Monday, October 5, 2009

Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut NV

Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Blend: Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Colombard (percentages unknown)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Golden yellow in color, this sparkling wine produces an abundance of bubbles. The bouquet is of red and green apples and honey. The palate improves on the nose with expressive fruit flavors. The finish has some mineral character and is slightly astringent.

Our rating: We enjoyed our bottle at a "champagne" brunch. It is food-friendly, pairing well with the wide variety of dishes at our buffet. We don't recommend it as a sipping wine, though. The blend apparently changes considerably over time; one page of the importer's website says the blend is of ugni clanc, colombard, and chardonnay; the technical sheet (from the same website) says chenin blanc, ugni blanc, and various other grapes. The label, which we think might be the most accurate for the bottle we tasted, states ugni blanc, folle blanche, colombard. We're not sure what to make of this, only to say that the bottle we reviewed here may not be the bottle you buy. We rate ours about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Nose: Bright and fruity, this wine exudes aromas typical of chenin blanc: apples, apricots and a hint of honey. Palate: An explosion of fine bubbles followed by a smooth, fruity finish."

Winery website: Boisset Family Estates (importers).

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