Susan Miloser brought the winning wine.
Janie Farnsworth
The toasting of the New Year was held at Frank and Nancy Freisheim’s home. We had four bottles of champagne to taste. The outcome was very interesting in that the winner, the second, third and fourth place were so very close.
The winner was Kenwood Cuvee Brut, which was brought by Susan Miloser. Mike Miloser was absent that night. Kenwood Yulupa Cuvee Brut is a medium dry sparkling wine made using the traditional Methode Champenoise process of natural bottle fermentation. The grapes used to make the Yulupa Cuvee Brut are pressed using the traditional “whole cluster” system, which yields the most subtle and delicate juice possible. Enjoy this sparkling wine as an aperitif or with salads or spicy dishes. For desserts this wine pairs well with fresh berries or a fruit tart.
Second, third and fourth all tied with the same amount of votes. Segura Vindas Brut from Spain is a selection of macabeo and parellada grown at estate vineyards in the Alt Penedes, Reserva Heredad is a complex and heady Cava that delivers on its richness without sweetness. Its potent depth of flavor has a smoky minerality and fresh apple-skin notes. This is full and meaty enough to serve with roast chicken or veal meatballs.
Next we had Arthur Metz. This champagne is from France, and I could not find any specifics on it. The Maison Arthur Metz is ideally located at the start of the picturesque wine circuit in Alsace, which is the central road through the Alsace vineyards.
Third we had Michelle Brut from Washington State. The Michelle Brut Rose is a beautiful blush sparkling wine with impressions of berries in the nose and on the palate. The initial impression is dry with a soft and fruity aftertaste. It is a blend of 93% Pinot Noir, 7% Meunier.