Hotel California might not have had wine since 1969, but they have rosé Champagne. These sparkling pinks from the Champagne region get their color from the skins of the red grapes, which in Champagnes are Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. They also usually cost more than their non-rosé counterparts (starting around $50/60 and heading up to … Continue reading
Tag Archives: pinot meunier
champagne fridays in may
Yep, still happening. Grab these great Champagnes to celebrate getting through another pandemic week! Laurent Perrier Brut La Cuvée: This is probably my favorite Champagne in this price range (and frankly even compared to other price ranges). Has such great apple fruit balanced with a hint of lime, and the bubbles are perfect. $45 Leclerc Briant: LOVE … Continue reading
what to drink at your oscars party
Drink like the stars at your Oscar party. The official Champagne is Piper-Heidsieck, and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Prohibition they made a limited-edition magnum with a replica of the Prohibition era label. In the 1920s, bootleggers would smuggle Piper-Heidsieck into the United States where it would be secretly served in speakeasys throughout New York City. Now, … Continue reading
american sparklers for the 4th!
As an American holiday that involves fireworks, there’s only one thing to drink: American sparkling wine! A few domestic wineries use the same grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and winemaking method as Champagne. Here are a few I like: Iron Horse: Often served at White House dinners, they well represent domestic sparkling wine. $38.99 BUY HERE … Continue reading
royal reception bubbles revealed
OK, we’ve got our first Royal Wedding wine! Kensington Palace said Pol Roger Brut Réserve NV is getting popped at the reception. Pol Roger is a blend of 30-35 base wines across at least three vintages, and is made with the three traditional Champagne grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. It’s $49, buy it … Continue reading
fizzmas picks for new year’s!
Hopefully you’ve had your fair share of fizz this holiday season. But if you haven’t, you’ve got one more night to unleash those corks from their cages and into your glass (and then continue for the next 364 days…) The conundrum of New Year’s Eve is always what to pop. Hanging with a small group? Definitely … Continue reading
that’s a wrap, grapefriend style
Holidays always seem to involve a lot of time spent wrapping, the finishing touch on any gift. For wine and Champagne, it can be easy as people tend to just hand over their present in a silver wrapping with a red bow. But don’t miss an opp to get your grape on even at this final stage! I … Continue reading
crazy champagne and food combos that rock
People think Champagne is for Fancy Times, popping it only with caviar, paté, and wedding toasts. And how often is that? Not very. If those are your only usual excuses to drink Champagne, I’m about to give you a lot more. And ones that will rock your palate. Champagne is an excellent food match – it has beautiful … Continue reading
rolling in the ruinart
Everyone is over winter. OVER. But there’s nothing like an awesome all-Champagne dinner to brighten your cold and slushy night. Marika Vida-Arnold, the wine director at the Ritz’s Auden Bistro, puts together Phenomenal Femmes wine dinners throughout the year to showcase wines made by women. At yet another fantastic one last week, I had dinner with Maison … Continue reading
happy grapesgiving!
Happy Grapesgiving, grapefriends! So many people and so many wines to be thankful for. You’ve probably seen a ton of stories about what to pair with your Thanksgiving feast – don’t believe any of them. As I’ve said on past TGs, the dinner is such a hodge podge of foods that it’s impossible to recommend … Continue reading