Champagne . . . the Champagne of Sparkling Wines?
- Sparkling Wine: a wine with significant levels of carbon dioxide in it making it fizzy. The carbon dioxide may result from natural fermentation, either in a bottle, as with the methode champenoise, in a large tank designed to withstand the pressures involved (as in the Charmat process), or as a result of carbon dioxide injection.
- Champagne: sparkling wine specifically produced in the Champagne region of France.
Without further ado, the wines:
1. D.O.C. Treviso (Extra Dry Prosecco); Whole Foods $12.99, ordinarily $15.99; 11%
Rating: 3.14
Nose: peach, citrus, pineapple
Taste:
- smooth
- some thought this was not that sweet, others thought it was sweeter than champagne/regular sparkling wines
Here the ladies asked why champagne gets you drunk faster
than flat wines or even other alcohol.
Inquiring minds want to know, so we took to the Internets to find
out. Apparently, despite semi-scientific testing, the phenomenon "remains a mystery."
2. 1+1 =
3. Cava Brut, Whole Foods $11.99; 11.5%
Rating: 2.25
Nose: Cate pee, licorice; methane, wet wool
Taste:
- tastes better than smells
- “there’s not much to say.”
The ladies thought this might be a
good base for champagne-based drinks, like mimosas or bellinis; needs something
to overcome.
Here we learned about sit spas. There are no words.
Here we learned about sit spas. There are no words.
3. Gruet
Blanc de Noir, $14.99 at Schneiders, 12%
We got into an amazing conversation here about being young, early/mid- twenties, and, let’s just say, ‘juggling.’ Snippets:
Rating: 3.12
Nose: not much smell, alcohol, buttery
Taste:
- smooth
- creamy
We got into an amazing conversation here about being young, early/mid- twenties, and, let’s just say, ‘juggling.’ Snippets:
- Regarding sleeping arrangements” I don’t know, I mean I do kexactly know except I don’t remember what was agreed upon."
- “He grabbed my hand and grabbed me and the rest is history.” (A la Seinfeld: “You ‘yadda yadda’d the best part!’)
4. The Chook
Sparkling Shiraz, Raku/Kramerbooks; $19.99
Rating: 3.58
Rating: 3.58
Nose: Berries, cranberry jam.
Taste:
- berries
- fruit.
This is a dark red wine, but to be served cold.
Here we got into an amazing discussion of Army Wives and ass smacking that cannot really be put into print. Ask the author/note taker, and perhaps ye shall receive.
5. Orlana
Vino Verde, $7.99 Whole Foods; 9%
Rating: 2.42
Rating: 2.42
Nose: cat pee, “doesn’t smell fab”
Taste: like "soda fritzer"
We also observed that this wine was not particularly fizzy and looked very light in color compared to the others.
Terri explained that vino verde is a great summer wine that -- let's be honest -- we could drink all day. In other words, it's a “low duty”
wine.
Here, the ladies got into QUITE the spirited discussion of whether babysitting
across the hall of a condo apartment building with a baby monitor is
appropriate. The ladies declined to judge the parents ' decision, but rather decided that it was great that the young parents were still “fun parents,” i.e., they went out and
left their baby with neighbors. Ricki offered her services for any future babysitting efforts, noting:
“I’m the child whisperer.”
The ladies also made some new friends:
The ladies also made some new friends:
6. Coppola,
Blanc de Blanc, Whole Foods $20.99, 12.0%
Rating 3.58
Rating 3.58
Nose: Sweet
Tastes:
- very bubbly
- drinkable
The presentation of this bottle stole the show. The presentation looked like an amazing gift all the ladies would be honored to receive. (Hint, hint to our friendly/accidental readers!)
- The definition of tipple:
- verb: to make a habit of taking (alcoholic drink), esp in small quantities
- noun: alcoholic drink
- We learned a lot about the meaning of names:
- “Stephanie” means “crowned one”
- "Ricki" means strong power peaceful ruler. The ladies also noted that Ricki is the name of the Bachelorette's daughter.
- "Julie" is youthful, victorious
See you next time Winos!
