Yes, you read the title correctly – NEW MEXICO. The Wine Witch is going out a bit on a limb here. This is absolutely the best U.S. sparkling wine at this price point and probably better than most at twice the price. California be afraid.
The Gruet family comes from the Champagne area of France so they know what they are doing. They also know enough to describe this wine as Methode Champenoise – or wine made by the same method as Champagne, but NOT Champagne. It is made primarily from Pinot Noir and has been aged for at least 2 years.
It is a rich gold in the glass and you have to look very hard to see any hint of the salmony pink often found in Blanc de Noir. It has very complex aromas of toast, berries (mostly strawberries and raspberries), and apples. The same complexity carries through upon tasting and it has a lovely creaminess. It is quite dry, but not mouth sucking dry as some Bruts can be. The only reason the Wine Witch did not give this Blance de Noir a 5 is that the bubbles are almost too agressive. Purely personal taste, but I prefer more of a tickle.
The Gruet Blanc de Noirs would be a terrifc hostest gift. Imagine the conversation it will generate -New Mexico – No Way! Even more fun would be to do a blind tasting against a pricier California sparking wine. Trust me – you will win.
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Posted in Wine Reviews | 
Tags: $15, Blanc de Noir, California, France, Gruet Blanc de Noirs Brut NV, New Mexico, United States, Wine Reviews | |
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Cool merch section. When are you going to have Wine Witch wine glasses? And pointy hats?