December 2010 Newsletter - Sparklers and Celebrations

Sparklers and Celebrations

It seems like in December, everything sparkles, including the wine we drink.  Now that we’re in the middle of the holiday season, inevitably thoughts turn to parties and celebration, and that means sparkling wines and champagne.  Pioneer has a large selection of grower champagnes, or champagne that is bottled from vineyards owned by the winemaker, as well as  Spanish Cava, and Italian Prosecco and sparkling wine.  It’s not too late to stock your shelves with some great bubbly for the holidays!



Andre Clouet Brut Reserve

Andre Clouet is based in Bouzy, a village where Pinot Noir speaks with great eloquence, as is evident in these superb, pedigreed Champagnes.  The NV Brut Grande Reserve offers up layers of mineral-infused red fruits on a silky, mid-weight frame, with gorgeous length and a refined, subtle mousse. This impeccable, elegant wine shows terrific overall balance as well as complexity.

Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee St. Anne

A wonderfully rich, creamy wine, the Cuvee St. Anne is dominated by the significant presence of red grapes.  With air, the wine evolves in complexity as it's chalky minerality emerges to add complexity and length.  All combine to create a wine with lovely richness and density.  Make no mistake, this is a serious champagne, but one that rewards the drinker greatly.

Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee St. Anne

A wonderfully rich, creamy wine, the Cuvee St. Anne is dominated by the significant presence of red grapes.  With air, the wine evolves in complexity as it's chalky minerality emerges to add complexity and length.  All combine to create a wine with lovely richness and density.  Make no mistake, this is a serious champagne, but one that rewards the drinker greatly.

Secco Italian Bubbles Italian Sparkling Wine

An amazing sparkling white with notes of flowers, apples and peaches, with a dry finish.  Secco also comes in a Rose, with hints of raspberry and strawberry.  A great price point and attractive case and bottle packaging make Secco a home run.

Renardat-Fache 08 Bugey-Cerdon

Cerdon is to be consumed throughout the few years following the vintage. It is fragile and requires excellent cellaring and transporting conditions. Renardat's is delicate, berry-scented, refreshing, and makes a delicious aperitif or dessert wine (even chocolate goes well with it).  Don't miss this gem from the little known Bugey region.

Raventos i Blanc Brut L'Hereu
 

The N.V. L’Hereu de Raventos I Blanc was produced by the methode champenoise, unusual for such an inexpensive bubbly. A blend of Macabeo, Xarel-Lo, and Parellada, it exhibits an attractive mousse and refreshing crisp acidity on the palate. Balanced, tasty, and with good length, this is a great value in Cava.

Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Brut

The Pierre Peters Reserve Brut is an exciting, crisp wine loaded with notes of zesty citrus, minerals and flowers. The wine displays superb depth and purity in a focused style. It is a great effort at this level.  One of our most popular producers.

Tiamo Prosecco
 

Here's a luminous sparkling wine that plays up its Italian good cheer. It's a straightforward expression with characteristic aromas of cut grass, stone fruit and citrus that makes for an informal but very satisfying ensemble.  Crisp and clean at a great price, Tiamo, Italian for "I love you," is sure to please.

Rene Geoffroy 'Expression' Brut

The NV Brut 'Expression' is an unusual, exotic Champagne laced with passion fruit, mango and sweet baking spices. It is a sensual wine that radiates warmth on a rich, textured frame. Sweet, candied notes linger on the finish.  If you haven't tried Geoffroy or grower champagnes, this one will spoil you!

Aubry, Brut
 

The Aubry Brut is a gorgeous wine, with notable complexity in an expression of smoke, earthiness and chalk. The tannins close with considerable grip. This family-run domaine is distinguished by using a high percentage of Pinot Meunier, as well as ancient Champagne varieties that today are all but forgotten.

This selection barely makes a dent in showing all of the sparkling wines and champagnes Pioneer has to offer.  Ask your sales representative for more details today!

Cheers!

The Pioneer Wine Company Team