When we first popped the cork on this bottle, we just knew. It was love at first sip. While technically not Champagne (it would have to be actually made in France’s famous region), it really comes close. This gorgeous cuvée features some of our favorite scents (lemon, toasted almond and, yes, brioche) and is bone-dry with a delicate palate of green apple, citrus and vanilla. Caraccioli Cellars, a family run winery, makes sparkling wines using the traditional Champagne method. They use hand-harvested Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from the Santa Lucia Highlands that are fermented first in stainless steel (with 40 percent then aged in neutral French oak) before being racked and bottled for four years sur lies (over the expired yeast cells) to extract more flavor. It’s then riddled (wine speak for removing that sediment) disgorged and then aged for 16 more months! Translation? Love takes time. TIP OF THE TONGUE Sip solo or enjoy with triple crème cheeses. Wherever you drink it and whoever you drink it with, you’ll feel super glamorous with a glass in hand.
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