Category Archives: Sparkling Wine

Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Sparkling Wine, Frizzante, etc.,

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC SPARKLING WINE, NV, VQA, Ontario, Canada

25 Tuesday Jun 2024

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, On The Fence, Sparkling Wine

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Cost: $30.00
Grape: Vidal
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Southbrook Vineyards
Alcohol: 11.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A simple, light style Charmat sparkling wine that would be versatile in making cocktail drinks. Score: 86/100.

Tasting Note: Light straw in colour with good acidity, fine mousse, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon/lime, pear, green apples & radicchio.

Negatives: Overpriced

Interesting Note: Vegan & Certified Organic

Winemaker’s Note: “Estate grown biodynamic Vidal was picked and quickly pressed to produce a base wine for second-ever Charmat bubbly. Using a special Champagne press cycle where only 50% of the yield is taken to ensure the brightest acidity, the resulting juice was fermented with cooler temperatures to maintain the tropical fruit character of Vidal. Base wine underwent secondary fermentation in tank with 6g RS leftover to create balance in the wine.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in 3 – 5 years on its own or pair it with truffle oil French fries

My Opinion: On the fence

Tasted: June 23, 2024

CAVE DE RIBEAUVILLÉ GIERSBERGER BRUT CRÉMANT D’ALSACE, NV, AC Alsace, France

18 Monday Mar 2024

Posted by in Best Buys, Recommended, Sparkling Wine

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Cost: $22.95 (Clearance Price: $16.00)
Grape: 80% Pinot Blanc, 20% Auxerrois
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Alsace
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Cave de Ribeauville
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Bone dry on the taste with citric fruit & minerality. Score: 89/100.

Tasting Note: Straw in colour with fine mousse, high acidity, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Yeast, brioche, green & yellow apples, pear, orange, limestone & acacia on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: “The grapes are exclusively harvested by hand. This Crémant is produced in the purest respect of the traditional method with a second fermentation in the bottle, followed by aging for a minimum of 12 months on slats. A dosage of 8.5g/l during disgorging gives it its raw character.” Winery

Pairings: Drink this now or in 2 – 4 years on its own or pair it for Sunday Brunch.

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: March 17, 2024

LCBO: 183624

CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT NATURE NV, Méthode Traditionnelle, AC Loire, France

20 Monday Nov 2023

Posted by in Highly Recommended, Sparkling Wine

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Cost: $33.95 (Clearance Price: $23.65)
Grape: Chenin Blanc
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Loire
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Domain des Galloires
Alcohol: 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

High quality Blanc de Blanc with intensity & a delicious palate. Score: 95/100.

Tasting Note: Gold in colour with good acidity, fine mousse, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Toast, brioche, pear, apricot, peach, grilled pineapple, apple, lemon, beeswax & Easter Lily on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: “The sons and grandsons of Léon and Jean Toublanc pay tribute to them with this 100% Chenin blanc de blanc, which is foamed with the natural sugar of the grapes. Aging for a minimum of 24 months on slats gives a very fine bubble and a nice length in the mouth.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in 5 – 7 years on its own or pair it with roasted langoustines.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top pick & Best buy at clearance price

Tasted: November 19, 2023

LCBO: 287382

ANGELS & COWBOYS BRUT SPARKLING WINE, NV, Méthode Traditionnelle, California, United States of America

15 Wednesday Nov 2023

Posted by in Recommended, Sparkling Wine

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Cost: $33.95 (Clearance Price: $27.20)
Grape: 56% Pinot Noir & 44 % Chardonnay
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: California
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Angels & Cowboys
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Crisp, dry with some complexity. Score: 91/100.

Tasting Note: Straw in colour with good acidity, fine mousse, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Brioche, buttered toast, green apples, pear, lemon & hazelnut.

Negatives: None

Wine Makers Note: “Wine completes 16-month en tirage (aging on the lees),
a traditional dosage of liqueur dʼexpedition is added for balance
and complexity. The base wine blend contains 24% reserve wines
(from a perpetual reserve).”

