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BAILLY LAPIERRE
In Auxerrois, at the northern limits of Burgundy, Bailly Lapierre produces refreshing, balanced and serious sparkling wines from a unique and distinctive terroir. In the past decade or so, the sparkling wines of Burgundy, Alsace and the Loire – known as Crémant – have gained attention and affection from leading sommeliers and knowledgeable wine consumers as fabulous value alternatives to the more expensive sparkling wines of Champagne. The Crémants produced by Bailly Lapierre are a particularly appealing alternative in this regard due to their geographic proximity to the vineyards of Champagne, and the resulting stylistic similarities. Much like Champagne, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir make up a significant proportion of these sparkling wines, with the local Aligoté grape adding a splash of local Burgundy taste to the mix.
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NV CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
Produced in a “blanc de blancs” style, from 100% Chardonnay grapes, this delightful sparkling wine screams northern Chardonnay for all its finesse, structure and pure refreshment! Harvested entirely by hand and transported to the winery in small 45kg baskets to avoid damage to the grapes, this wine is crafted using many of the same techniques and methods usually reserved for fine wines sold at two or three times this price. This wine ages for around 18 months in the cool limestone bedrock cellars of Bailly Lapierre, helping to round out the inherent brightness of this Chardonnay based sparkler, contributing notes of brioche, toast and mellower lemon curd to the final aromatic and flavour profiles.
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WITH FOOD
Dry sparkling wine, especially Chardonnay-based ones like this Crémant de Bourgogne from Bailly Lapierre, are exceptionally versatile with food, serving as outstanding aperitifs next to mild finger foods, or as the star of the show with finer seafood and fish focussed entrées or appetizers. The bright and tart lemony acidity and aromatics in this wine make it a perfect pairing with oysters, clams or mild white fish like halibut. If none of these dishes or ingredients ring your proverbial bell, don’t sweat it – a glass of this stunning value French sparkler also sings on the patio or dock at the cottage all on its own over the warm summer months to come!!
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RECIPE IDEAS
Eggs Benedict w/ Butter Poached Shrimp & Lobster Bisque-Infused Hollandaise
Honeyed Fig & Goat Cheese Tart
Prosciutto Wrapped Salmon w/ Yogurt Sauce
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EXPERT OPINION
“Effectively a Blanc de Blancs, although not labeled as such, this is a crisp, steely, mineral wine. It has a Chablis-like cut and thrust of citrus and apple fruit flavors, bright and fruity, although with an attractive bottle age toast.” –RV, WineEnthusiast.com
91 / 100 Points
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Producer: Bailly Lapierre
Wine: Crémant de Bourgogne Chardonnay
Origin: Burgundy, France
Vintage: NV
LCBO #: 369066
Price: $24.95