Ace of Spades Champagne, Gloria Ferrar Va de Vi, and Zardetto

I'm going to continue one more day on sparkling wine.  Heck, it's the holidays.  

The other night I went to a bubbly tasting and tasted a variety of sparkling wines, Champagnes, and Proseccos.  Quite the experience and tons of fun.  Anyway, this wasn't an opportunity for me to take notes, but I did sip and savor.  Three bubblies stood out in my mind. 

I have always enjoyed (and still do) Domaine Ste. Michelle sparkling wine from Washington state.  I have now added a new affordable favorite to my list - Gloria Ferrer VA de VI ($22).  Very enjoyable and gave me an ah-ha moment.  I enjoy a sparkling wine that has some fruit on the palate and isn't all bready and yeasty.  Although I cannot pick out the fruit flavors this had an enjoyable hint of fruit with a bit of creaminess and a lot of bubbles.  

Winemaker's Notes:  The wine offers abundant aromas of ripe apple, Asian pear and Bing cherries amid enticing yeasty tones. On the palate, rich flavors of ripe peach, Meyer lemon, fresh berries and vanilla join with creamy textures in a lasting finish.  

The second stand-out was Brignac Brut Gold Ace of Spade (just over $300) from Armand de Brignac winery in France.  All I can say is move over Cristal!  This was marvelous.  Creamy.  Nice fruit.  Great bubbles.   

Winemaker's Notes:  “Armand de Brignac is a Prestige Cuvée produced in the traditional, old-world style, from grape to glass.  Armand de Brignac Brut gold is our flagship cuvée, a singular example of French Champagne tradition.  Marvelously complex and full-bodied, its bouquet is both fresh and lively, with light floral notes.  On the palate, Armand de Brignac has a sumptuous, racy fruit character that is perfectly integrated with the wine’s subtle brioche accents.  The Champagne’s texture is deliciously creamy, with great depth paired with a long, silky finish.  

Our Brut Gold is pressed from a perfectly balanced blend containing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier wine.”  

Lastly, Zardetto Prosecco Brut from Italy.  The nose on this was candied  apples.  Amazing.  The flavor was nice and what I would call a typical Prosecco.  It did not have a sweet or candy apple flavor.  

Winemaker's Notes:  “… scents of acacia flowers, wild strawberries and ripe golden apples.  Prosecco’s soul explodes in this Brut … It is crystal clear, with an effervescent white froth and a fine pearlage.  The flavor is delicately soft and harmonic, it has a clean and pronounced character and it lingers on the palate for a long time before entering the most pleasant memories.”