Wine Picks
This month’s top choices from the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center
Sparkling wines available at Lodi wineries
Wines with bubbles are usually associated with special occasions. Fun and festive, sparkling wines have higher acidity, delicate flavors, and lower alcohol. For this reason, they are also the perfect accompaniment to many different foods.
There are three main methods of sparkling wine production. The first is a simple injection of carbon dioxide into finished table wine, the same process used in soft drinks. This inexpensive process produces simple styles and big bubbles that dissipate quickly in the glass. The second is the Charmat process, in which the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in bulk tanks, and is then bottled under pressure. This method produces smaller, longer-lasting bubbles and flavors that are more complex. The third method is the traditional method or Méthode Champenoise. With this method, the bubbles for more complex wines are produced by secondary fermentation in the bottle. As the name suggests, this process is used for the production of Champagne and other quality sparkling wines, and is by far the most time consuming and expensive.
Most sparkling wines have residual sugar. The accepted industry standards are Brut natural (.0 to .5 percent) which should taste bone dry. Brut (.5 to 1.5 percent) should taste dry with no perception of sweetness. Extra Dry (1.2 to 2.0 percent) tastes slightly sweet. Sec (1.7 to 3.5 percent) literally translates to “dry,”, but is noticeably sweet. Demi-Sec (3.3 to 5.0 percent) is very sweet, and Doux (over 5.0 percent) is extremely sweet.
The following Lodi sparkling wines are produced using the Charmat method, and for that reason offer good quality and value. The wines are great for sipping on special occasions, and with a variety of seafood, creamy cheeses, and salads, and with desserts that are not too sweet. Remember, when serving wine of any type with dessert, the wine should always be sweeter than what’s being served.
Michael-David Sparkling Duet
A classic blend of 60 percent Chardonnay and 40 percent Pinot Noir from Michael-David’s own vineyards, Duet is light gold in color. The bubbles are medium to small and continuous. The aromas of toast, yeast, and citrus lead to a creamy mouth feel and flavors of apple, citrus, and cantaloupe. The wine is crisp and finishes with a hint of sweetness. ($18) www.lodivineyards.com
Vino Con Brio Amorosa
The Amorosa is pale straw to light gold in color. Bubbles are medium size. This slightly sweet sparkling wine has aromas and flavors of citrus, light apple, and toast. A creamy mouth feel leads to a finish that is both tart and sweet. The Amorosa is only available at the winery. ($13)www.vinoconbrio.com
Overboard Wine Company Champortini
As the name implies, Champortini’s cuvee (blend) features 10 percent port. The sparkling wine has a pretty, strawberry-red color. Bubbles are medium to small. Aromas of strawberry, wild berry, prune, and toast are complimented by similar flavors. The Champortini has a little sweetness, but the finish is dry and more wine-like than most sparkling wines. ($15) www.overboardwinecompany.com
Harmony Wynelands Wyneland Estates
This winery-only sparkling wine has a bright, light gold color. Bubbles are continuous and medium-sized. Light apple and yeasty aromas are augmented by citrus and peach flavors. The creamy mouth feel is moderately sweet and leads to a crisp finish. ($10)www.harmonywynelands.com