Pairings: Drink this now or in 5 – 7 years on its own or pair it with Oysters Rockefeller

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: November 12, 2023

LCBO: 32075

FAUSTINO BRUT CAVA NV, Méthodo Tradicional, Cava, Spain

05 Sunday Nov 2023

Posted by in Best Buys, Highly Recommended, Sparkling Wine

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Cost: $17.95 (Clearance Price: $14.40)
Grape: Macabeo and Chardonnay
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Cava
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Bodegas Faustino
Alcohol: 11.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Beautifully made Cava with substance & elegance. Score: 92/100.

Tasting Note: Bright gold in colour with good acidity, fine mouse, medium intense nose & a good length on the finish. This wine features: Light brioche, lemon, dried apricot, MacIntosh apples, pear, peach & honeycomb.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Minimum 18 months ageing sur latte.

Pairings: Drink this now or in 3 – 5 years on its own or pair it with poached eggs on a bed of grape tomatoes.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy & Amazing Buy at the clearance price

Tasted: November 5, 2023

LCBO: 29948

VILLA CONCHI BRUT ROSÉ CAVA, NV, Traditional Method, DO Cava, Spain

29 Sunday Oct 2023

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Cost: $16.95 (Clearance Price: $13.60)
Grape: Trepat
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Cava
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Villa Conchi
Alcohol: 11.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A simple but nice palate cleaner to start the meal. Score: 89/100.

Tasting Note: Salmon in colour with good acidity, fine mouse, low to medium intensity nose & a good length on the finish. This wine features: Raspberry, strawberry & cranberry.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in 3 – 5 years on its own or pair it with braised pork belly.

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: October 29, 2023

LCBO: 632265

BANSHEE TEN CUPS BRUT NV, Méthode Champenoise, California, United States of America

01 Sunday Oct 2023

Posted by in Highly Recommended, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $32.95 (Clearance Price: $27.25)
Grape: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: California
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Banshee
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Traditional Champagne grapes used in Méthode Champenoise style gives elegance, balance & lighter style than Champagne. Score: 94/100.

Tasting Note: Straw in colour with good acidity, fine mousse, low to medium intensity nose, & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Light brioche, lemon, peach, pear, green apples, dill, ginger, roasted almonds, oak spice & honeysuckle on the nose.

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Note: Two months in neutral French oak barrels with no malolactic fermentation. Secondary fermentation occurred in bottle. Aged on the lees for 24 months then disgorged.

Pairings: Drink this now or in 4 – 6 years on its own or pair it with Farralon Salad

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: October 1, 2023

LCBO: 31536

KEW VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY CUVÉE 2016, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

17 Sunday Sep 2023

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $23.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Kew Vineyards
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Elegant, classically style & all at a great price. Score: 94/100.

Tasting Note: Medium straw in colour with fine mousse, good acidity, medium intensity nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Light yeast, brioche, pear, green apples, lemon meringue, dill, oak spice & limestone.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in 4 – 6 years on its own or pair it with Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon & chives.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick & Best Buy

Tasted: September 17, 2023

LCBO: 28978

GRAN BARÓN RESERVA CAVA, NV, Método Tradicional, Spain

15 Monday May 2023

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Cost: $18.95
Grape: Macabeu – Xarel·lo – Parellada
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Cava
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Gran Barón
Alcohol: 11.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Classic brut Cava being expressive, not complicated, just good. Score: 92/100.

Tasting Note: Straw in colour with fine mousse, good acidity, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Kiwi, McIntosh apples, pear, white peach & orange blossom on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Vegan friendly. Aged an average of 18 months on in bottle.

Pairings: Drink this now or in 4 – 6 years on its own or pair it with Spanish Tortilla.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: May 14, 2023

LCBO: 16836

Collalbrigo Extra Dry Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, NV, DOCG Conegliano and Valdobbiadene

07 Sunday May 2023

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Cost: $17.95
Grape: Glera
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Tenuta di Collalbrigo Winery
Alcohol: 11.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Classic DOCG Prosecco being dry, crisp, clean with nice fruit flavours. Score: 92/100.

Tasting Note: Light straw in colour with fine mousse, good acidity, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lime, green apples, pear & honeysuckle on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Vegan friendly

Pairings: Drink this now or in 4 – 6 years on its own or pair it with Charcuterie.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: May 7, 2023

LCBO: 30579