A Brut Zero Loire Sparkler
by Cynthia Sin-Yi Cheng
August 16th, 2007
Union Square Wines
140 Fourth Ave
@ 13th St
212-675-8100
website
Crush
153 E 57th St
(Lex & 3rd Ave)
212-980-9463
website
This bone-dry, 100% Chenin Blanc sparkling wine from Domaine de la Taille aux Loups is every bit as sophisticated as champagne. Producer Jacky Blot prides himself on skipping any addition of sugar in the three steps of the winemaking process where it could be added. Look out for the newly designed label cleverly marketing this wine as “Triple Zéro.” Only hand-selected ripe Chenin grapes are picked and barrel-fermented. This is a deliciously rare Montlouis pétillant from the Loire valley. About $24.
Pairings: It’s a perfect before-dinner sipper, but I also imagine this bubbly to be a good oyster companion (with either raw or fried).
