Saturday, December 28, 2013

Dom Ruinart Brut Rose NV

The end of the year brings thoughts of resolutions for the coming year, making peace with the year that we've just experienced and, of course, a New Year's Eve party. Any New Year should have an obligatory bottle of Champagne to celebrate, whether it's a sweet California sparkling wine or a crisp and dry tête de cuvée from one of France's Champagne houses. Bubbling wine is both a tradition and a joyful way to count down to midnight.
Here's the lesson part. The differences in wine with bubbles is simple. True Champagne comes from the small region in northern France and sparkling wine is from the rest of the world. There are a few names for the ones found outside of Champagne. In Germanic areas it is called Sekt, in Spain it is Cava, and in California it is called whatever they want to call it. You may see some wines that aren't from France labeled Champagne. It's their right to do that, but in my opinion, they are charlatans and should be flogged with a grapevine branch.
I have had jobs that have afforded me the luxury of trying a lot of great wines. I have tried most Champagnes and sparkling wines that are available in the US, and a few that aren't. I've tried some of the heavy hitters like Roederer's Cristal, Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger, and Taittinger. While those were all fantastic, one sparkled a little brighter than all the others for me while costing the same or less than these great wines. It was from France's first established Champagne house that often gets overlooked here in the US, but it shouldn't. It was Dom Ruinart's Brut Rosé. I used to have a bottle of the Non-Vintage (NV) Brut Rosé sitting in my wine cabinet waiting for me to set it free. I was waiting for a special occasion and realized special occasions don't come often enough so I should just open it now. And I did. And it was great.
The ritual of uncorking a Champagne is a different one for me. I don't see how loud I can make the POP, but I try to make as little noise as possible. Technically, the less it pops, the more bubbles are retained in the wine. Is it enough for you to notice a difference? Probably not. I just do it for the weird satisfaction of opening Champagne without the whole party knowing. It gives me the chance to have an extra glass before everyone sticks their glasses in for a taste.
Dom Ruinart's Brut Rosé was light, crisp and fruity while still remaining as dry as Brut can be. There were thousands of little bubbles dancing around popping the subtle flavors. The aroma from the glass is intense and fruity with fresh ripe cherries and red berries. The flavors translate from nose to tongue and is followed by a hint of Spring flowers. The overall experience of this Champagne was heavenly. I was eating some great French and Belgian cheeses while enjoying the wine, but I could have been drinking it with nothing as I watched the Times Square ball drop. If you celebrate the New Year and like a good Champagne that is worth a special occasion, try Dom Ruinart's Brut Rosé. You'll be a better person for it. Cheers.
Discover them here. http://www.ruinart.com/

See more reviews at www.talkingsimian.com


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