Exhibit A in our week-long investigation into whether or not Champagne deserves to be let out of the New Year's Eve/ladies luncheon box is a sparkling wine from Argentina. And it's a winner. It's also data point #2 as to Chardonnay's true calling in the Mendoza. (Here's data point #1.)
(Full disclosure: This wine was received as a press sample.) If you've always wondered what Champagne might taste like if it were full bodied, here's your chance - and at a relative bargain. WOW, this is not like other sparkling wines you've had. Solid frame of barrel fermented Chardonnay, but with the hallmarks (and bubbles) of secondary fermentation. This is a bubbly that will appeal to non-bubbly drinkers. It'd be darn close to a 5 if it were a bit drier, but still a heck of a good drinking sparkler for $15.
Drink this the same way you'd drink an Old World Chardonnay - with a full flavored chicken or fish dish. Champagne is off to a terrific start this week!