A Charmat to charm you

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Luc Belaire Rare

SAQ 12404969 | 33,50 $

To simplify things, two methods result in the bubbles that come to life in your flute of bubbly. The first, called traditional (champagne, crémant/sparkling wine), consists of a second fermentation in the bottle to produce the CO2; the second, called Charmat (prosecco), uses a technique in a closed vat under pressure.

The use of this latter method, which is faster and less costly, has suffered some prejudice over time. Nonetheless, it is carving out a market niche for itself and meeting the quality challenge through some new techniques and above all, through the quality of wines behind the precious bubbles. The Charmat craftsmanship is interested in bubblies with aromatic complexity, aged over several months or even years.

The word “Rare” is correct here. A sparkling rosé, closed vat method, mainly from syrah, bringing together grenache and cinsault, is indeed quite rare. It is the aromas of plums, apple-cherry jelly, and black currants touched by the sun of Provence that bewitch. The necklace of bubbles – both fine and abundant – lasts nicely.

Frankly fresh and very elegant…a real prince charming.

SAQ 12866557 | 20,05 $

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Celler Credo Miranius 2020

I am often shocked by the freshness and mineral quality one may find in some white wines from the Mediterranean region. In my glass, I contemplate the Miranius, a twinkling white from Spain, in the heart of the Penedès. The 100 per cent xarel-lo that I hold is from low-productivity vines from 15 to 60 years old, planted in a chalky soil at 400 m of altitude.

The Celler Credo has opted for organic, biodynamic agriculture and intervenes very little in the wine-making process, allowing the acidity, aromas and character of the wine to express itself naturally. In the mouth, the freshness of apple links up with the flesh of a peach close to the stone.

The balance between liveliness and sugariness works well with a general tao tofu.

SAQ 13313196 | 22,95 $

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Clarendelle Inspiré Par Haut-Brion 2015

This month’s heartthrob is the Clarendelle inspired by Haut-Brion 2015 vintage. It’s a classic assemblage, recognizable by the scents of violet, blackcurrants and blackberries typical of the merlot grape which dominates the assemblage (74 per cent), followed by two cabernets: sauvignon and franc.

Full-bodied in the mouth to accompany the flavours and silky tannins which slide in a subtly woody finish.

To sip before the fire.

 

More from this author by clicking on his photo below.

Franck Lizotte

 

Franck Lizotte74 Posts

Vulgarisateur vitivinicole/Wine world simplifier

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