Tag Archives: Champagne

Inaugural Breathless World Champagne Showdown, Saturday, October 28th

Breathless Wines will host the inaugural Breathless World Champagne Showdown Saturday, October 28, 3-5pm, in tribute to World Champagne Day.

Official judges and esteemed guests are invited to a blind tasting of French Champagnes vs. Breathless Sparkling Wine to pick their favorites. In addition to the blind champagne tasting, guests will be treated to fascinating champagne history, varietal insights, and tasting notes from the panel of experts, including:

  • Sharon Cohn, Sister 1-of-3 Breathless Wines
  • Sarah Doyle, Wine Reporter at The Press Democrat
  • Heather Irwin, Professional food and wine writer in Northern California’s Wine Country
  • Chris Sawyer, Renowned sommelier, wine educator, journalist, critic, and public speaker
  • Scott Lange, Sommelier of Be Bubbly Napa
  • Rebecca Rosenberg, Champagne Widows Novels Author

Breathless Wines is located at 499 Moore Ln, Healdsburg, CA 95448. ONLY 70 TICKETS so purchase them ASAP!

We Be Bubbly On THE VARIETAL SHOW With Erin Riley

Ever get an hankering to sparkle? Well then join THE VARIETAL SHOW at Be Bubbly with proprietor Erin Riley! This lounge is a true 2020 success story, located in Napa’s historic downtown district. Together we share a bottle of 2018 Michel Gonet, Blanc De Noir, and discuss what is great about sparkling wine, what varietals make it delicious and what is a perfect palate match.

Plan your visit to this exclusive bubbly bar, with an assortment of champagne, sparking and appetizers to pair, that has an assortment of clever activities and music all week long!

LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW my You Tube channel, for notification about upcoming episodes, most Tuesdays @12:30pm!

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Sparkling To Enjoy All Year in 2022!

Happy New Year! Here is a list of sparkling wines to consider as your celebrations continue throughout 2022, derived from my radio chat with Kim McCallister on KGO 810 AM a few weeks back. CHEERS! Christopher

KGO Exclusive: SawyerSomm’s Sophisticated Sparkling Wine Picks for the New Year, Valentine’s Day & beyond!

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BRUTS

The classic style of sparkling wines crafted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, using the traditional methode champenoise techniques in the cellar.

SawyerSomm Picks (local):

  • Flaunt 2017 Brut, Russian River Valley $48
  • J Vineyard 2014 Brut, Russian River Valley – $60
  • Iron Horse 2017 Winters Cuvee, Green Valley of Russian River Valley – $70
  • Roederer Estate 2004 L’Ermitage Brut LD, Anderson Valley – $120

SawyerSomm Picks (imports):

Pairings  Tips: Raw oysters; chips with creamy dips; brie and young cheeses; gourmet soups and salads; fresh seafood, sushi; spicy pasta dishes;  chicken, pork, and stews. Delicious way to create smiles and open up the palates at great gatherings.

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BLANC DE BLANCS

In French, the fanciful term blanc de blancs literally means ‘white of whites’. In France’s famous region of Champagne and top winegrowing regions in Northern California, it refers to sophisticated sparkling wines that are made exclusively with high-quality Chardonnay grapes.

SawyerSomm Picks (local & imports):

  • Idle Hour NV Blanc de Blancs, Clements Hills – $38
  • Frank Family Vineyards 2015 Blanc de Blancs, Carneros – $55
  • Michel Turgy NV Les Mesnil Reserve Brut Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France –  $60
  • Ruinart NV Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France – $90

Pairings  Tips: Oyster with shallot-bases mignonette; rich, earthy cheeses; appetizers with tangy aioli; creamy soups or seasonal bisques; fresh Dungeness crab; pasta dishes with wild mushrooms; grilled fish; roasted chicken; pork stew; grilled meats.

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BRUT ROSES

As the flavorful counterpoint to blanc de blancs. The French term blanc de noirs means ‘white of blacks’, referring to elegant sparkling wines with translucent white or slightly pink hues made exclusively with the black-skinned grapes Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. These special grape varieties are also used to craft styles of Brut Roses.

SawyerSomm Picks (local & imports):

CHEERS & HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Sawyer-Casale champagne tasting in December 2021!