Month: July 2017

WINE REVIEW: RUINART ROSÉ

BLEND – VINIFICATION:

Blend constructed on a base of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, mostly classified as Premiers Crus with 20 to 25% coming from wines reserved from the 2 previous years.

45% of the Chardonnay is from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims vineyards
55% of the Pinot Noir is from the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne vineyards, 18 to 19% of which has been made into red wine.

VINIFICATION:

• Hand picked
• Fermentation in temperature-regulated stainless steel fermenters
• For the red wine, short maceration and light extraction
• Full malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: 9 g/l

TASTING NOTES:

The colour is a beautiful pomegranate pink with some orange reflections; the effervescence has persistent foam; there is an intense aromatic profile on the nose with hints of tropical fruits including raspberries, and strawberries and rose; on the palate the attack is distinct and full, cradled by a gentle effervescence; the balance brings together a delightful freshness and full body, expressed by an elegant touch of mint and grapefruit.

FROM FLUTE TO PLATE:

Ruinart Rosé is a delight to drink throughout a meal from aperitif to dessert.

Rating 93%
Liz Palmer – July 2017

WINE REVIEW: RUINART BLANC DE BLANCS

The blend is 100% Chardonnay from various years (20 to 25% of which are wines reserved from the 2 previous years).

A large majority of Premiers Crus from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims vineyards for aromatic refinement, supplemented by Sézannais wines known to provide maturity.
Finally, several wines from the north of the Vesle valley give a light, fresh touch.
Vinification:

• Hand picked
• Fermentation in temperature-regulated stainless steel
• Full malolactic fermentation
• Dosage : 9 g/l

TASTING NOTES
Beautiful pale golden yellow colour with gentle touch of green; there is an active effervescence with a persistent release of bubbles; On the nose fresh ripe citrus notes with some hints of white flowers and peaches; harmonious on the palate with a long finish.

FROM FLUTE TO PLATE
Perfect champagne for aperitifs; Is an excellent accompaniment for seafood and shellfish; perfect with a sea bass, sole and tartare.

Rating 91
Liz Palmer July 2017

Champagne-Lovers: Dom Pérignon Has Now Launched an On-Demand Delivery Service

[c attid=”5986″ aption id=”attachment_5986″ align=”alignleft” width=”1600″] (PRNewsfoto/Dom Pérignon)[/caption]Dom Pérignon now offers to consumers in selected areas of the U.S., starting with Miami and New York, the ability to purchase its vintages directly via their website: www.domperignon.com

The sales will be made by licensed retailers, facilitated by third-party technology and delivery service Thirstie, through its independent retailer network. Dom Pérignon is thrilled to join forces with Thirstie, who is committed to a shared vision of incremental growth opportunities.

Source: Dom Pérignon

Champagne News: 2017 Harvest

At a meeting this past week in Epernay, CIVC, Champagne growers and houses agreed to set the available yield for the 2017 harvest at “10,800 kilograms per hectare, including 500 kg/ha to be released from the “reserve”.

This decision is based on favorable agronomic prospects, to date estimated between 10,000 and 11,000 kg/ha, with a very healthy vineyard, due to summer weather since mid-May.
The growing cycle of the vine is about ten days ahead of the ten-year average.
The beginning of the harvest is expected in late August, which would make it one of the five earliest in the history of Champagne.

The available yield of 10,800 kg/ha gives Champagne growers and houses the means to meet the growing market demand. Champagne shipments for the first six months of 2017 have grown by 2.9%, export volumes rose sharply, to over 9% overall and in particular outside the European Union (+ 17.9%).

If this trend goes on, it could lead to a record 2017 turnover for Champagne.

Source: CIVC

Wine Review: Pierre Amadieu Gigondas Le pas de L’Aigle, 2013

Varietal/s: Grenache, Syrah  

Region: Gigondas, France

Producer: Pierre Amadieu 

Alcohol: 14.5%

Character: Rich and intense

Vintage: 2013

Pierre Amadieu Gigondas Le pas de L’Aigle has a deep ruby color; it exudes aromas of black raspberry, plum and spicecake; on the palate red and dark berry flavors, with some pepper notes are framed by supple tannins that become sweeter with aeration on a lingering finish.

Suggested Food Pairing:
Powerful dishes such as truffle mousse or beef stew.

Rating:
92 points
www.liz-palmer.com – July 24, 2017