100% Chardonnay. Approachable but not one-dimensional, its vibrant fruit flavors are balanced by a hint of crusty fresh-baked bread.



Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs ($22)
100% Chardonnay and absolutely fabulous, this traditional method wine from Sonoma is crafted in the same precise and labor-intensive manner as Champagne. Frisky and crisp with lovely flavors of green apple, citrus, biscuity brioche, and a hint of vanilla; it delivers plenty of personality at a great price.



Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia 2015 ($17)
I fell in love with Cava during my time as a student in Spain and me gusta mucho Juvé & Camps! Made in the traditional method, it is an elegant expression of the indigenous grape varieties Xarel-lo (55%), Macabeo (35%), and Parellada (10%). I actually sipped this bottle on Christmas Eve with my family and this charming Cava’s fresh fruit flavors, crispness, and toasty notes won over a very tough crowd, even mom liked it!

The Sparkling Torch Passes at Champagne Boizel

Florent and Evelyne Roques-Boizel represent the 6th and 5th generations of Champagne Boizel. 

I may never again witness a passing of the torch as elegant and heartfelt as the tender moment between Evelyne Roques-Boizel and her son Florent Roques-Boizel. After more than 40 years of leading her family’s respected 185-year-old Champagne house, Evelyne has entrusted Florent with the family’s legacy and he has been appointed CEO. 


A woman of exceptional strength and character, Evelyne unexpectedly found herself leading Champagne Boizel at the age of 22 when her father and brother passed away within 2 years of each other. During that tumultuous time, Evelyne’s primary focus was keeping the family business afloat. But along the way she developed an authentic and profound passion for Champagne. Evelyne believes that “passion keeps you modest because there is always something to learn.” In my conversation with Florent, it was clear that he shares his mother’s passion for Champagne and is committed to maintaining her exacting standards. Champagne Boizel is in very good hands. 

Founded in 1834, Boizel is located in the heart of Epernay, on the iconic Avenue de Champagne. Crafting their wines with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced exclusively from Champagne’s most coveted Grands and Premiers Crus, Boizel uses only the first pressings of the grapes and dosage is kept to a minimum to preserve the wine’s natural expression. All of their wines are aged sur lie (on the lees) in their historic chalk cellars for a minimum of 3 years, and that aging process climbs to 15 years and beyond for the best vintages. That extended aging time noticeably adds complexity and texture to their wines. Fresh and elegant with delicate yet perky bubbles, Champagne Boizel’s wines are crisp, rich, and round; they sing with passion and precision.

Champagne Boizel Brut Réserve NV ($50) is a charming introduction to their House style. A fresh and crisp blend of Pinot Noir (55%), Chardonnay (30%) and Pinot Meunier (15%) that was aged three years sur lie in bottle, its flavors of citrus, apple, brioche, and white peach are vibrant and balanced. 

Such an elegant rosé! Champagne Boizel Rosé NV ($62) is a blend of Pinot Noir (50%), Pinot Meunier (30%) and Chardonnay (20%) that was aged for three years sur lie in bottle. The captivating color matches the energy of its crisp and vibrant raspberry, strawberry, and citrus flavors. 

Florent told me that their 100% Chardonnay Champagne Boizel Blanc de Blancs NV ($82) was the favorite of his father’s, whom they affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Chardonnay”! If you share my love of super-crisp, very mineral, and tantalizingly chalky Champagnes, this is the bubbly for you. Aged four years sur lie in bottle, layers of flavors and textures pirouette across the palate. Classic but not boring, this beauty has power and grace.

With zero dosage (no added sugar), Champagne Boizel “Ultime” Extra Brut NV ($90) is a very direct expression of terroir. Aged six years sur lie in bottle, this blend of Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (37%), and Pinot Meunier (13%) displays a compelling medley of fruit, mineral, and savory flavors.

Only produced in the best years, Champagne Boizel Grand Vintage 2008 ($100) is a fine example of exceptional Champagne’s capacity for long aging. A blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, this regal bubbly was aged 8 years sur lie in bottle. Still impressively fresh and lively, it is bold but not aggressive with a delightful interplay between citrus and nutty flavors. (2007 pictured but I tasted the 2008 vintage.)

A blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay, Champagne Boizel “Joyau de France" Brut 2000 ($150) is produced only in the best years. Talk about extended aging – it spends an impressive 12 years aging sur lie in bottle. Bursting with vitality, it is crisp and mineral with tantalizing tinges of honey, almond, and marzipan.

Sparkling Spotlight: Champagne Palmer & Co. Brut Réserve

What do you like to drink on a snowy day? Some people like a steamy cup of hot cocoa, I prefer a crisp glass of Champagne! As snow frosted the streets of Manhattan, I was warm and cozy inside with a bottle of Champagne Palmer & Co. Brut Réserve ($60). And since the first snow fall of the season is a special occasion, it only seemed fitting to pair it with Pearl Street Caviar Siberian Select (prices start at $25). You may call it decadent, I call it my snow day survival kit!


image courtesy of Champagne Palmer & Co.

A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier from the most prestigious terroirs in the Champagne region, Champagne Palmer Brut Réserve is full-bodied and vivacious. Aged four years on the lees, it is crisp and clean with delicate bubbles and a subtle creaminess. It pirouettes across the palate with flavors of lemon sorbet, golden apple, Japanese pear, and intriguing hints of ginger, hazelnut, and buttery brioche woven into the strong mineral core. A very elegant and delicious bubbly that is perfect on snowy days, sunny days, sultry nights, and more, Champagne Palmer & Co.’s flagship wine is quite impressive.  

image courtesy of Champagne Palmer & Co.

Founded more than 70 years ago by seven grower families with prized Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims region, the Champagne Palmer & Co. team clearly knows that great wine starts in the vineyards and you can taste the terroir and exceptional quality of the grapes in the bold and balanced Brut Réserve. 

Sparkling Spotlight: Meet Régis Camus, The Rare Talent Who Makes Rare Champagne

It takes a winemaker with exceptional talent and confidence to craft a champagne that lives up to the audacious name Rare. Régis Camus is such a winemaker. Quite frankly, Régis is the standard by which I judge all other champagne makers. And I’m not alone in my high opinion of his skills – Régis has been honored 8 times as Sparkling Winemaker of the Year by the International Wine Challenge. Yes, Régis has clearly mastered the art of making bubbly.

In 2018, Régis retired from Piper-Heidsieck after a tenure of 22 years, including 16 years in the prestigious role of cellar master. But you would have been foolish to count him out. Régis is now the cellar master for the House’s exclusive Rare Champagne. Produced only in the most exceptional vintages, only 11 vintages of Rare have been created in the last four decades. 

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of tasting several vintages of Rare with Régis. The exquisite beauty of Rare Champagne is rivaled only by his humility and humor. In our laughter-filled tastings, it has become clear to me that making champagne isn’t just his career, it is Régis’s calling. The accolades are certainly well-deserved but I am convinced that Régis would pour his heart into making exquisite champagne even if no one noticed. But we do notice.

Rare is always released to great fanfare and Champagne connoisseurs know that only exceptional bottles of bubbly are worthy of being bottled as Rare. It is vital for Régis that Rare Champagne has spicy notes and he told me that he will only deem a vintage Rare if freshness, minerality, and exotic notes are there. If not, he won’t make it. For that reason, no vintage was declared since 2002, until 2006.

“Rare Millésime 2006 is immediately delectable, both oriental and fresh, mature and warm. Thanks to its almost paradoxical mineral and opulent tautness, it shows substantial potential for expression.”
Régis Camus

Régis always provides succinct descriptions that capture the essence of each Rare vintage and has declared Rare 2006 ($175) as SUNNY. In 2006, copious sunshine with moderate temperatures increased the opulence of the grapes. Always a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, Régis said that Rare is always an “authentic image of the vintage.” Cellared for thirteen years, Rare 2006 has aged beautifully. It is very generous on the palate but still maintains a youthful energy. And its rich golden hue certainly evokes the warmth and brilliance of sunshine.

