LuxembourgIf you want a new experience, how about a sparkler from the Duchy of Luxembourg? Sandwiched between Germany and France, the main vineyard area is a chipshot from the Mosel Valley. That said, it is made in the Champagne style mixing several grapes: pinot blanc, riesling, pinot noir, and chardonnay, and it gets a full 24 months on its lees, no doubt the key to its subtle complexity. Expect an enticing croissant/yeasty nose mixed with green apples and peaches that permeate the persistent, somewhat frothy, creamy mousse. However, the lemon and minerals that dust the finish keeps this sparkler in order, making it a perfect luncheon or late afternoon wine. Good value, and it includes two modern sparkling wine glasses.Tasted: 28 January 2023Tasted by: Prices:
LuxembourgThis fresh and juicy sparkler is from the Duchy of Luxembourg. Poised between France and Germany, Luxembourg's main vineyard area is a stone's throw from the Mosel Valley. With just 1,300 hectares of vines, the wines are a rarity, and this one is on sale until January 2 at a five dollar discount! The nose delightfully combines bread-dough yeastiness of bottle-fermentation with crisp green apple, peach, hints of honey and herbs. Fulsome in the mouth, ripe fruity flavours of red berries, apple danish and stone fruit are precise and very pleasing, as is the frothy and creamy texture. Bright lemony acidity and mineral undertones refresh, lengthen and dry out the finish. Made in the champagne method from pinot blanc, riesling, pinot noir, and chardonnay, Cuvée de L'Ecusson spends 2 years in the bottle gaining subtle complexity, toastiness and finesse. Pair its exuberant fruit with savory treats like some fine pâté, baked brie or gougères. Will make a novel and welcome gift to your wine loving friends (and not break the bank) and you can tell them that Luxembourg specializes in sparkling wines just like this.Tasted: 10 December 2020Tasted by: Prices: