Tuesday, December 18, 2012
V. Sattui Prestige Cuvée 2009
Sometimes people who know I write about wine will engage me in a wine conversation. This usually involves either asking for a recommendation or asking if I have ever had their favorite wine. Either way, I'm more than willing to engage. If you know anyone who writes about wine - and there are plenty of us - you may have ended up sorry you broached the subject. "I wouldn't have rubbed the lamp if I had known the genie would rattle on all night."
One friend made a recommendation to me. He told me to try Napa Valley producer V. Sattui, that I would love their wines as much as he did. As luck has it, I have the opportunity, and I'm impressed. This space contained a bit about the V. Sattui '08 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon a while back. Today we'll examine the winery's sparkling Cuvée, also kindly provided by the winery.
The 2009 V. Sattui Prestige Cuvée is 80% Chardonnay from their Carsi Vineyard in Yountville and 20% Pinot Noir from Henry Ranching Los Carneros. At just under 1% residual sugar, the winery says the '09 is a little drier than their three previous releases. The sparkler is produced in methode champenoise and is disgorged after 18 months on the yeast. It goes for $29 retail.
The wine is a beautiful golden color, particularly effective when served in a glass larger than a flute. I dislike flutes for sparkling wine, because it is so much harder to appreciate the bouquet of the wine in a narrow little glass. It's O.K. to drink sparkling wine from a larger wine glass.
The nose displays lovely notes of toast and honey under an apricot fruit layer. Frothy bubbles dissipate quickly and a sweet edge sets off lovely green apples and brilliant acidity.
It's a festive wine, as sparklers are generally perceived to be, and dry enough to pair well with whatever finger food is served with it. It's a great match with my iced shortbread Christmas cookies. Some shrimp or caviar would be nice with it, too.
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