Sauvage Zéro Dosage Sparkling Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay

New England Public Media (WGBY Public Television & NEPR Public Radio), Wine Lovers Dinner w/ Guest Host Amy Traverso; 7 March 2020 at MGM Springfield; Springfield, MA

Off-the-wall Blanc de Blancs face off.
South Africa vs New Mexico.
Gruet's NV Sauvage. Barely got the cage off before the cork ejected itself. It has a violent amount of carbonation with big bubbles, which makes me question if this is actually méthode. This will cure hiccups, though, and I challenge anyone to drink this and not belch. A slighter more golden color than the Graham Beck, but I think that's the only round it won. Super crisp, fresh green apple, but lacks the complexity of the Beck. Probably makes an excellent mimosa.

Bruised apple characters drive the nose, lemon zest and firm acid and nice texture from phenolic finish it off.

So dry. Great value.

Moderately aromatic yet youthful with notes of apples, peach, lemon and lime. Tart and crisp acidity, very flavorful, dry with a medium finish.

Really digging the new packaging

High-energy Blanc de Blancs. Golden delicious/granny smith/lemon curd. Exceptional value.
Pair with rich, mineral soft ripened cheese (Camembert, Pont-l'Évêque, etc)

You can tell that this is a much warmer climate than Champagne as this is a bit riper and has more richness than real champagne. Beeswax, golden delicious, and lemon curd round out the mouth. Nice persistence and not as dry as you'd expect for a Brut zero, but refreshing all the same.

So dry! Very nice.

Bone dry. Perfect mimosa bubbly.