The Cellar: High-End Bubbles for New Years
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer
The Cellar: High-End Bubbles for New Years
Over the years I have featured a slew of these value-driven bubbles, so this year I have decided to step things up a notch and review two higher-end sparkling wines; a $25 Prosecco Superiore and a $80ish Rose Champagne.
The first wine is a Prosecco Superiore, which means it is a step up from a standard Prosecco. While regular Proseccos can be produced throughout much of northern Italy’s Friuli and Veneto wine regions, the growing area of Prosecco Superiore is limited to a small area covering 15 tiny hillside communes surrounding the town of Valdobbiadene, approximately 50 miles northwest of Venice. They have been growing Prosecco's principal grape variety Glera in this region for more than three centuries founding Italy’s first School of Winemaking as early as 1876. Restrictions on yields and long aging requirements are just some of the rules governing the making of Prosecco Superiore.
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This year’s featured Champagne is a Rosé made by one of my favorite producers Laurent-Perrier, which was founded in 1812. Like most of the major Champagne houses Laurent-Perrier sources much of its grapes from smaller growers most of whom are simple farmers and not winemakers themselves. (Fun fact: 90% of the grapes that are made into Champagne each year are grown by more than 15.000 registered growers who farm roughly 5 acres on average).
The 100% Pinot Noir grapes that go into making Laurent-Perrier’s Cuvée Rosé are sourced from a dozen or so growers, most of whom are located on the southern and northern slopes of Montagne de Reims; one of the five major districts of Champagne and a region that is particularly well-known for growing quality Pinot Noir. The different batches of grapes, called crus, are then blended together with Laurent-Perrier’s own estate fruit to make this outstanding Cuvée.
To extract the gorgeous salmon-pink color the winemakers allows the juice to soak (macerate) with the grape skins for up to 72 hours before the soon-to-be wine is pressed off and bottled. After fermentation, which takes place inside each individual bottle, the wine is bottle-aged for 4 years before being disgorged.
The resulting wine is seriously intense, frothy and delicious. Upon popping the wine and pouring the first sip you almost need to give it a minute and allow the wine to settle inside the glass. Don’t worry about the bubbles disappearing as they are not only soft and smooth, but also plentiful. The wine is densely flavoredwith bright strawberries and red currents in the forefront and lingering leesy deliciousness. A special wine for a special occasion. Stunning!
Happy New Years,
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related questions or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings at the Providence Wine Academy.
10 New England Wine Getaways
Newport Vineyards
Newport Vineyards is the perfect Rhode Island destination for wine lovers year round. Visit the winery this weekend for tastings and tours, featuring an array of award winning wines.
909 E Main Road, Middletown, RI. (401) 848-5161.
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineya
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton is much more than just a winery—it is a place to get away from the stresses of life and indulge your senses, a place to try new things, a place to focus on you. The vineyard is open every day, and invites you to come for a tasting and tour. Try their Petite Red, Vidal Blanc, and many more of their distinctive wines.
162 W Main Road, Little Compton, RI. (401) 635-8486.
Greenvale Vineyards
Visit Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth to sample their estate grown and produced wine, made in small batches. While at the estate, try seven different wines and keep the wine glass for only $12. While you are tasting, take in the gorgeous views of both the vineyard and river. Besides tasting the wines, Greenvale also invites customers to tour the winery and learn about the history and process of winemaking at the vineyard.
582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI. (401) 847-3777.
Maugle Sierra Vineyards
For a trip to a vineyard that includes much more than just wine, hop over the border to Ledyard, CT, to check out Maugle Sierra Vineyards. The vineyard hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays to compliment your wine tasting experience. Pack a dinner or light fare and enjoy a tasting session in the Sierra Room while you take in the sunset.
825 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, CT. (860) 464-2987.
Nickle Creek Vineyards
Nickle Creek Vineyard is a family owned and operated Rhode Island wine treasure. The winery, located in Foster, makes it their mission to handcraft the most unique, high quality wines in the business. All wines are created in small batches, giving them a distinctly unique taste. This weekend, visit their tasting room to try their variety of wines. On your way out, be sure to pick up a bottle of Foster Nights to get you through those chilly New England evenings.
12 King Road, Foster, RI. (401) 369-3694.
Nashoba Valley Winery
Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.
Bishop’s Orchards Winery
The wines from Bishop’s Orchards Winery and Farm Market in Guilford, CT, have won over 179 medals since the winery opened in 2005. The tasting room at Bishop’s is open seven days a week year round, so no time is off-limits for wine tasting. Head over on the weekend to enjoy a winery tour pre or post tasting session. While visiting the winery, also be sure to check out the market for fresh baked goodies.
1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT. (203) 453-2338.
Diamond Hill Vineyards
For a cool twist on classic wine labels, look no further than Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland. At Diamond Hill, you can get custom designed wine labels perfect for any occasion. If you’re interested in tasting the wines, visit their elegant tasting room for samples of their high quality wines such as Cranberry Apple, Estate Pinot Noir, or Blackberry.
3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. (401) 333-2751.
Westport Rivers
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery
Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.
417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.
Travessia Winery
Found on the southern Massachusetts coast about 30 minutes outside of Providence, is Travessia Winery in New Bedford. This micro-winery puts a twist on traditional wine culture with its cool urban flair. Travessia is open for sales and tastings Wednesday-Sunday, and invites customers to come in and enjoy their unique variety of wines.
760 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (774) 929-6534.
