Wines To Find Ep. 7: How Sparkling Wine Enhances Lifelong Friendships

This week’s wines: Albino Armani Sparkling Rose, $15.99, 91 Points and J California Cuvee, $25.99, 96 Points.

Albino Armani Sparkling Rose’s notes from Beverage Dynamics -Veneto, Italy – “This refreshing, crisp sparkler boasts notes of lilacs, strawberry and raspberry with a fruit forward structure. The mouth feel is smooth, approachable, with a bright savory mineral back bone that keeps the wine bright.”

J California Cuvee’s Winemaker Note:  J Cuvée 20 Brut opens with nuanced aromas of fresh sourdough bread, green apple, tangerine and almond. A dance of bubbles leads to a focused palate that delicately balances sweet and tart notes of raspberry, cherry, wild strawberry and lemon rind, whisked away by a crisp and lively finish. Pair this versatile sparkler with Asian shrimp dumplings with yuzu glaze or Stilton cheese with toasted hazelnuts. Blend: 51% Chardonnay, 41% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier.

On this episode, Sandy & Michelle visit with one of Sandy’s oldest and dearest friends. While tasting the wines, they hear Karen’s wine story, discuss champagne cocktail recipes and brunch.

During the discussions, one of the recipes a “Cock-Tail” for University of South Carolina Gamecock tailgates was mentioned. The recipe is 1 part rasberry liquer, 1 part cranberry juice, and top with sparkling wine.

Also discussed, during the crushes was Chalene Johnson’s suggestion to assist with ensuring water consumption levels. A link to that podcast: https://www.chalenejohnson.com/podcast/.