The appearance suggests that this is an odd bird. It’s not entirely white, but rather vaguely coppery. That’s because it’s made from 100-per-cent pinot noir, a red grape that left a stain on the juice as the colour-bearing skins were slowly separated from the liquid. It’s a lovely thing to behold. There’s another difference from most sparkling wines. This one was not sweetened to counterbalance acidity. Rather, it’s a so-called zero-dosage bubbly, crafted for those who love their wine bracingly dry. Very bready, it has a well-balanced mousse – not too foamy and certainly far from flat – with notes of bruised apple, honey, toasted baguette, lemon curd and a nutty tang. Unfiltered and low in sulphur. Available in Ontario at the price below, $52 in Quebec.
- Region: Champagne
- Varietal: Pinot noir
- Price: $57.95