“I had already produced the first Rare Champagne rosé vintage in 2007. I took the liberty the following year of creating a successor, which would not be discovered until a decade later. Rare Rosé Millésime 2008 proves to be decisively graceful and mineral, much like a Mondrian, with nuances of quartz.”
Régis Camus

Rare Rosé 2008 ($450) is only the second vintage of rosé, Rare Rosé 2007 was the first. While the 2007 was described as SENSUAL, Régis has deemed Rare Rosé 2008 to be PRECISELY GRACIOUS. The first thing you notice is the beautiful shade of coppery pink, reminiscent of pink quartz. Régis spoke of the challenges of making the color consistent and his disdain for rosé that is more orange than pink. A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, Régis is adamant that Rare Rosé display vibrant fruit and color but not aggressive tannins. Silky and delicate but impactful, Rare Rosé 2008 is sexy and elegant with a subtle sensuality. It swept me off my feet.

Yes, Rare 2006 and Rare Rosé 2008 are splurges but these impeccably crafted wines take you on a journey that reveals the unique power and beauty of vintage Champagne and the dedication, passion, and precision required to make wine at this level. With great anticipation, I await Régis’s declaration of the next Rare vintages.

A Memory in Every Bubble: The Timeless Beauty of Champagne Taittinger

Champagne Taittinger winemaker Alexandre Ponnavoy and artistic director Vitalie Taittinger. 

If I ever felt any uncertainty that Champagne plays a starring role in in many of life’s special moments, those doubts were elegantly dissolved in a glass of Taittinger. At a recent media lunch, I watched fairly reserved wine writers get absolutely giddy as they shared Taittinger tinged memories. One couple, married for decades, passed around a precious photo from their wedding day, where a case of Taittinger was in prominent view like a VIP guest. Another writer, recently engaged, beamed as she told us that she and her fiancé had toasted their special moment with Taittinger. Old love or new love, it seems that where there’s love, there’s Taittinger.

After all, it takes a lot of love to make Champagne – the process is labor intensive and requires extreme patience. This love has inspired the Taittinger family for generations. One of the few remaining family-owned and operated Champagne houses, Taittinger doesn’t simply make bubbly; they are committed to preserving a tradition and cultural treasure.

As the bubbly and memories flowed at our media luncheon, Vitalie Taittinger (artistic director) and Alexandre Ponnavoy (winemaker) generously shared the Taittinger story. Vitalie describes her father, Pierre-Emmanuel-Taittinger, the grandson of the founder, as the “memory of the House.” Memory is an integral part of the Champagne process because each year the winemaker is challenged with creating a wine that evokes the core attributes of the house style.

We tend to use Champagne as a generic term but each house has a different style and Taittinger is unique in several ways. Unlike most large Champagne houses, Taittinger relies primarily on estate grown grapes to produce their wines, instead of depending heavily on outside growers. Taittinger also uses a higher percentage of Chardonnay grapes in their blends. Winemaker Alexandre Ponnavoy said that Chardonnay brings “energy and elegance” to the blend but that it is also important to “respect the scale” between Chardonnay and the other grapes – Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. 

I’ve been a Taittinger fan for years so it was fascinating to taste these exceptional Champagnes with Alexandre and Vitalie. Now, I have a new experience to add to the trove of beautiful memories inspired by their bubbly. To make your own special moments even more memorable, pop the cork on one of these fantastic bottles of Champagne Taittinger.

Champagne Taittinger Brut la Française NV ($64.99)
Nonvintage is always the best way to understand the style of a Champagne house. As winemaker Alexandre Ponnavoy said, this is Taittinger’s “ambassador cuvée and how you introduce the spirit of Taittinger.” What a lovely introduction. A blend of Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (35%) and Pinot Meunier (25%), it contains a higher proportion of Chardonnay than other nonvintage Champagnes, which imbues it with impressive elegance and freshness. It was also aged 3-4 years on the lees, which is more than twice as long as required. This extended aging adds beautiful brioche and toasty notes that meld beautifully with the vibrant and crisp fruit flavors.


Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV ($84.99)
This quite luxurious rosé Champagne is a blend of Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (30%), and Pinot Meunier (20%). Aged three years on the lees, it is full and crisp with lively flavors of red fruits, blood orange, and a hint of zest.


Champagne Taittinger Brut Millésimé 2013 ($102)
A blend of equal proportions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Taittinger only produces Brut Millésimé in exceptional vintage years.  Speaking of the 2013, Alexandre said, “There is wonderful energy in this vintage” and “lots of yellow fruit” in its aroma and taste; such as citrus, yellow grapefruit and pear. Aged for five years on the lees, it is rich yet graceful with fine bubbles and a seductively long finish.

Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2007 ($215.99)
100% Chardonnay, this precise bubbly is powerful yet graceful. Only produced in exceptional vintage years, the Chardonnay grapes were sourced from the top vineyards of Côte des Blancs. Aged for ten years on the lees, this is a next-level Champagne that balances brightness and vivacity with tantalizing hints of exotic smoke, anise, and a kiss of salinity. A beautiful symphony of flavor!

Make Every Moment Exceptional with Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Champagne

"Science and sensitivity, great wine is always a balance between the two. Technology is not against tradition." - Benoît Gouez, Cellar Master, Moët & Chandon

Someone recently asked me what I enjoy most about wine writing. Aside from the obvious delights of drinking wonderful wines and traveling to vineyards near and far, the greatest joy continues to be the people that wine brings into my life. Some of my richest new friendships have been formed over a shared passion for wine. Wine has a way of breaking down barriers and slowing down time that fosters a connection. Share a bottle of wine with someone and you tend to discover more similarities than differences and an appreciation for the beauty in our differences. For the past three years I've had the pleasure of tasting the new vintages of Moët & Chandon Champagne with their cellar master Benoît Gouez and it has become one of my most anticipated appointments each year. 

The first year that we met, I confess to being a bit awe struck. Truthfully, I wondered if the invitation to meet with Benoît had been sent to me by mistake. Founded in 1743, Moët & Chandon is one of the most iconic champagne houses in the world. During my first meeting with Benoît, his down-to-earth demeanor and welcoming personality instantly put me at ease. Once that ice was broken, Benoît beautifully dispelled any notion that Moët & Chandon's size and status somehow rendered them not concerned with artistry, quality, tradition, and innovation. Benoît is passionate and precise about winemaking and committed to making sure that each bottle of bubbly lives up to Moët & Chandon's rigorous standards and rich legacy.  

During our most recent meeting in New York City, Benoît generously shared his time and Moët & Chandon's 2012 Grand Vintage releases. Only released in exceptional vintages, the Grand Vintage wines showcase not only the unique qualities of that year but Benoit's interpretation of the vintage. "The wines made from black grapes, especially the fragile Meunier, were particularly good in 2012, which explains why they make up an important part of the assemblage. This Grand Vintage is a softly fresh and harmonious wine that reveals itself slowly but with supple assurance, like the gentle transition of spring into summer, and envelops the palate, blossoming into a crisp yet balanced bouquet."

Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2012 Extra Brut Champagne ($75) is the House's 74th declared vintage. A blend of Chardonnay (41%), Pinot Noir (33%) and Meunier (26%), this majestic bubbly is rich and complex but also has a gentle coyness that is quite seductive. Supple with fine bubbles, crisp apple and pear flavors are lifted by hints of ginger and lychee, with a hint of butterscotch and citrus. The decadently long finish leaves a lasting impression on the palate. Exuberant and impeccable, this is a transcendent champagne. 

Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé Extra Brut 2012 ($85) is the House's 43rd rosé vintage and evokes the transition from spring to summer. A blend of Pinot Noir (42% of its assemblage of which 13% is red wine), Chardonnay (35%), and Meunier (23%); this is an exceptionally elegant and expressive rosé champagne. There's an unabashed fleshiness in this bubbly's red fruit flavors but hints of citrus and stone fruit add verve. Sexy and sophisticated! 


The Moët & Chandon 2012 Grand Vintage champagnes are superb examples of Benoît's artistic nature. I recently shared both of these wines with my very picky friends and everyone was impressed by their beauty. Wow was uttered more than once. If you're looking for wines that will make even a casual meal with friends feel like a gala occasion, pop open a bottle of Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Champagne! 

 

Five Fantastic Wines to Share with Someone Special

A beautiful bottle of wine is the perfect way to express your feelings for someone special. Whether you're having a romantic dinner or catching up with your circle of friends, add some magic to the moment with a special wine. 

Sipping la vie en rose is elegantly easy with superb Champagne Palmer & Co. Rosé Reserve ($80). A beautifully balanced blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier; this unique bubbly has a special touch of magic -- an infusion of Pinot Noir from a forty-year-old solera from Les Riceys. The Pinot Noir from the solera enhances this vibrant wine with spice, depth, and complexity. This sip is utterly charming with delicate bubbles. Fresh red & black fruit flavors meld harmoniously with the richer fruit flavors from the solera wine. Truly elegant and special!

Add some sweet liquid sunshine to gray winter days with Inniskillin Riesling Ice Wine 2017, Niagara Estates ($90). Made from Riesling grapes that were frozen on the vine, the wine’s intense sweetness is balanced by vibrant natural acidity. The rich honey, tropical, and citrus flavors are a delicious reminder of sunny days ahead! Not just for dessert, a perfect match with pâté and other savory foods.

If I ruled the world, everyone would be drinking more Cabernet Franc! This elegant Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2015 ($65) gets a bit of muscle from a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, but the litheness of the Cabernet Franc still shines through. I recommend opening this bottle up for an hour or so before drinking so that the rich and sultry dark berry flavors can really open up. These bold and juicy fruit flavors meld nicely with kisses of spice and sashay along a thread of silky tannins. A big wine but not unwieldy, a very sexy sip!


Such a lovely vino! Ferzo Passerina Terre di Chieti 2017 ($26) from Abruzzo (Italy) has vibrant and perky flavors of citrus and chamomile, a touch of grass and salinity, and crisp minerality on the long dry finish. In Italian “Ferzo” refers to a patch of fabric that is stitched together with others to create a sail. Ferzo wines are crafted from Abruzzo’s finest viticultural patches. Quite delicious!

Malbec and Cabernet Franc form a beautiful partnership in BenMarco Expresivo 2016 ($35). A captivating wine from legendary winemaker Susana Balbo, it is a vibrant expression of the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Big and bold, Expresivo elegantly shows off luscious blackberry, blueberry, and violet flavors with a touch of red bell pepper, graphite and pepper. An exceptional sip! 

Legendary Champagne Maker Régis Camus Takes a Rare & Wonderful Detour

In the rarefied world of champagne, Régis Camus garners genuine admiration and awe. Honored an astounding 8 times as Sparkling Winemaker of the Year by the International Wine Challenge, Régis joined Piper-Heidsieck in 1994 and ascended to the prestigious position of cellar master in 2002. Many were stunned when Régis announced his retirement from Piper-Heidsieck in 2018 but don't count him out; he's embarked on an exciting new chapter as cellar master for the House's exclusive line of Rare Champagne. Produced only in the most exceptional vintages, only nine vintages of Rare have been created in the last four decades.  


I recently had the pleasure of sipping Rare 2002 ($225) with Régis on his whirlwind visit to New York City. Although our conversation required the assistance of a lovely translator, the warmth of Régis's personality shines through in his easy laugh and twinkling eyes. Régis said that "each Rare vintage has its own personality" and that the latest 2002 release is "generous and rich but very refined and delicate." Rare is always a blend of Chardonnay (70%) and Pinot Noir (30%) but each vintage is a unique expression of that year. (Rare Rosé 2007 is the exception to this blending proportion. The first, and only Rare Rosé vintage thus far, it is a blend of 56% Chardonnay and 44% Pinot Noir.) 

Rare 2002 has beguiling flavors of Asian & tropical fruits, crisp minerality, and tinges of spice. A precise and vivacious wine, Régis says that "when you smell it, you can't imagine that this wine is 16 years old" because the aromas are so vibrant. Because of Rare 2002's exceptional structure, Régis believes that "it is a wine that can be saved for 10-15 years more."

Limited-Edition Rare Le Secret Goldsmith Edition Magnum ($1000). The bottle was decorated by Mellerio, the oldest jeweler in the world.

Régis has a philosophical attitude about his decision to move on from the larger-scale winemaking of Piper-Heidsieck to focus on Rare -- "the time had come to pass the torch to the next generation" in the same way that it had passed to him earlier in his career. Believing that "the most important thing is to stay young in your mind," even at this stage in his journey as a winemaker Régis has shown himself capable of innovation and surprise -- "In 1997, I decided to secretly blend a very limited quantity of Rare Champagne, which I preserved only in magnums.” That secret stash of about 1,000 magnums has recently been released as the aptly named Le Secret.  

Unlike Rare Champagne, Le Secret has no dosage (sweetness added back into champagne after disgorgement). Delightfully dry but not austere, Le Secret is bold with exuberant flavors of lemon and citrus fruit, hints of fresh apricot, and verbena that are enhanced by minerality and exotic flavors. Le Secret has its own personality but clearly has Rare DNA and the Régis touch. How good is it? Five of us finished a magnum of Le Secret in record time over lunch! Clearly at $1000 a magnum, Le Secret is a splurge but sometimes it's interesting to know such beautiful things exist even if our budgets and sensibilities don't permit such extravagance. 

If you really want to daydream or have $100,000 to spare, a few bottles of Le Secret have been adorned with fine jewels from Mellerio, the world's oldest jeweler. A shared link to Marie-Antoinette made this collaboration a natural fit: according to Piper-Heidsieck "in 1780, the Queen of France is said to have acquired a Mellerio bracelet formed of seven cameos and adorned with garnets. In a similar tale, a few years later, she was presented with what would later become Rare Champagne."



Even without being draped in jewels fit for a queen, a bottle of champagne crafted by Régis Camus is something to treasure. And I certainly value the time that I've spent sipping champagne with this charming and accomplished gentleman. From Piper-Heidsieck to Rare to Le Secret, Régis's impressive wine journey is defined by daring, artistry, excellence, and authenticity. Régis makes wines for people to enjoy, wines that tell a story, and wines that stand the test of time. That's truly priceless.  

Wanda's Wine Glass: Donnafugata, Bonterra, and Champagne Pommery

Whether I'm wining & dining with friends or just relaxing at home, wine is an essential part of my life. When a wine makes me lift up my glass and say WOW, I have to share my tasting notes with you. Cheers, Wanda  

Donnafugata "Floramundi" Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG 2016 ($30)

Donnafugata means "woman in flight" but you should run towards, not away from, this elegant and sultry wine from south-east Sicily! A blend of the indigenous Sicilian grapes, Nero d'Avola (70%) and Frappato (30%); Floramundi is a lighter-bodied red that you can serve slightly chilled on a hot summer day. Fresh cherry and berry flavors are enhanced by a subtle kiss of spice. Floramundi is another beautifully made and expressive Donnafugata wine that is boldly adorned with artwork of a powerful and alluring woman. Fun fact: Cerasuolo di Vittoria is Sicily's only DOCG wine - the top tier of quality for Italian wines. 

Bonterra Rosé 2017 ($16)
Just when I think that I couldn't possibly drink another glass of rosé, I sip a particularly delicious pink wine that reminds me that rosé is a lifetime love, not just a summer fling. Made from organic grapes, this charming Grenache-based rosé from Mendocino County, California, is crisp and vibrant. Dry but fruity with juicy flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and pomegranate. Bonterra consistently delivers beautifully crafted wines at great prices. 



