When my oldest daughter married last year, many friends expected me to serve Champagne. But the taste of 125 varied people can present “issues.” I knew of a solution — a wine from the region that claims to have first produced sparkling wine! That region is Limoux, in the southern French region of Languedoc. Since 1531, a sparkling wine has been made here using varied grapes. Blanquette De Limoux is often made from Chenin Blanc or the native Mauzac grape. More recently, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have been added to the mix. But foremost in my mind is the “not too dry, not too sweet” quality that sparkling Limoux presents. Made by the traditional method of inducing a second fermentation within the bottle, these sparklers represent exquisite drinking at very fair pricing. Today’s example, made by fourth generation winemaker Jean-Claude Mas, is a delight.
Côté Mas, Crémant De Limoux Brut $16 srp
Golden-yellow tinge with a beautiful, bountiful bead. Intense nose of apples and lemon rind, with pear and peach overtones. Flavors are soft and fruity but vivacious, with apple elements predominant. (What a dry cider would wish to be!) A touch of tart lemon on the finish keeps it all fresh. Slightly hollow on the palate but wonderfully enticing and so very drinkable. Excellent value. (60% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir, 10% Mauzac.) Drink now.
88/100 points
To purchase this bottle of wine or to find something similar from a wide selection of wines, email or call Hope Valley Bottle Shop at 919-403-5200. Don’t miss their free wine tastings every Saturday evening from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Find your favorite bottle or expand your palate with something new from Hope Valley Bottle Shop — South Durham’s original bottle shop. Visit them at the Woodcroft Shopping Center or at hvbottleshop.com.
