Champagne & Sparkling Wine Club - October 2012
Learn the finer points to many of the wines we offer each month. Our club wines are expertly researched and selected for quality, value and uniqueness and every one has an interesting history. Here are some of the wines we are offering this month:
Bodega Norton – Argentina
NV Demi Sec Sparkling Brut Mendoza
Bodega Norton was founded by Edmund James Palmer Norton, an English engineer, in 1895. Norton bought the estate and land in Perdriel, Lujan de Cuyo, and planted vines creating a winery soon thereafter. Bodega Norton is the first winery in Argentina south of the Mendoza River. In 1989, Austrian businessman Gernot Langes-Swarovski (of the famed crystal-making family) acquired the winery convinced of the high potential of Argentina. Today, thanks to the top-notch technology and the passion of the people who work there, international accolades abound and uphold Bodega Norton's place as one of the leading and oldest wineries in Argentina. This Norton Demi Sec is made from Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc grapes sourced from the Luján de Cuyo appellation of Mendoza. Indigenous yeasts were used for fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The secondary fermentation went through Charmat Method for 28 days. The result is a young, fresh, and fruity wine. It pours a bright greenish yellow color with fine and elegant bubbles. It features complex aromas of citrus fruit and white peach and a fresh flavor, with a strong character and elegance. Although it is in the demi-sec style there is nothing sugary here. The flavors extend smoothly into a clean and layered finish. Surprisingly good with various hors d’oeuvres, it also complements any special occasion. Truly a wine for all seasons!
Cantine Pirovano – Italy
NV Cuvee Extra Dry
One of the biggest names in Prosecco, Cantine Pirovano has been making high quality sparkling wines in this corner of the Veneto for decades. One of the few wineries in the area to produce sparkling wines utilizing both the Charmat Method (the method used to produce Prosecco) and Classic Method (with 2nd fermentation in bottle), Cantine Pirovano has long been recognized as an innovative presence in the Prosecco DOC. Together, the family run winery supervises every step of the winemaking process, from taking care of the 75 hectares of vineyards (50 of them DOC vineyards, and 3 in the highly valued Cartizze zone), to supervising the low-yield harvest, to bottling and aging the dozen-plus wines made by the company. Their Col Mesian Cuvee is produced from grapes from the first selection of the harvest, this sparkling white explodes with intense tropical fruits. Though fruity, it remains fresh with a clean finish. Mix this prosecco with a bit of peach nectar and you’ve made a Bellini, the famous Venetian aperitif. During holiday meals, this Col Mesian Cuvee acidity makes it a good match for traditional turkey with any rich sauce. Grilled fish, cured meats, all but the heaviest risottos, and most soups are all good partners too.
Back to your shopping cart