Pommery POP Champagne ($15 each)
No, this is NOT an announcement about my personal life - the only thing I'm expecting is a wine delivery from my charming UPS man! Pommery POP It’s a Girl and It’s a Boy limited-edition personal champagne bottles are perfect for baby showers and other baby related festivities! Or you can just follow my lead and pop them open while relaxing at home with Netflix and takeout! Don’t let the cutesy bottles fool you - the champagne inside is serious! The white and rosé are both crisp, extra dry, and balanced with fine bubbles. These adorable POP bottles are also available without the baby talk. 

Mixed Case: 12 Wonderful Wines from Around the Globe

Which 12 different bottles of wine would you choose to create your own mixed case? I would definitely fill mine with a mix of sparkling, white, red and rosé; a few serious wines and some everyday easygoing sips. If you're looking for inspiration to create your own delicious dozen, keep reading for tasting notes on twelve winning wines that I recently sampled from Italy, France, Argentina, Germany, and the USA. Cheers!

Sparkling



DUBL di Feudi di San Gregorio Sparkling Falanghina Brut ($25)
Italy
A very unique sparkling wine that applies the traditional Champagne method to Falanghina, an iconic grape of Campania in the south of Italy. Elegant and exuberant with lively bubbles, DUBL is delightfully dry and crisp with balanced intensity. Superb!

Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs ($59)
France
A classic and captivating Champagne, Henriot Blanc de Blancs is an excellent expression of 100% Chardonnay. A bold but finely textured tapestry of crisp mineral, citrus, and brioche flavors. 

Sparkling Rosé



Le Marchesine Franciacorta Rosé Millesimato 2013 ($36)
Italy
The world of Italian sparkling wines extends beyond Prosecco and Franciacorta is one of the most elegant. Produced exclusively in the traditional Champagne method in the northern Italian territory of Franciacorta, Franciacorta was the first in Italy to receive DOCG status for sparkling wines - Italy's official top tier of quality for wines. A lovely blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Le Marchesine Franciacorta Rosé is a charming introduction to the category. A lovely pale shade of pink, it is precise and pretty with fine bubbles, fresh red berry flavors, and crisp texture. 

Rosé



M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Pays d'Oc Rosé 2017 ($15)
France
Season after season, this beauty from the south of France is one of my favorite rosé wines. A fresh and luscious blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, it is fruit-forward, juicy, and vibrant with superb structure. Plenty of ooh la la at a great price! 

White



Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina 2017 ($22.99)
Italy
Feudi di San Gregorio has distinguished themselves as one of the premier wineries in Italy's Campania region and beyond. I've yet to have a Feudi di San Gregorio wine that wasn't impeccably crafted and authentically evocative of the region and its terroir. The proximity of their vineyards to Mount Vesuvius created mineral rich soils which imbue their wines with depth and texture. An ancient grape that thrives in Campania, Falanghina may not be a household name but the variety has broad appeal. Fresh but very textured with crisp minerality, the 2017 Falanghina vintage from Feudi di San Gregorio balances soft fruit with a mineral core. (Fun fact: Feudi di San Gregorio's labels were created by Italian designer Massimo Vignelli - designer of the NYC subway map and Bloomingdale's shopping bags!) 

Frescobaldi Massovivo Ammiraglia Vermentino 2016 ($18)
Italy
Fresh, subtle and elegant, this charming Vermentino from Tuscany's coastal Maremma region has plenty of Mediterranean flair. Lively flavors of honeysuckle, chamomile, and white nectarine are balanced by crisp minerality. 



Nik Weis Mosel Urban Riesling 2017 ($15)
Germany
Juicy, crisp, and refreshing, this rocking little Riesling from Germany's renowned Mosel Valley has plenty of personality. Fruity with a hint of sweetness that is balanced out by a tinge of chalky minerality.  



Chehalem INOX Unoaked Chardonnay 2016 ($20)
Oregon
Unoaked but full of flavor, this fresh and vibrant Chardonnay from Oregon's iconic Willamette Valley is a charmer. Very crisp, round, and graceful.  



Trivento White Orchid Reserve Torrontes 2017 ($11)
Argentina
White Orchid is the perfect name for this flirty and aromatic Torrontes from Argentina's famed Mendoza region. Floral and tropical, a kiss of Pinot Grigio adds crispness and nuance. 

Red



Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato Aglianico 2015 ($19.99)
Italy
What a sultry, sexy, and savory vino! Aglianico is one of southern Italy's iconic wines and Feudi di San Gregorio's Rubrato is an impressive expression. Crafted from 100% Aglianico grapes from the Irpinia region of Campania, Rubrato is is bold and elegant. Rich berry flavors meld seamlessly with hints of savory herbs and spice. 

Concannon Vineyard Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 ($90)
California 
This is no run-of-the-mill Cabernet Sauvignon, Concannon Clone 7 pays tribute to Concannon’s important role in viticulture - their clones account for 80% of all California Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Bold and rich with dark fruit, spice, and earth flavors; Clone 7 is crafted from vineyards in the Chalk Hill AVA located in the northeast corner of the larger Russian River Valley AVA. 



Westwood Estate Pinot Noir 2015 ($44)
California
An impressive Pinot Noir from Sonoma with finesse and fully developed flavors of ripe red berries, brambly fruits, baking spices, and well-integrated dusty tannins. 

Time to Sparkle: Moët & Chandon Champagne for the Moments That Matter

"Champagne is all about sharing - it's a rich, passion-filled world. I love to share. I love dinners with friends, good conversation, exchanging ideas and different points of view. I love to celebrate, to make every moment in life as good as it can be." - Benoît Gouez, Moët & Chandon, Chef de Cave 

The only things more luminous than the crystal-cool ambiance of the swanky Baccarat Hotel were the elegant Moët & Chandon champagnes in our glasses and winemaker Benoît Gouez's ebullient personality. Tasting champagne with Benoît was a beautiful reminder that our best wine experiences are often shaped by places and people. 

Founded in 1743, Moët & Chandon is such an iconic brand that it is easy to forget that a real person is behind their production of seemingly endless bottles of bubbly. Benoît has been Chef de Cave at Moët & Chandon since 2005. He doesn't come from a family of vintners but has demonstrated that he possesses the intuition and talent needed to craft wines that are true to Moët & Chandon's legacy yet absolutely contemporary. It has become somewhat trendy to dismiss the larger Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon as less artistic and innovative than smaller entities but as Benoît adroitly pointed out in our conversation, larger houses like Moët & Chandon have resources that allow for experimentation and innovation. They also have the luxury of choosing the best grapes, from the best vineyards. 



MCIII is a stellar example of the House's commitment to innovation and is described as "a champagne experience that represents the third millennium." This futuristic bubbly's very modern name represents Moët & Chandon (MC) and the pioneering assemblage of several vintage wines matured in three different universes: metal, wood, and glass. This state-of-the-art champagne combines wine fermented and aged in stainless steel vats, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage blends from 1998, 2000, and 2002 that have been partially aged in large oak casks and then preserved in stainless steel vats, and a third stratum comprised of 1993, 1998, and 1999 Grand Vintage champagnes that have been aged in the bottle. Bold and balanced, MCIII has flashes of youthful freshness and exuberance that invigorate its more mature and sultry flavor. MCIII reminds me of a classic film that has been remastered to sharpen the image without compromising the integrity of the original. A limited-production and quite exclusive wine with plenty of wow. 

More widely available, but far from basic, is the House's flagship wine - Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial ($40). Created in 1869, it is the essence of their style and Benoît describes Brut Impérial as "a champagne for every moment, every occasion" and "harmonious, complex and versatile. Distinctive yet approachable." I agree. Year after year, I'm delighted by the consistency, craftsmanship, and extreme enjoyability of Brut Impérial. A robust, graceful, and joyful wine!


