Brut Sparkling Wine … a drop of celebratory bubbly
On June 2, all of Great Britain was rejoicing for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. I sincerely wish that I could have been there at that time—in the country of my birth —celebrating Her Majesty’s reign of 60 years.
Her coronation was June 2, 1953, but the jollifications begin a year in advance and will continue into 2013, so my visit to England in July and August for the Olympic Games will not be devoid of Jubilee celebrations.
The two British groups I belong to in the Santa Cruz area held their own events to mark this special 60th anniversary—one an afternoon tea, and the other a party with all British grub. To the latter event, I took along a bottle of Bargetto Winery’s sparkling wine, a fun drop of fizz that is perfect to put one in a celebratory mood. And after all, when it comes time to celebrate, there’s nothing quite like a bit of the old bubbly.
The Bargetto sparkling wine ($28) is made in the traditional methode champenoise style and then aged 18 months en tirage*, giving the wine a rich creamy mousse. The nose offers overtones of wild berries and there’s a finish of crisp apple in this well-balanced wine. This delightful brut sparkling wine has all the nuances of a much more expensive bottle of bubbly, so when you want to pop the cork for a special event, this one is not going to break the bank.
Bargetto Winery, 3535 N. Main St., Soquel, 475-2258. bargetto.com. Open daily from noon to 5 p.m.
*En tirage—French for “in pulling,” refers to the period of time in which bottled sparkling wine is in contact with lees (used-up yeast cells) generated during secondary fermentation. It’s part of the methode champenoise process.
Wine Events
Rhône Wine and Food Pairing at Clos La Chance
Several wineries are getting together for a lovely wine-pairing dinner—Clos La Chance, Martin Ranch, Satori Cellars, Jason Stephens and Sarah’s Vineyard. Chef Charles Lewis will be preparing mouth-watering dishes, and representatives from each winery will be present. To be held on the beautiful property of Clos La Chance in San Martin, 6 p.m. on June 25. Cost $75 (or $65 for members of any of the participating wineries). Info: (408) 686-1050 ext. 106, clos.com.
Wine Tasting on the Chardonnay II
The beautiful sailing vessel Chardonnay II is putting on its Friday evening wine tasting events from now until the end of summer. Sail out to sea, munch on fine hors d’oeuvres and taste some good local wine—all for $49:50. The sailings are usually 6:30-8:30 p.m. For info on participating wineries call 423-1213 or visit chardonnay.com.
