Bubblin' On A Budget (Episode Two Notes)
Cheers to the weekend!
This week’s episode of #ThirstyThursday is short, sweet and to the point. When you’re looking for good quality bottles of bubbly, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to find them.
Peep the full video and tasting notes below. Be well!
Wine #1 - Notte Bianca Cantina di Capri Brut - This Italian sparkling wine made from the PIGNOLETTO (PAYEG-NO-LETTO) grape. It’s a cousin of Prosecco – which means it’s still going to be light on the palate, but not as sweet.
TASTING NOTES: dry, medium-bodied, with great acidity, and a long finish
The good thing about this bottle of sparkling is that you can sip it by itself or mix it to create a fizzy cocktail or Bellinis and Mimosas. And at $14, it is an absolute STEAL.
PAIRS WELL WITH: Because of its great level of acidity, this wine is going to go well with a nice helping of macaroni and cheese, or pesto pasta.
Wine #2 - Le Coeur de la Reine Cremant de Loire - CREMANT is a French bubbly that is made similar to Champagne, which makes it a perfect alternative to the real expensive stuff. While we love to call all bubbles Champagne, it isn’t truly authentic unless it comes from Champagne, which is in northern France. Everything is just sparkling wine :-)
TASTING NOTES: On the nose: white peach, almonds, and honeysuckle; on the palate: flavors of citrus, golden apple and chamomile.
Now, what makes Cremant cool is that it’s made in eight different appellations throughout France - so there’s a flavor for every palate. This bottle, however, is from the Loire region, and has a blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc grapes. (Cost: $20)
PAIRS WELL WITH: When looking to pair Cremant with food, you can go the route of seafood - like shrimp and scallops, or go the spicy route of Thai food or even curry.