Ooh la la - the declaration of a Grand Vintage always generates great excitement and Moët & Chandon 2009 ($65) doesn't disappoint. The House's 73rd vintage is a powerful expression of a singular harvest as interpreted by Benoît. He says, "The Pinot Noir's controlled power is the very backbone of Grand Vintage 2009. This is noteworthy because the proportion of Pinot Noir has not been this high in a Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage since 1996. The result is a complex and charismatic wine that opens up to us, with obvious maturity, creating a warm atmosphere evoking an orchard of peaches and apricots in midsummer."


There's something unabashedly flirtatious about rosè champagne and Grand Vintage Rosé 2009 ($70) is all about seduction of the senses. A tapestry of fruit and spice flavors balance the richness of maturity with the levity of youth. Sophisticated, sexy, superb! 


This year marked my second tasting with Moët & Chandon winemaker Benoît Gouez and it has quickly become one of my favorite wine experiences. His wines speak beautifully for themselves but erudite and down-to-earth Benoit is also an incredibly gifted communicator. Champagne is an undeniably special wine but chatting with Benoît reminded me that its ability to create a joyous connection between people is one of champagne's most powerful and alluring qualities. 

Best-Dressed Bubbly: Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Returns for 90th Oscars®

image courtesy of Piper-Heidsieck

Few are nominated, and even fewer walk the stage in victory, but everyone at the 90th Oscars® will drink like a winner thanks to Piper-Heidsieck! The most-awarded Champagne house of the century returns to the world's most glamorous red carpet as the sole Champagne to be served during the 90th Oscars awards season. To mark the milestone occasion, Piper-Heidsieck has created a stunning limited-edition magnum that captures the elegance of Hollywood's Golden Age. This best-dressed bottle is engraved with "90th Oscars®" and adorned with a 360-degree golden appliqué that evokes the Art Deco architecture of legendary Los Angeles theaters like the Crest, Pantages, and the Wiltern. After all, a beautiful bubbly deserves a beautiful bottle! 


In addition to the awards ceremony on March 4th, Piper-Heidsieck Champagne will be poured at the Oscars Nominees Luncheon, Governors Ball, and other events hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles, New York, and London. Alas, the limited-editon Oscars magnum is not for sale, but you can still sip like the stars because the wine within the bottle is the widely-available and acclaimed Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut. A seductive and superb wine to savor while you watch the Oscars, Piper-Heidsieck connects you to a long Hollywood tradition - Marilyn Monroe famously started her day with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck and this iconic Champagne's strong connection to cinema dates back to 1933! 

Champagne is Always in Fashion: Toast the Season in Style with 3 Chic Bubblies!

In a world full of wonderful sparkling wines, Champagne remains the standard by which all others are judged. Sophisticated and festive, Champagne instantly adds glamour to any occasion. Choosing the right bottle of bubbly can feel overwhelming but when shopping for Champagne remember the golden rule: Champagne only comes from Champagne, France. Winemakers around the globe have adopted the Champagne method of creating bubbles via a second fermentation in the bottle but Champagne is more than a technique, it is a unique cultural legacy and expression of terroir.

The pop of the cork, dancing bubbles, and sublime taste make Champagne a must for your holiday celebrations. The large and globally known Champagne houses make great wines but this season I also wanted to shine a spotlight on three smaller producers: Bruno Paillard, Collet, and Boizel. They may not be household names (yet), but they make sensational Champagne. 

"Champagne is my passion. It is my life. I was born here and I will be buried here." - Bruno Paillard

There is a real gentleman behind Champagne Bruno Paillard and he makes some very fine bubbly. Monsieur Paillard founded his namesake Champagne house in 1981and crafts wines that are precise and full of passion. The Paillard family has been growing Champagne grapes in two Grand Crus villages since 1704 and this intimate knowledge of their terroir provides an inimitable foundation for producing expressive and elegant wines. 

Champagne Bruno Paillard Extra Brut Première Cuvée ($50) is a seductive introduction to the Paillard style. Made exclusively of wine from the first pressing and aged at least 3 years on the lees, this delightful bubbly has exceptional freshness, purity, and structure. Full-bodied yet graceful, this blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier is the perfect balance of vibrant fruit, chalky minerality, and toasty brioche.



The gentlemen of Champagne Collet: Pascal Boye (VP, Sales & Marketing, North America) and winemaker Sébastien Walasiak. 

Founded in 1921, Champagne Collet has embraced the sexy elegance of the Art Deco era as a part of their identity. Their vineyards in Aÿ, in the heart of the Champagne region, consist primarily of Premier and Grand Crus. Known for aging their Champagnes for years beyond the minimum aging requirements, Collet's wines are luxurious and nuanced. 

Champagne Collet Collection Privée 2006 ($70) is an exceptional expression of that year's harvest. A Champagne of great power and purity, this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir shows how beautifully well-crafted Champagne can age. Still vibrant, the years have added appealing richness and depth to this bubbly. Earthy and elegant, this Champagne has tremendous complexity and  personality.



Evelyne Roques-Boizel's family has been making Champagne since 1834 and it remains a family endeavor. Boizel knows that there are no short-cuts in making quality Champagne and from the vineyard (the finest cru sites) to the cellar (long lees aging), their wines reflect attention to detail. 



Champagne Boizel Joyau de France 2000 ($150)
The flagship of the Boizel collection, Joyau means jewel and like an heirloom diamond, this Champagne is extravagant but not ostentatious. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Joyau is aged 14 years sur lie and  has developed intriguing herbal and savory flavors that meld seamlessly with exuberant acidity and luscious fruit. A very special bubbly! 

 

A Family Legacy of Love & Bubbly: Champagne is More Than a Business for Boizel

 

"Champagne is the wine of emotion and shared pleasure." - Evelyne Roques-Boizel 

Evelyne Roques-Boizel had absolutely no intention of leading her family's Champagne house but at 22 years old she was confronted with a tough choice. Should Champagne Boizel be sold after her brother and father passed away within two years of each other or should Evelyne and her husband Christophe take charge? Showing grit and determination, Evelyne and Christophe opted to keep Champagne Boizel in the family and to continue the family legacy that began in 1834 with another tenacious young couple, her ancestors Julie and Auguste Boizel. By all accounts, the correct decision was made and Champagne Boizel remains a family endeavor.  


What a legacy! The 5th and 6th Generations of Champagne Boizel: Evelyne & Christophe Roques-Boizel (center) with their sons Florent (left) and Lionel (right).

Evelyne recently visited New York City to share the impressive fruit of her family's labor with a small group of wine writers at a luncheon hosted by her importer, Palm Bay. Elegant and down-to-earth, Evelyne had a twinkle in her eye as she shared priceless stories of her early days leading Champagne Boizel. When she needed guidance with her first harvest, beloved family friend and Champagne icon Christian Pol Roger sent over his enologist! Creating a fine Champagne is a combination of passion and smart choices in the vineyard and in the winery. Boizel selects the best crus and exclusively uses juices from the first pressing of the grapes to ensure freshness and finesse. Boizel is also committed to long lees aging for a minimum of three years, and up to 15 for the finest vintages, so that each Champagne can reach its full potential.



Champagne is big business and many of the larger and well-known brands are owned by large corporations. Yes, these larger entities also produce lovely bubbly but there is something endearing about a family-owned winery that has produced Champagne for more than 180 years, moving forward amidst life's challenges. Champagne Boizel is a poignant reminder of the human factor in winemaking and how much work and commitment is required to produce these drinkable works of art. If you're looking for a superbly crafted bottle of Champagne that conveys the soul of a family and their land, pop the cork on one of these beauties from Champagne Boizel. 
Champagne Boizel Brut Réserve NV ($44)
Fresh and zippy blend of Pinot Noir (55%), Chardonnay (30%), and Pinot Meunier (15%). Energetic bubbles with balanced flavors of lemon curd, pear, and brioche. An intriguing introduction to the Boizel style. 


