If you look at the bio of the “Author” and Chief Creative Officer of Coast Culinary Collective, you’ll see I’ve spent a few years in the wine biz. As such, I’ve consumed more than my share of sparkling wine in my tenure. In fact I consider Champagne my desert island drink. Now let’s clear this up quickly; “Champagne” comes from that northerly region of France from where it takes it’s name. There are specific grape varieties, a specific method of making it and geographic lines to define the production. To call bubbles made elsewhere in the world Champagne, would be an attempt to capitalize on the intensive efforts of generations of producers of that region. But let’s clarify a different side of that coin. Champagne is a sparkling wine. So too are Cava from Spain as are Spumante & Frizzante from Italy. Australia has a huge love for fizz and produces a considerable amount. Some great sparklers come from the United States, here in BC and even a highly regarded one from Nova Scotia. There’s a lot of sparkling wine made around the globe.
But for the purpose of this particular article, we’re featuring two “Cremant” or French sparkling wines from another regal wine region; “Bourgogne”. Typically far less money but still made at elevated quality levels, Cremant de Bourgogne is a great way to indulge your craving at a considerably lower price. Lower prices hopefully translates to mean you can afford to purchase more.
The two bubbles in the spotlight here come from the winery cooperative, Cave de Lugny. Formed in 1927 with 116 growers of grapes, “Lugny” is now ones of the largest producers in the area boasting over 400 growers providing grapes to their production. A very positive aspect of the relationship between the two bodies, farmers are paid based on the quality of the grapes grown. Sampling of the fruit is done throughout the season and the higher the standard of grapes coming from those vineyards, the more each grower makes. This encourages healthy soil practices with a minimal of chemical interference. Win win for the farmers, Cave de Lugny and we the consumers.
Our two bubbles in the caption are both made in the same fashion as Champagne or more precisely, “Methode Traditional”.
The Brut Rose is a blend of multiple vintages or cuvees and consists of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay. It has characteristics of plumbs, licorice and strawberry. Plenty of fruit on the palate. Fully dry.
The Millisime Brut is a vintage bubble (2016) with a cepage (blend) of 50/50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Qualities of green apples, flowers, brioche and roasted hazelnuts. Fully dry. A staple in the Coast Culinary Cellar.
Both of these sparklers are available at Blackfish Liquor Store.
$26.65 & $29.50 respectively. Those prices are ex-tax and deposit. I would point out there’s a strategy in posting this now over and above these festive weeks. Blackfish has a deal where you receive 10% off if you buy 4 or more and this coming Saturday the 12th, they’re offering 20% off. Already great values made that much more appealing.
Sante’!
