For as smooth of a day as last Tuesday was, last Wednesday was exactly the opposite. Taking over a 271-page document that was originally drafted by someone else, but became my responsibility when I started my new job, was no small task. I not only was responsible for familiarizing myself with the original document and the background information that the document was based on, but also making changes to the draft document to improve it, as I thought necessary. Thankfully, one of my fabulous co-workers helped with the task, but at the end of the day, the project was all mine. So, after my co-worker and I finished discussing the last round of major changes and minor edits, I set about the task of actually documenting our conversation. At 9:00pm on Wednesday night, when I finally had a “final” document ready to go, I emailed it to the necessary higher-ups and headed home feeling exhausted, but satisfied with the work. When I walked in the door of my condo, I greeted Hubby and popped the cork on a bottle of Champagne that was a candidate for my condo association’s Bubbly & BBQ Bash. It seemed like tasting the Champagne would be a nice way to celebrate my sense of accomplishment.
The Taittinger Brut La Francaise (winery, snooth) is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay grapes with a medium-to-deep gold color and a lot of small, persistent bubbles. On the nose, there was an entire fruit bowl— green apples, pears, peach, and apricots, with a touch of toast. In the mouth, there were granny smith apples, pears, and peaches, with a touch of something yeasty. The sparkler had a nice acidity, although there was something funny that I couldn’t identify on the finish.
Is this worth a glass after work? Sure…you won’t be drinking anything out of the ordinary, but you’ll definitely have a decent, reliable glass of wine. At $40, this sparkling wine offers everything you expect from a traditional Champagne, but nothing more. It was enjoyable on its own and would probably pair well with Red, Hot, and Blue’s southern BBQ, but for my condo association’s holiday party, I’m looking for something that is less “average” and “knock-my-socks.” In this price range, there are other traditional Champagnes that I’m going to turn to, but if you end up with a bottle of the Taittinger Brut Champagne, you won’t be going wrong.
Overall: 3 Corks
Seems like you haven't had a lot of "out of the ordinary" wines lately. Have any stellar ones around the corner?
It's interesting that you say that because I was just making that very complaint to a friend of mine. Honestly, most of what I've had lately has been pretty average, which has been disappointing because I'm really ready for a wine to blow me away. If you have any suggestions, I'm definitely open!
I know how you feel… I had a string of not so good value wines for a bit there, but I think my luck has turned around during the last couple of months.
I say go back to your roots, and try something you never would have tried before? Perhaps a new region/grape/etc
What do ya think?
"A rich Champagne, beautifully elegant, touched by yellow fruits, apples and just the right amount of weight. There are final hints of toast, spice and creamy coconut milk, giving a Champagne that is as much about wine as about bubbles."