Champagne Boizel Rosé NV ($60)
Pretty in the glass and ooh la la on the palate. Pinot Noir (50%), Pinot Meunier (30%), and Chardonnay (20%) blended to perfection. Flirty and fresh with crisp flavors of strawberry, rhubarb, and raspberry with a mineral backbone. Makes me want to spin around like a ballerina!


Champagne Boizel Blanc de Blancs NV ($85)
100% Chardonnay and absolutely elegant. Dashing, precise, and crisp like Fred Astaire. Beautiful interplay between chalky minerality and pristine citrus flavors. 


Champagne Boizel Ultime NV ($90)
Zero dosage (no added sugar) but not lacking in fruitiness and vigor. Boizel believes that zero dosage Champagne requires a bit more aging to compensate for the lack of sugar, so this bubbly had a beauty rest of six years sur lie in the bottle. That prolonged interaction with rich yeast and sediment makes this bubbly so rich and robust, sugar is not missed. Hints of candied ginger, lemon zest, and toasted brioche - intense and intriguing. Blend of Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (37%), and Pinot Meunier (13%). 


Champagne Boizel Grand Vintage 2007 ($100)
Grand Vintage is only produced in the best vintages and Boizel describes 2007 as "an atypical weather year that raised hopes for the best and then fears for the worst, nature was finally merciful for the 2007 harvest." Ten years old and maturing gracefully, Grand Vintage shows how a well-crafted Champagne can become more intriguing over time. Sophisticated and sexy, Grand Vintage balances youthful acidity with the savory and nutty flavors that develop with the passage of time. Blend of Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (40%), and Pinot Meunier (10%). 


Champagne Boizel Joyau de France 2000 ($150)
Evelyne described Joyau de France as the flagship of the Boizel collection. First developed by her father in 1961, Joyau means jewel and like a fine gem this bubbly balances extravagance with sophistication. Mostly Pinot Noir (65%) with Chardonnay (35%), Joyau is aged an astounding 14 years sur lie. Powerful yet graceful, this compelling Champagne has developed intriguing herbal and savory flavors while maintaining exuberant acidity and luscious fruit. 

If your travels take you to Champagne, consider a visit to Boizel. Their new tasting room opened this summer and the cellars will open to the public this winter. Cheers! 

Make Everyday a Celebration with Moët & Chandon Champagne

"Don't be too serious when drinking Champagne!"
- Benoît Gouez, Chief Winemaker, Moët & Chandon

Being the chief winemaker of one of the world's most celebrated Champagne houses is no easy task but Benoît Gouez brings tremendous talent and energy to his important role as Chef de Cave at Moët & Chandon -- a position he has held since 2005. Founded in 1743, Moët & Chandon is one of the most recognized luxury brands in the world but the company doesn't rest on their laurels. Each bottle of bubbly must consistently reflect superior quality and sophistication. 


"NV is consistency,"said Benoît. Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut NV (non vintage, $39.99) is a superb example of the house style. Created in 1869, it is the House's iconic Champagne and year after year it delights drinkers with its fine bubbles, vibrancy, and elegance. This level of consistency is challenging but Benoît meets it with aplomb. Impérial Brut is a classic blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay and tastes like the very fine grapes from which it is made. It is undeniably Moët & Chandon. In fact, Impérial is always blended from the three classic Champagne grapes because they are viewed as a legacy that reflects complete balance and harmony. Aged 24 months in the cellars, Impérial is a wine with energy and texture -- rich and crisp with lively citrus, pear, peach, and apple flavors that are bolstered by hints of brioche and minerality. Benoît encourages us to "celebrate everyday and don't just keep Champagne for rare and special occasions." Of course, Champagne pairs beautifully with luxury foods like caviar and oysters but Benoît advises not to be afraid to pair bubbly with simple foods like french fries and fried chicken. Champagne and fried salty foods are a decadently delicious combination. 


While non vintage Moët & Chandon is a consistently elegant option, a vintage  bubbly allows the winemaker to showcase the unique qualities of an exceptional year. The highly anticipated 2008 vintage is Benoît's creative interpretation of that year's harvest. Moët & Chandon 2008 Grand Vintage Brut ($64.99) skillfully balances freshness with rich complexity. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, the 2008 vintage was aged 7 years in the cellar and has layers of flavor - citrus, brioche, white pepper, vanilla, white peach, and almonds. Lively acidity and crunchy minerality add a sinewy structure to this impressive vintage. 


One of Champagne's many charms is that it ages magnificently. And perhaps that quality transfers to the drinker - when I told Benoît that he looked quite young he laughed and replied, "I'm older than I look. Champagne preserves." I had the opportunity to taste the 1998 and 1988 vintages with Benoît and was impressed at the nuances that the Champagnes revealed over time. The vibrancy and acidity remained intact but hints of smokiness and spice had elegantly emerged. Definitely try older Moët & Chandon vintages if you see them on wine lists - you won't be disappointed. And why not buy a few bottles of the 2008 - some to enjoy now and a bottle or two to rediscover a few years from now? You can never have too much Moët & Chandon! 

Sip Like the Stars with Piper-Heidsieck: Official Champagne of the Oscars

 

On more than one occasion my nearest and dearest have deemed moi a drama queen. Alas, my theatrics won't make me a contender for an Academy Award but I can sip like a movie star with Champagne Piper-Heidsieck. Piper-Heidsieck has the distinction of being the sole Champagne to be served during the 2017 Academy Awards season. In honor of the partnership, Piper-Heidsieck has created a limited-edition magnum bottle to be poured exclusively at the Oscars ceremony and the official star-studded after-party: the Governors Ball.


The exclusive Oscars red magnum with a gold film design encircling the bottle is not available for sale BUT you can sip the same bubbly: elegant, refreshing, fruit-forward, balanced, and award-winning Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV (around $45 for a standard 750 ml bottle.) Created in 1785, Piper-Heidsieck is one of France's oldest and most awarded Champagne houses. Piper-Heidsieck's winemaker, Régis Camus, has been named "Sparkling Winemaker of the Year" eight times over the past ten years (statistically speaking, this may make Régis the Meryl Streep of Champagne!)

So fret not if your invitation to the Oscars was somehow lost in the mail: cook up some popcorn, sashay to your sofa like it's the red carpet, pop the cork on a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck, and watch the drama unfold on your television! 

Toast the New Year with Joy and Light: The Magic of Sparkling Wine!

Turbulence around the globe and the loss of so many beloved cultural icons has made 2016 an emotional rollercoaster. But I refuse to overlook the moments of joy. In 2016, over countless bottles of wine, I shared dreams, laughs, hopes, fears, and secrets with friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Wine opened our hearts to each other, transported us to new places, and delighted us with its sheer beauty. I'm certain that all wine lovers, all around the world, had similar experiences. Did you? As this tumultuous year winds down, I am especially grateful for those moments of bliss and light. Champagne and other sparkling wines are the traditional way to ring in the new year, so for my final article of 2016 I'm sharing a few special sparkling wine recommendations. Happy New Year! May beautiful wine moments and adventures flow abundantly in 2017! Keep reading for information on four delicious sparkling wines. 


Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut NV ($99.99) 
If your resolution is to live la vie en rose, toast the new year with a bottle of this superb rosé Champagne! Produced from 100% Pinot Noir, this vividly hued and beautifully crafted bubbly seduces the eye and palate. Extraordinarily crisp with fine bubbles and exuberant flavors of red & black berries, dark cherries, orange zest, and lip-smacking minerality, this exquisite Champagne will make every day feel like New Year's Eve. 

