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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 Aligote grape adding a splash of local Burgundy taste to the mix.
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NV CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE RÉSERVE BRUT
Produced from a blend of 30% Chardonnay, 30% Aligote, 20% Pinot Noir and 20% Gamay, this sparkling wine is uniquely Burgundian. Grapes for this wine are harvested by hand and transported in small 45kg boxes from the vineyard to the cellars to protect the grapes from damage and oxidation. 75% of the juice for this Crémant comes from the first press – ensuring a bright, delicate and fresh aromatic profile. Finally, the wine is allowed to age in bottle for a minimum of 12 months ahead of release to market.
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WITH FOOD
This is a Crémant with a greater-than-average body, and so can easily pair with somewhat heavier dishes then the average sparkling wine. While shellfish, foie gras, and rich cheeses are all traditional Crémant pairings, this bubbly can also stand up to lighter meat dishes such as beef tartare. Also perfect as an aperitif, this sparkling wine can be enjoyed over the next 1-2 years.
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RECIPE IDEAS
Endive w/ Lobster, Avocado & Grapefruit
Beef Tartare with Pickled Asian Pear
Foie Gras with Rhubarb and Duck Breast
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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 Réserve Brut
Origin: Burgundy, France
Vintage: Non Vintage
LCBO #: 991562
Price: $19.95
