I wasn't excited about the private wine tasting at Domaine Chandon in Yountville, California. In years past on New Year's Eve, I'd sip a bit of whatever bubbly we had, or people brought to our parties, and then go back to my usual red wine. But when the young man poured out our first set of wines after our tour of the winery, that one in the middle surprised me--it was pink!
I'd never seen a pink champagne or sparkling wine before--must be a sign!
Now, I use the terms champagne AND sparkling here, since you can only call a bubbly champagne if it is produced from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France!
After pouring, he instructed us to drink each of the sparkling wines in order as he briefly described them. I knew I wasn't going to be thrilled about the first two, but, oh my goodness, when I tasted the pink one, I knew what I'd be serving on New Year's Eve that year, plus I wasn't going to wait until New Year's Eve any longer to have a bubbly!
The Chandon website describes the Chandon Rose as "mostly Chardonnay with a kiss of Pinot Noir". I felt like I had been kissed when I tasted it, and asked if it was available in stores, to which our guide responded, "Yes."
Since that day in June 2011, I've had Chandon Rose at all of my First Friday wine parties at my home. I serve it as guests arrive with various cheeses, and I haven't met anyone who dislikes it! The best part is that I've been able to find it at three different places in Orlando--Publix supermarket, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, and Total Wine & More. I've also seen it offered at quite a few places online. So far I haven't found it in the Netherlands, yet (I haven't stopped trying!)
With spring just around the corner, and summer not far behind, a crisp, cool glass of Chandon Rose is perfect on a sunny day, with seafood, or on its own as dessert.
For me, pink is a sign of a great sparkling. What about you? Do you have a favorite bubbly? Leave me a comment.
Note: I received no payment, services, prizes, or bribes(!) for any reviews. All opinions are my own!
Now, I use the terms champagne AND sparkling here, since you can only call a bubbly champagne if it is produced from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France!
After pouring, he instructed us to drink each of the sparkling wines in order as he briefly described them. I knew I wasn't going to be thrilled about the first two, but, oh my goodness, when I tasted the pink one, I knew what I'd be serving on New Year's Eve that year, plus I wasn't going to wait until New Year's Eve any longer to have a bubbly!
The Chandon website describes the Chandon Rose as "mostly Chardonnay with a kiss of Pinot Noir". I felt like I had been kissed when I tasted it, and asked if it was available in stores, to which our guide responded, "Yes."
Since that day in June 2011, I've had Chandon Rose at all of my First Friday wine parties at my home. I serve it as guests arrive with various cheeses, and I haven't met anyone who dislikes it! The best part is that I've been able to find it at three different places in Orlando--Publix supermarket, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, and Total Wine & More. I've also seen it offered at quite a few places online. So far I haven't found it in the Netherlands, yet (I haven't stopped trying!)
With spring just around the corner, and summer not far behind, a crisp, cool glass of Chandon Rose is perfect on a sunny day, with seafood, or on its own as dessert.
For me, pink is a sign of a great sparkling. What about you? Do you have a favorite bubbly? Leave me a comment.
Note: I received no payment, services, prizes, or bribes(!) for any reviews. All opinions are my own!