Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1322707
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 26 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2021 E AT + D R I N K with a hint of "red-hot" candy. It's dry but fruit-forward and the perfect wine for celebrations of love. DAVID MESSINA of the Wine ConneXtion, North Andover, wineconnextion.com Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad Brut Cava, $19.99 (Spain) Cava is often overlooked in the sparkling wine world, and this one—the highest marque from Segura Viudas—over-delivers for the price. It pairs well with appetizers and seafood dishes and has flavors of baked bread with hints of honey and florals. Mumm Napa Brut Prestige or Brut Rosé, $16.99 (California) I typically lean toward rosé sparkling wines, but I know some customers prefer regular brut because they think pink sparklers will be sweeter, which is not always the case. Thus, I am suggesting both wines, which are dry and made in the méthode champenoise. The regular brut prestige has notes of citrus, stone fruit, creamy vanilla, and hints of toasted ginger. It has good acidity and a long finish. The brut rosé has flavors of black cherries, red fruit, and a touch of citrus and a long finish. Both pair nicely with a variety of hors d'oeuvres, as well as seafood and poultry dishes. Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rosé Champagne, $75.99 (France) This is one of my favorite champagnes for under $100 and probably my number one recommended champagne in the store. Customers often come in asking for Veuve Clicquot Rosé, and I always steer them to this 100% Pinot Noir rosé, whereupon they often come back and tell me how much they enjoyed it. This wine exhibits lots of juicy red fruit and is well-rounded yet sharp with a soft, delicate finish. JOHN MILLER, Co-Owner, Vinum Wine, Middleton, vinumwineshop.com Varichon et Clerc Blanc de Blancs, $14 (France) This French sparkling wine is produced outside of the Champagne region and, thus, is far more affordable than most true champagnes. It has beautiful apple and pear fruit notes and a long-lasting mousse Top, David Messina of the Wine ConneXtion in North Andover Below, A selection of bubbly from Vinum Wine Shop in Middleton IN THE KNOW MORE GREAT FINDS + Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux Brut NV, $19.99 (France) Made in the traditional champagne method from 60% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir, and 10% Mauzac grapes, this zippy bubbly from Southern Fance has notes of citrus, yellow apple, honey, and candied lemon rind. With good acidity and small bubbles, it makes a terrific cocktail wine. + Ferrari Rosé NV, $38 (Italy) This copper-pink sparkler from Northern Italy's Trentodoc evokes wild strawberries on the nose, leading to a palate of pomegranate, almond, and biscotti. Well-balanced and crisp, it's a bottle to savor with appetizers, pasta, and game. + Buena Vista La Victoire Brut Champagne, $85 (France) California-based Buena Vista Winery partnered with the largest family-owned vineyard in Champagne to produce this luxurious elegantly-crafted rosé with lush flavors of raspberries, stone fruits, minerals, and brioche. Beautifully balanced with fine bubbles, it's worthy of any grand occasion. (bubbles). It is produced using the same method as in Champagne but does not have the richness nor the complexity of actual champagne. This sparkler is excellent on its own and in mixed drinks such as mimosas and Bellinis. Marsuret Prosecco di Valdobbiadene San Boldo Brut, $17 (Italy) This outstanding sparkling wine is from Valdobbiadene, arguably the finest region for Prosecco. It is light and bright with citrus fruit notes and has been the best-selling sparkling wine at Vinum Wine Shop since the day we opened. Many customers will not drink anything else after tasting it. Vollereaux Brut Champagne, $40 (France) Produced in the Champagne region of France, this champagne is big and rich with a yeasty quality that is the hallmark of champagne. In addition to the complex flavor, it has tight, long-lasting bubbles. + Gambino Prosecco, $12.99 and $6.99 (single-serve bottle) Extra dry and golden straw in color, this crisp Prosecco has flavors of citrus and green apple tinged with white peach and toast. + Gambino Gold Prosecco DOCG Brut $19.99 Considered the "Grand Cru" of Prosecco, this well-balanced sparkler has a floral, almost creamy finish. + Jules Prosecco Rosé, $16.99 Released in December 2020, this soft pink Prosecco is made from 88% Glera grapes and 12% Pinot Noir and has notes of red berries and citrus. Winemakers Tommaso Gambino and Jules Gold-Gambino reside in Massachusetts, Los Angeles, and Italy, where they produce the following Proseccos.