Bubbly Around the World

Claude Thibaut is known as a Champagne Master, or more precisely, a master of the Methode Champenoise.  He has made sparking wine on three continents and is currently producing a beautiful bubbly in Virginia from Chardonnay grapes.  Recently, Claude collaborated with Zola Chef Bryan Moscatello to design a 6-course menu which highlighted all of the wines [...]

Françoise Bedel, Champagne Brut “Dis Vin Secret”

A last minute recommendation to start tomorrow’s feast, this week’s pick comes from Master of Wine Liz Berry, of Provence, France.  Ms. Berry offered these comments on a Champagne she is fond of:  ”I have been incredibly impressed by the quality of all the Champagnes from Françoise Bedel.   With 8.4 hectares in Crouttes sur [...]

Taittinger, Les Folies de la Marquetterie, Champagne, NV

This week’s pick comes from Essi Avellan, MW, the editor of FINE Champagne Magazine:  ’Champagne is first and foremost a blended product. However, there is increasing excitement amongst enthusiasts for single vineyard wines. Taittinger produces one of my favourite single vineyard Champagnes, Les Folies de la Marquetterie.  It comes from a four hectare steep south to [...]

Ayala Brut Majeur NV, Champagne

This week’s pick comes from Craig Hanna, the Cellar Master at Topper’s at the Wauwinet on Nantucket.  Craig remarked that the Ayala is a wonderful food Champagne, offering a cleanliness that is perfect for oysters and other fresh seafare.  The wine is produced from prime vineyards located in Aÿ and Mareuil sur Aÿ, that were [...]

Champagne Moutaudon, Grande Rose, Brut, Non-Vintage

Valentine’s Day? This champagne is made in the heart of Reims, France, steps from the historic war-scarred cathedral. Nothing against the mass-marketed bottles so familiar to the US market, but if you can try a rose from La Champagne, especially for around $35, Mountaudon will certainly please your Valentine.