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Champagne—that is, real Champagne—is produced only in the Champagne region of France, and it’s pretty much universally hailed as the greatest sparkling wine in the world. It’s effervescent and lively, and at the same time it offers tremendous complexity and finesse. Champagnes are usually a blend of grapes, typically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, often with a touch of Pinot Meunier as well. They range from dry (brut) to mildly sweet (demi-sec) to very sweet (doux). Different producers, or “houses,” have different styles, too, ranging from light and delicate to rich and full-flavored.
That all said, many other countries make excellent sparkling wines. Those from North America tend to be more fruit-forward than most Champagnes. Cava, an inexpensive sparkler from Spain, often has an earthy character. Italy’s Prosecco is also affordable, and popular for its engaging foaminess and hint of sweetness on the finish. Sparkling wines make great aperitifs, but they’re also good throughout the meal, especially with shellfish and salty or spicy dishes.
Dry, Light Champagne
Top Bottles Perrier Jouët Grand Brut (France) Guy Charlemagne Blanc de Blancs Champagne (France) Taittinger Brut La Française (France)
Dry, Rich Champagne
Top Bottles Pol Roger Brut NV (France) Gosset Brut Excellence (France) Bollinger Brut Special Cuvée (France)
Dry, Fruity Sparkling Wine
Top Bottles Zardetto Prosecco Brut (Italy) Mionetto Prosecco (Italy) Domaine Carneros Brut (California) Mumm Napa Brut Prestige (California)
Dry, Earthy Sparkling Wine
Top Bottles Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava (Spain) Gramona Gran Cuvée (Spain) Mont Marçal Brut Reserva Cava (Spain)
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Wine Clubs If you are just starting to learn about wine and are interested in tasting a variety of wines, joining a wine club may be worth trying. With the recent changes in American law, wine vendors may now offer their wares over the internet.Most online wine clubs are reasonably inexpensive and a great way to explore the growing range of wines on the market. This is definitely a good route if you'd like to taste a variety of wines inexpensively.
Wine In Your Home
A lot of people enjoy a glass of wine, but for some, wine plays a more prominent role. Adding a wine cellar to your home, whether it is simple shelves in your basement or a high-tech climate controlled room, takes your wine expertise to a whole new level. But don't fall into the trap of thinking that adding a wine cellar will increase your property value. If this is your primary goal, look at other home improvement ideas.
Wine for Your Health
Several recent studies suggest that drinking red wine in moderation can help maintain your good health. Taking your medicine has never been more enjoyable! Better cardiovascular health, lowered blood pressure and decreased cholesterol levels are only a few of the benefits of moderate red wine consumption. Learn more about the health benefits of red wine.
Wine Secrets Revealed
If you are new to the wine arena, you may be confused by the jargon on wine labels, not confident when ordering wine at a restaurant or making a selection for a special occasion, and unsure what the difference is between a rosé and a blush wine. Learn about wine types and how to choose wines.
Wine Vintage Charts
Find a really good older wine to share at a wine tasting from a vintage chart. What are vintage charts? Vintage charts are easy reference guides to the excellent, the good and the not so great wines from various wine regions. Learn more about vintages of Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne and Port on these vintage charts.
Food and Wine
Ever wonder why some wines complement certain foods so well? Why shouldn't you drink a red wine with fish? What type of wine should you serve at your next dinner party? Find the answers to these questions and more at food and wine.
Spoiled Wines
A good wine is smooth and delightful, leaving you feeling as content as a purring feline. Occasionally you may come across a wine that tastes off, musty or moldy. Rest assured, this is not the way a wine should taste! The two major causes of wine decline are cork taint and oxidation. Learn why wine spoils and what you should do if your taste buds are knocked flat by a tainted wine. |
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Wine That Loves Grilled Steak
Intensity
This high flavor-intensity dish requires a high intensity wine. If the wine has too little intensity, the flavor of the wine will be lost and you will miss the opportunity to enjoy the interplay of the two flavors.
Acidity
Grilled steak has a dark and mellow flavor, so the right wine needs low acidity. Too much acidity would create a sharp taste that sticks out and distracts from the pleasure of the dish.
Tannin
Because of the mouth-filling flavor of grilled steak, the right wine needs to be medium in tannin to give the wine a taste impression that is big enough to match the substantial mouth presence of this dish.
Flavor
The dominant flavors of this dish are dark so the wine that complements it needs fruit flavors that are in the dark fruit family. Other dark flavors in the wine bring an interesting complexity to the overall taste experience.
Varietals
Reserve Merlot and Carmenere |
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BORDEAUX 2006
Château Cantemerle ($45)
There was a huge amount of hype surrounding the 2005 vintage, and the very high prices reflected that fact, but this elegant wine is an excellent buy.
BURGUNDY 2006
Colin-Morey En Remilly Saint-Aubin ($48)
The 2005 vintage was much ballyhooed, but 2006 also produced terrific whites, like this wonderfully rich, minerally wine from the talented Pierre-Yves Colin.
GERMANY 2007
Laible Durbacher Plauelrain Baden-Ortenau Riesling Spätlese Trocken ($30)
The 2007 vintage in Germany was simply outstanding, as this peach-inflected Rieslingshows, with its bright acidity and long, clean finish.
LONG ISLAND, NY 2007
Paumanok Chenin Blanc ($28)
It can be hard to get grapes consistently ripe on the North Fork of Long Island, but 2007 was an excellent vintage for the region; this dry, Loire-style Chenin Blanc is a stellar example of what this grape can do in a good year.
OREGON 2006
Elk Cove Mount Richmond Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($48)
The 2006 vintage produced ripe and juicy Pinots, like this well-crafted single-vineyard bottling from Elk Cove. |
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