‘Tis the Season for Bubbles

Buzz

Global Champagne Day is Friday, October 27. In case you don't know, we really don't need a reason to pop a bottle of bubbly, but we are happy to have one, natch. Where you can find us sipping and what's in that glass below: 

 
Where to sip: 
 
What to Drink:
What:  Bertrand-Delespierre “Enfant de la Montagne” 1er Cru Brut Champagne NV
Where: Ace Beverage Fine Wines and Spirits, Foxhall Square Mall, 3301 New Mexico Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Why: Didier Bertrand and Chantal Delespierre are grower-producers farming 24 acres in the Montagne de Reims, the heart of the Champagne heartland, separating the cities of Reims and épernay with gorgeous swathes of vineyards mounting as high on the hill as grapes will ripen.
This combination of 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay produces Complex lemony, citrus aromas on the nose, with a light toastiness and subtle floral character. Ends with a long, spicy finish.
It is fantastic served as an aperitif, or with smoked salmon, shellfish, fried calamari, or Asian cuisine. 
91 pts Wine Enthusiast
 
What: Dumenil Jany Poret Champagne NV
Where: S&R Wine and Liquor, 1015 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Why: Hugues Poret is the latest member of his family to craft fine champagnes from these precious vineyards which have been passed down from generation to generation in an unbroken family heritage.The triple influence of chalk, sand and clay – typical of the village of Sacy, Premier Cru in La Montagne de Reims – produces superbly balanced blends with the dominant sandy soil bringing extra lightness to enhance the full, ripe fruit aromas (citrus fruit, stewed fruit and honeyed floral notes ). The mid palate is richly fruity with a soft, full texture which highlights the ripeness of the fruit and drives the wine towards oxidative notes of macerated fruit and a finish nuanced with hints of sweet spices.
 
What: H. Goutorbe Champagne Cuvee Prestige Brut NV
Where: Potomac Wines & Spirits, 3100 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Why: This blend of 70% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 5% Meunier from Aÿ Grand Cru and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ Premier Cru perfectly symbolizes the style of this Champagne house. The base wine is from the 2008 vintage along with 25% from the 2006 and 2007 vintages. A refined, seamless wine with minerality and personality, it's more of a 'Gourmand' Champagne as opposed to enjoying over an aperitif. It has the structure and textural depth to flow through an entire meal at the dinner table
 
What: Paul Laurent Champagne Brut Rose Cuvee du Fondateur NV
Where: The Wardroom, 103 N Washington St, Easton, MD 21601
Why: Established in 1952 in the heart of the Côteaux du Sézannais, south of Epernay, this family and independently owned Champagne house is the result of constant and meticulous care. This 3rd generation winery develops their cuvées in a way that reflects themselves – consistent, delightful, and a product of love. The cuvée Rosé is a complex and delicate yet perfect blend of 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, 10% Red Wine. The flavors of strawberry, raspberries, and wild currents are offset with the intricate, light flavors brought out by the Chardonnay. This cuvée is a balance of fruitiness, brightness, and elegance.
 
What: Champagne Drappier Rose de Saignee NV
Why:  This 100% Pinot Noir embodies 8 generations of Drappier family heritage. Drappier is one of the rare Houses producing Rosé by the saignée method. Several days of maceration give this cuvée an intense colour marked by the Pinot Noir. On the nose there are hints of red fruits and violet with a lightly spiced note. Receiving only a light dosage, on the palate it is remarkably expressive and extremely fresh, with a subtle trace of liquorice in the finish.