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During the holiday season, the Broadmoor’s master sommelier Brendon Tebbe pours an impressive amount of bubbles. Here, his (reasonably priced) recommendations for your festivity:
Domaine Rosier “Cuvée Jean-Philippe” Blanquette de Limoux Brut, Languedoc, France 2012, $12.99 Golden delicious apple, lemon, and white peach, with aromas of apple blossoms, wild flowers, and chamomile, with hints of toasted bread. Made from the indigenous Mauzac grape, this is believed to be the first winery in the world to successfully produce sparkling wine.
Dr. Loosen “Dr. L” Deutscher Riesling Sekt, Germany NV, $12.99 Made from 100 percent Riesling and fermented in tanks to preserve the fruity aromas this grape is famous for: ripe bosc pear, yellow apple, and fresh lemon citrus, with notes of white flowers, ginger, and wet stone. Racy acidity balanced with a hint of residual sugar gives these bubbles a bit of body, while still remaining crisp and refreshing. Riesling, in its infinitely various forms, is the perfect pairing with any food.
Graham Beck, Méthode Cap Classique Brut Rose, Western Cape, South Africa NV, $15.99 Bright red fruit aromas of red cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, a hint of Fiji apple, finished with notes of lavender and fresh bread from lees aging. Crisp on the palate, lightly chalky, and balanced with a tart character to the fruit. Made from both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this lively rose is a delightful addition to any festivity.
Val de Mer by Patrick Piuze, French Sparkling “Non Dosé,” Burgundy, France NV, $19.99 Hauntingly like white Burgundy with bubbles, aromas of toasted brioche and hazelnuts, hints of caramel, with Golden Delicious apple and lemon citrus, with a chalky minerality and dry crispness on the palate, owing to no dosage being added. From renowned Chablis producer Patrick Piuze, this wine is made on Champagne’s border, a treat for a fraction of the price of its neighbor’s wines.
Jansz “Premier Cuvée” Brut, Pipers River, Tasmania NV, $20.99 Aromas of ripe Lemon and lime citrus, Granny Smith apple and white peach, with notes of toasted nuts, freshly baked bread, and white flowers. Zesty acidity balances perfectly with fine bubbles, creating a creamy texture on the palate. A frigid climate in Tasmania, Jansz produces the Southern Hemispheres closest example to true Champagne.
