It all started with Champagne both at the Wasserman 30th Anniversary Bash (February 1st) and the Terry Theise Spring Tasting (January 19)…
I'll go in reverse order and share my Wasserman favorites first.
First few are from the Cote des Blancs:
All these are 100% Chardonnay
I liked the mineral unfussy style of Etienne Chere 'Blanc de Blancs Brut Selection' (Non Vintage) from the village of Courjeonnet.
Next was the richer, floral Jose Dhondt 'Blanc de Blancs Brut "Mes Vielles Vignes" Vintage Grand Cru 2005, (village of Oger).
The Blanc de Blancs Special Club Vintage Grand Cru 2002 by Vazart-Coquart (pictured left) was mouth filling, a palate teaser, creamy (village of Chouilly)
Next Vallee de la Marne:
Looking for elegance, Cuvee Bernard Girardin Brut 'Non Vintage' (60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Meunier, 10% Pinot Noir) is the one (village of Mancy)
If unusual tones and flavors make your day, Gerard Loriot Brut Tradition 'Non Vintage' (100% Pinot Meunier) takes you by surprise with scents of acacia…(village of Mesnil le Huttier)
Last Montagne de Reims:
Cru Brut by Jacques Picart (60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Meunier, 5% Pinot Noir) perfect to start the meal (village of Berru)
At the Terry Theise Tasting:
A crowd pleaser, Selection Belles Annees, Brut, Non Vintage by Pierre Gimonnet (Cotes des Blancs) nice and accessible.
Possibly my favorite for no specific reason, Brut, Tradition, Non Vintage by Gaston Chiquet (Vallee de La Marne) with grapes (45% Pinot Meunier, 35% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay) coming from vineyards in Dizy, Ay and Hautvillier.
Fullest of all, richest, must have been Brut, Prestige by Duc de Romet, Non Vintage also Vallee de La Marne, a Blanc de Noir (75% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir), vineyards fron village de Vandieres.
I will conclude with another bubbly playing in the high register. Cuvee St. Anne, Brut, Non Vintage (Montagne de Reims) by Chartogne-Taillet, about 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
All the wines mentioned in this piece are Grower Champagnes as you might have figured out already.
I hope that with Part 1 on Prosecco and this second installment you now have a few ideas germinating as to what to shower your Valentine's with on February 14.