Champagne Duval-Leroy Rosé Prestige Premier Cru Brut NV ($80)
Mostly Pinot Noir (90%) with a kiss of Chardonnay (10%), this elegant sip from the venerable house of Duval-Leroy is willowy and refreshing with flavors of fresh raspberry, lively lemon zest, and a touch of spicy ginger. Playful yet polished, this pretty rosé Champagne will kick off your new year in style! 



Champagne Collet Esprit Couture Brut NV ($120)
This beautiful bubbly pirouettes across the palate with energy and grace. A blend of Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (50%) and Pinot Meunier (10%) representing Collet's finest crus, it has impressive structure, balance, and finesse. Flavors of stone fruit and citrus meld harmoniously with a tinge of minerality and voluminous texture. A sexy and sophisticated sip! 

Domaine Chandon Brut 2009 & 2011($45)
Toast the new year with a glass of Napa Valley ooh la la! Founded in 1973 by the legendary house of Möet & Chandon, the sparkling wines of Domaine Chandon eloquently express French heritage & American innovation. I recently tasted the Chandon 2008 vintage from their Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley vineyards and was impressed by its lip-smacking minerality, vibrant fruit, and robust mouthfeel. The 2011 Mt. Veeder (Chardonnay) and 2009 Yountville (Pinot Noir & Chardonnay) vintages are now available. 

For more sparkling wine recommendations, read my articles Make the Holidays Shine with Sparkling Wines: Four Festive Sips from France and Italy  and 'Tis the Season to Sparkle: Seven Sensational Champagnes.  

'Tis the Season to Sparkle: Seven Sensational Champagnes!

A beautiful bottle of Champagne is the easiest and most elegant way to take a party from blah to ooh la la! Not even Scrooge can resist the percussion of a popping cork and tiny bubbles dancing away in the glass. I love Champagne all year round but its inherent luxury and beauty make it a perfect match for holiday festivities. Champagne is joy in a glass! From small growers/producers to legendary houses, here are seven sensational non-vintage Champagnes that will add some sophisticated sparkle to your soirées. I selected non-vintage Champagnes, a blend of harvests from different years, because they are often the clearest indicators of a producer's style and the blends are crafted to maintain a certain consistency from year to year. And remember, Champagne ONLY comes from Champagne, France. Cheers! 

Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco NV ($42)
Founded in 1921, Champagne Collet has embraced the elegance and style of the Art Deco period as part of their identity. Their divine Brut Art Deco is comprised of about 20 crus, all Premier or Grand Cru.  Aged for at least four years in chalk cellars, this full-bodied Champagne has vibrant fruit flavors, crunchy minerality, and exuberant acidity. 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier.

 
Champagne Duval-Leroy Brut Reserve NV ($45)
Family owned and operated since 1859, Duval-Leroy is the largest independent house in Champagne. A blend of around 15 crus and reserve wines, this sophisticated sip has an alluring creaminess that is balanced by flavors of fresh pear and red apple with a hint of lemon zest and toasted brioche. 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay. 

image courtesy of Champagne Taittinger

Champagne Taittinger Brut La Française ($50)
One of the last family owned and operated Grand Marque Champagne houses in France, Taittinger is celebrated for their exquisitely crafted bubblies that incorporate a larger percentage of Chardonnay than other large houses. As chic as a couture dress, this bubbly is a beguiling shade of pale gold with fine bubbles. Delicate but distinctive, it has lovely flavors of fresh fruit, honey, and brioche. 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier

Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Brut NV ($45)
 Founded in 1785, Piper-Heidsieck is one of the oldest Champagne houses and their Chef de Cave, Régis Camus, has been named “Champagne Winemaker of the Year” a record eight times! His magic touch is evident in their non-vintage Champagne's fine bubbles, lingering finish, and balanced flavors of citrus, pear, brioche, and minerality. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay  

Pol Roger Brut Reserve White Foil NV ($50)
Want to sip like royalty? Select the bubbly that was served at the reception following the nuptials of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton (now the Duchess of Cambridge.) Founded in 1849, Pol Roger is one of the few Grande Marque Champagne houses that remains family owned and operated. Their delicious White Foil thrills the palate with beautifully balanced acidity, creaminess, and hints of toasty brioche. 34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, 33% Pinot Meunier

 Champagne Éric Taillet Egali'T Brut ($37)
Grape grower and Champagne producer Éric Taillet is not yet a household name but I'm certain that is about to change. A relative newcomer to the US market, Eric crafts expressive Champagnes that exude elegance and energy. The name of his Egali'T Brut is inspired by the equal proportions of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay in the blend.  Each sip showcases a delicious balance of fruit, minerality, and acidity!

Champagne Marion-Bosser Premier Cru Brut Tradition ($44.99)
For generations, mothers and daughters, have led the house of Champagne Marion-Bosser and the tradition continues with the team of Bernadette and Elodie Marion. This impeccably structured Champagne is full-bodied yet graceful with lovely fruit and mineral flavors. 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir 

 Please note that all prices are approximate. Cheers! 

Magic in a Glass: Piper-Heidsieck Rare Rosé Champagne 2007

 
No celebration is complete without Champagne and for those really special moments, only an exquisite bubbly will do. Piper-Heidsieck Rare Rosé Millésime 2007($450) is such a Champagne. Piper-Heidsieck's very first vintage Cuvée Rare Rosé, this exceptional sparkling wine spent 8 years aging in the cellars before it was released. Challenging weather conditions made 2007 a tough year for producing vintage Champagne but Régis Camus, Piper-Heidsieck's award-winning cellar master, saw the potential to create something truly magnificent.


Piper-Heidsieck Champagne cellar master Régis Camus and brand ambassador Jonathan Boulangeat share the spotlight with a bottle of Rare Rosé.

There's a bit of alchemy involved in making Champagne and Rare Rosé is magic in a glass. Precise yet ebullient, structured yet graceful, Piper-Heidsieck Rare Rosé captures the ethereal nature of Champagne and demonstrates the absolute importance of a knowledgeable and intuitive winemaker like Régis (he has been honored as "Sparkling Winemaker of the Year" an astounding eight times by the International Wine Challenge). A luminous shade of golden pink with hints of copper, Rare Rosé's fine bubbles pirouette in the glass. An aromatic blend of Chardonnay (56%) and Pinot Noir (44%), Piper-Heidsieck Rare Rosé is rich yet still lithe, crisp, and refreshing with luxurious layers of flavor - pomegranate, hibiscus, strawberry, raspberry, and touches of vanilla, paprika, and savory herbs. Befitting its name, only 1,500 bottles of Rare Rosé 2007 were produced. 

Drinking Rare Rosé with Régis was a delicious reminder of wine's unique ability to connect people from different cultures and how Champagne can transform a business meeting into a celebration. This article actually marks my 1000th blog post and Rare Rosé struck me as the perfect topic to acknowledge the occasion. Eight years ago (the same amount of time that Rare Rosé 2007 was aged) I spontaneously started blogging as The Black Dress Traveler. I had no grand plan, I simply wanted to write about the things that I loved and escape some of the stress of my life. Writing this blog has been a rare adventure, one that I could have never scripted. I never imagined that I would be sipping Champagne with one of the world's most celebrated winemakers. Writing has changed my life and through this blog I've met so many extraordinary people, traveled to beautiful places, and sipped some mighty fine wines! I've been humbled by the warm reception that I have received from my readers and the industry. This journey has been more than I ever hoped for and I suspect that there are still some fantastic surprises on the horizon. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me along the way - I'm raising a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Rare Rosè to you. Cheers! 

Sophisticated Sip: Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé Champagne 2008

I don't think it's my imagination - my friends are being a little bit nicer to me since I surprised them with this spectacular bottle of Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé Champagne 2008 ($69.99). What a beautiful wine - a week has passed and I'm still thinking about it! Delicate but substantial, precise but graceful; this sparkling rosé is the embodiment of balance. A gorgeous shade of vivid pink, this blend of Pinot Noir (46% - of which 20% is red wine), Chardonnay (32%), and Meunier (22%) elegantly expresses Chief Winemaker Benoit Gouez’s personal interpretation of this vintage year.



