Michelle NV Extra Dry, Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ longtime bubble man Rick Casqueiro make this delicious off-dry aperitif that’s ideal to take along to a holiday open house. The methode Champenoise blend of Chardonnay (63%), Pinot Noir (19%) and Pinot Gris gently tickles the nose with hints of cotton candy, pear, pineapple, caramel, baked bread and clove. It’s softer, gentler and more for the masses than many sparkling wines, bringing flavors of ripe pear, Golden Delicious apple and dried pineapple. There’s a bit of residual sugar at 2.2%, yet there’s plenty of acidity in the finish.
Rating: Excellent
Pairings: A great meal starter, this off-dry bubbly also will appeal to most palates. Enjoy with stuffing, mashed potatoes and turkey.
Production: 25,000 cases
Alcohol: 11%
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