Friday, February 12, 2016

The Perfect Valentine's Champagne


Look no further if you want a special bubbly for a special valentine.  The Barons Rothschild produce one of the best Champagnes I’ve had in a long time.  While the Rothschild family is famous for both of its Bordeaux red wine estates (Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Mouton Rothschild), their Champagne is produced nearly 500 miles north.  (To be called a Champagne, the wine by law must be produced in the Champagne district of France, just east of Paris.)

The two Rothschild estates in Bordeaux have been rivals since they were first established in the late 1800’s by two Rothschild cousins.  Always trying to outdo the other, the separate branches of the family wine business have always been competitive.  For this Champagne, however, the factions joined forces in 2005 to create something really special on several levels.  They call their bubbly “Barons Rothschild Champagne.”

The Barons produce three different Champagnes.  Their Blanc de Blanc (“white from white”) is made entirely of Chardonnay and is aged for three years.  The Brut, also aged three years, is Chardonnay dominant, however, there’s a good amount of Pinot Noir in the blend, as well as the rather obscure grape, Pinot Meunier (often used to round out Champagnes.)  The Barons also make a wonderful Rosé which is 85% Chardonnay with the remainder of Pinot Noir which gives it a gorgeous color and additional complexity.

Costco had the Rothschild Brut over the holidays, and it’s worth seeking out for any remaining bottles as their cost was extremely fair at $60.  Otherwise, check with your favorite retailer or online (where the web prices vary from $80-120.)   This bubbly is sure to please even the most discriminating Valentine.



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