Every Grand Vintage is unique and the 2008 Grand Vintage Rosé marks Moët & Chandon's 41st vintage rosé release since the introduction of this wine in 1920. Aged for seven years, this extra-brut champagne displays incredible maturity while maintaining freshness and vibrancy. For anyone who thinks that rosé is not serious, one sip of this bubbly will silence them. Luscious and juicy flavors of strawberry, raspberry, blood orange, and blackcurrants are balanced by subtle hints of herbs, crisp lip-smacking minerality, and a touch of warm brioche. An incredibly versatile wine, you can pair this beauty with a wide variety of the summer season's best foods; including crab, lobster, fried clams, and ceviche! And the combination of champagne and pommes frites (french fries) can't be beat. If you're looking for a wine to toast the beauty of the season, do it in grand style with Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé Champagne 2008. Cheers!

Wanda's Wine Glass: Piper-Heidsieck Sacré Sauvage Champagne Cocktail

 

Looking for a great new summer sip? My friends at Piper-Heidsieck wowed me with a fantastic new Champagne cocktail: Sacré Sauvage. (Even the name is sexy!) Made with superb Piper-Heidsieck Rosé Sauvage bubbly, this sultry libation also includes orange bitters, ice, triple sec, zest of pomelo or pink grapefruit, and a garnish of blackberries or blueberries. The combination of the Champagne's red fruit notes with spice and bitters is elegant, sophisticated, and absolutely delicious. Click here for the full recipe. Cheers!

Champagne Essentials: A Bubbly Conversation with Wine Importer Alice Loubaton

"People forget that Champagne is a wine. It's not just a toast." - Alice Loubaton, wine importer

Ah, Champagne. Is any other wine so universally loved yet still a bit of a mystery? Alice Loubaton imports Champagne and other French wines via her company Loubaton Imports and wants us to remember that Champagne is more than just the perfect toast - it is a wine that pairs beautifully with food. Alice should know - before starting Loubaton Imports in 2013, Alice spent 33 years at Sopexa directing marketing campaigns for France's wine regions. She was even honored with the prestigious title of Officer in the French National Order of Agricultural Merit.

Listen to our lively podcast conversation to hear Alice's vast knowledge of all things Champagne; including the labor intensive production process which requires a second fermentation in the bottle, the best glassware for serving bubbly, and how to pair it with food. When selecting wines to import, Alice focuses on family-owned French wineries with great stories that use sustainable methods to produce small quantities of high quality wines. One of the most compelling winemakers in her portfolio is Champagne Marion-Bosser - for five generations the women in the family, mothers and daughters, have run this Champagne house in the famous village of Hautvillers. Maybe you haven't heard of Hautvillers but I'm certain that you know one its most famous past residents - Dom Perignon. Hautvillers is where Dom Perignon created Champagne as we know it today. Alice told me that upon his discovery Dom Perignon beautifully exclaimed,"Come quickly! I am drinking the stars."

 

Watch the video to see Alice demonstrate, with a bottle of Champagne Marion-Bosser Premier Cru Brut Tradition ($44.99), the proper way to open a bottle of bubbly. Alice beautifully describes the aromas and flavors of this elegant Champagne and offers pairing suggestions. Cheers - here's to drinking the stars!

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Pretty in Pink: Sparkling Rosé for Valentine's Day

Whether you adore Valentine's Day (February 14) or just wish Cupid would fly into oblivion, a delicious glass of sparkling Rosé is a perfect match for the occasion. Here are three of my favorite pretty-in-pink sparkling wines from Spain, France, and Italy - three countries known for romance and great wine!


Vilarnau Brut Rosado Cava ($18)
A sip of this lovely bubbly transported me back to Barcelona and sweet memories of a certain handsome young Spanish man. A delicious blend of Trepat (90%) with a dash of Pinot Noir (10%), Vilarnau Brut Rosado Cava is fresh and crisp with harmonious flavors of raspberries & strawberries with a hint of brioche and roses. This sexy sip delivers elegant flavor at a great price.




Berlucchi '61 Franciacorta Brut Rosé NV ($22.99)
I'm a big fan of this elegant sparkling wine from Italy's Lombardy region. Made in the traditional Champagne style, I find Franciacorta more nuanced and less sweet than the more well-known Prosecco. Berlucchi Franciacorta Brut Rosé has fine bubbles and elegant hints of brioche, berries, and minerality. Every sip is a delight.


Moët & Chandon Impérial Rosé NV (mini $20, $55 for traditional bottle)
For that very special someone, sometimes only Champagne will suffice and Moët & Chandon is an iconic brand known around the world for elegance and quality. Vibrant and sophisticated, this blend of classic Champagne grapes Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay has a seductive bouquet of red berries with a hint of rose and pepper -  the taste is divine. Even if love isn't in the air, it will certainly be in your wine glass! 

 

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A Most Elegant Puzzle: Blending Piper-Heidsieck Champagne

A rare view of the still white wines destined for blending to become Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. Founded in 1785, Piper-Heidsieck is one of the oldest Champagne houses.

It is so easy to take Champagne for granted. As soon as we see the bottle, we anticipate the percussion of the popping cork and the bubbles ebulliently dancing in our flutes. But I was recently reminded by Régis Camus, Chef de Cave (Cellar Director) at Piper-Heidsieck, that Champagne does not begin its life in such a dramatic fashion. All Champagnes actually start their journey as a still white wine known as a Vin Clair. Each season, Champagne producers taste and combine the Vins Clairs to create the blend that will ultimately undergo the second fermentation and requisite aging to blossom into a bottle of Champagne.

For an unprecedented eighth time, Piper-Heidsieck Chef de Cave Régis Camus was named “Champagne Winemaker of the Year” in 2013 by the International Wine Challenge. Clearly, he's mastered the art of blending! (image courtesy of Piper-Heidsieck)

Crafting a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck is akin to solving a beautiful puzzle. Let's use 2014 as an example. When non vintage bubbly crafted from the 2014 harvest is released in a few years (probably in 2018), the blend will consist of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier that was tasted and meticulously assembled by Camus and his team when the wines were young and still. It will also include a bit of wine from the Piper Heidsieck reserves (2008 and 2009). This process is known as assemblage and countless combinations are tweaked and rejected. It requires an incredible amount of talent, experience, and patience to look into the crystal ball and anticipate how that blend of Vins Clairs will taste after aging and the second fermentation that creates the bubbles. Camus said that very little talking happens during assemblage - when they all smile, they know they have succeeded in creating the final magical blend that is consistent with the Piper-Heidsieck house style.

Is it any wonder why Champagne is so revered? From the vineyard to assemblage and beyond, so much goes into crafting this most special of wines that requires no effort to enjoy. To truly appreciate the delicious puzzle that is Piper-Heidsieck, pop open a bottle of their Brut NV ($45) - it is a lively Champagne with fine bubbles, a lingering finish, and balanced flavors of citrus, pear, brioche, and minerality. Cheers!

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Sophisticated Sip: Champagne André Jacquart

  Marie Doyard, granddaughter of André Jacquart, represents the fifth generation of this respected champagne family - they grow their own grapes and produce wonderful bubbly. Marie manages the Champagne André Jacquart estate with her brother Benoit.

Champagne André Jacquart may not be the biggest name in bubbly but the Jacquart family grew champagne grapes for four generations before starting to produce their own champagne in 1958. And, what a champagne it is!



Finesse, elegance, and purity shine through in their Brut Experience Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru de Champagne (100% Chardonnay, $58). Rich and crisp with a powerful minerality and hints of pear and brioche, this champagne has a lingering smooth finish. Champagne André Jacquart Brut Experience Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru de Champagne is perfect for any festive occasion. During the summer months, pair this pretty sip with a simple chic meal of steamed or grilled lobster.

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