Ray Johnson’s Wine Blog

A touch of sweetness

Posted in October 15th, 2008

by Ray in Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Lightly Sweet

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Champagne, Demi-Sec nv
There are floral and candy notes to smell while the mouth has a smooth fruitiness accented by the touch of RS. The grapes behind this wine are 55% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier. Elabore a Reims 12% $46.59 at Bottle Barn Veuve Clicquot

When extra dry is not

Posted in May 16th, 2008

by Ray in California, Sparkling Lightly Sweet

Extra dry has always been the most confusing phrase on bottles of bubbly. Of course it is not really extra dry as the name implies. Rather it is drier than the sweetest styles of bubbly.
Korbel California Champagne Extra Dry nv
There’s 1.5% RS for a touch of sweetness. This wine is clean and perfumed with some [...]

Italian Bubbles

Posted in October 10th, 2007

by Ray in Franciacorta, Italy, Lombardia, Prosecco, Sparkling Dry, Sparkling Lightly Sweet, Veneto

This flight demonstrates the contrasting taste profiles in the methode champenoise wines of Franciacorta and the tank feremented Prosecco of the Veneto.
Bellavista Franciacorta DOCG Cuvee Brut nv
Fresh and dry, this wine is 80% Chardonnay, with the balance Pinot Bianco and some Pinot Nero with reserve wines. P&B in Erbusco 12.5% $29.95 at Traverso’s Bellavista
Ruggeri [...]