Made from free-run juice with a 12 hour maceration of Pinot Noir grapes, the sparkling is bright cherry in colour with an abundance of candied cherry and strawberry aromas and flavours, delicate bubbles, slightly creamy texture and a nice, slightly bitter leesy quality. Good with smoked salmon, chilled crab or poolside.
Caves São João was established in 1920 by brothers José, Manuel and Albano Costa. After initially specializing in selling Douro wines, they turned their focus on their home region of Bairrada. This reserva bruto is a classical method dry, toasty blend of Bical, Chardonnay, Maria Gomes and Arinto, fermented in stainless before a year on lees in bottle. Ripping acidity lifts bitter lemon, pear skin, green fruits, dried chamomile flowers, with a finish verging on harsh due to the bracing acids. Suitable for an apéritif with olives, anchovies or bacalhau croquettes with aioli.
Easy drinking sparkler with rose petal, tropical and honey notes up front before a light and lively palate of orchard fruits, peach and lychee with a touch of ginger spice before a clean finish. Think mild curries or just plain fun sipping.
Made from Chardonnay. Pale yellow with a myriad of tiny bubbles, more effervescence than sparkle. Fairly strong nose of yeast, apples and cultured butter. Light-bodied, slightly sweet, tasting of McIntosh apples with a squeeze of lemon. A “feminine” wine, great as an apéritif.
Pale straw in colour with a minerally, chalky, lemon and green apple nose; light to medium-bodied, dry, slightly earthy, green apple flavour with good length aided by citrus acidity. Very attractive for the price.
Floral, fresh lemon citrus and a suggestion of berry fruit on the nose make way for green apple, citrus and background red berry on the medium weight palate. Zesty acidity and moderately dry finish make this an ideal bargain priced fizz for party occasions or to enjoy as an apéritif anytime.
Catherine and Pierre Breton champion biodynamic viticulture in the Loire, use native yeasts and eschew much sulfur. They have been farming organically since 1987 and biodynamically since 1999. This is a pretty, light, elderflower and apple-blossomed sparkling Chenin Blanc from Vouvray. Traditional method (from two vintages) with 24 months on the lees and a light touch, deftly merging autolysis with subtle white florals. Gentle white peach lingers on the tight, bright, dry finish, with a gingersnap scented on the finish. Effortless and easily drinkable, especially at breakfast/brunch.