Welcome to Sparkling Wine Week

Not as dramatic as Shark Week, but we think that Champagne Sparkling Wine Week is much more delicious. With New Year's Eve just a few days away, we thought we'd offer some thoughts on the bubbly. How about some basic definitions to start?

Champagne is a specific type of sparkling wine, made a certain way, from specific grapes, in the Champagne region of France. There are still a few products that use the name "California Champagne" (like Korbel), to prevent any possible confusion.

Cremant is the name associated with sparkling wines from other regions of France, such as Alsace or the Loire. We have a nice selection of these sparkling wines, which are typically at a very affordable price.

Prosecco is Italian sparkling wine. Principally made from the Glera grape, from northeastern Italy.

Asti/Asti Spumante/Spumante are essentially interchangeable categories of sweet sparkling wines from Italy. Verdi and Martini & Rossi fit here.

Cava is Spanish sparkling wine, from Catalonia. Cava can be rose or white, and is made from indigenous grapes like the macabeu.

Domestic Sparkling Wine. Many of our domestic producers (Gruet, Mumm Napa, Schramsburg and others) do make their sparkling wine in "Methode Traditionelle," which mimics the way Champagne is made (secondary fermentation in bottle, etc.). There are a number of Champagne producers, such as Mumm, Roederer and Tattinger, who product Methode Traditionelle sparkling wines in California, in the $20 range.

With that brief outline, here are some sparkling wines that we think will rule this New Year's Eve. Or any time you want some bubbly.

Vollereaux Brut Champagne. "Rich and refined, with layers of pear pastry, black cherry, hazelnut, lemon cream, honey and floral notes. A spicy thread of minerality winds through this wine, as does the precise and seamlessly integrated acidity." - Wine Spectator, 92 points.

This is a very recent addition, and we have a limited supply. Only $28.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Isabelle Brut Classique. Lawrenceville Senior Wine Manager Brandon Bartfalvi's review: "A deliciously tempting sparkling wine from New Mexico. This full-bodied sparkler offer flavors green apple and pear with a bit of toastiness on the finish. Dry, crisp and refreshing!"

Isabelle is made in the traditional Champagne style. One of our Preferred Selection wines, Isabelle is available for only $16.97 in the  Bottle Club®.

Fioretti Prosecco. A classic prosecco showing a light and refreshing palate filled with apple and pear flavors and a hint of floral notes. The persistent bubbles are refreshing and delicate ending in a clean finish.

Please check our Bottle Club® email this week, as we'll have special offers on other sparkling wines in this lead-up to New Year's Eve.

One House, Many Styles

We have added several different styles from the Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Collection. These are outstanding champagnes that offer possibly the best price:value ratio among our sparkling wines. This Champagne house began, as so many do, selling their grapes to the big, famous producers. In the 1960's, however, they established the Lacourte-Godbillon brand. We'll let them -and Wine Spectator- explain from here.

The vine has a lot in common with Man: it needs to be watched and understood, educated and helped to thrive in the terroir it finds itself. Great viticulture expresses the essence of the place in the grapes.

Our vision for the wine is simple, almost simplistic: It must be an expression of its terroir. The oak used for our barrels is sourced from the Écueil forest or from Champagne-Ardenne. Each plot is pressed and vinified separately and the juice is moved by gravity as far as possible and not pumped, to conserve the musts’ intrinsic qualities. The wines stay in tank or barrel in contact with their lees deposits, without racking, for the whole autumn period, so they develop their full complexity and unique personality. For the wines made in oak barrels, no stirring or filtering is carried out. The chilling process then takes place... outside in the winter cold!

The bottles are aged in our cellars for between 30 months and 7 years. This is followed by an average resting time of 3 to 6 months after the yeast deposits have been removed (disgorgement). The optimum "dosage" for each wine in each year, is decided by several trial tastings. Our objective is to find the best possible balance as each wine is a living being with its own character.

In blending, around 50 wines have been tasted and re-tasted over a few days. We need to identify the profile of each wine and its characteristics. Many still wines ("vins clairs") are involved, including wines from that year, reserve wines from previous harvests, some of which are vinified in tanks and others in oak barrels.

Look for the following styles:

Brut, Non-Vintage. 91 points from Wine Spectator: "Well-balanced, this well-cut, aperitif-style version features a mix of savory accents of fleur de sel, almond skin and raisin bread, paired with dried apricot, lemon curd and honey notes. The mouthwatering acidity brings you back for another sip." The blend is 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay from the 2011 vintage, with 30% reserve wines from 2010 and 2009 vintages.
Regular Price: $37.99
Bottle Club® Price: $32.96

Brut, 2008 Vintage. 90 points from Wine Spectator: "A fresh version that offers a lively, lacy bead and subtle flavors of green pear, slivered almond, dried apricot and fleur de sel. Disgorged January 2015. Drink now through 2020. 370 cases made." 50% each of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with balanced complexity and freshness.
Regular Price: $47.99
Bottle Club® Price: $42.96

Demi Sec. 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay. This is our lowest-priced Demi Sec Champagne. On the nose, red fruit and floral notes that gradually reveal the predominance of the Pinot Noir grapes. It's full-bodied, with a lively attack. Enjoy with desserts or as an aperitif. (If you are still learning about Champagne styles, Demi Sec is considered off-dry, or slightly sweet)
Regular Price: $38.99
Bottle Club® Price: $34.96

Extra Brut. Drier than Brut but not as dry a Brut Nature (Natural). This is our only Extra Brut Champagne. 91 points from Wine Spectator: "An elegant, well-cut sparkler, with a lively, lacy texture carrying a ripe note of poached apple and accents of chalk, almond skin and sea salt. Disgorged October 10, 2013. Drink now through 2019. 250 cases made."
Regular Price: $44.99
Bottle Club® Price: $39.96

Last Weekend Grab Bag

The reference in the title, of course, is to the fact that this is the last weekend to shop before Christmas. To accommodate the greatest number of people, we will have special store hours beginning Sunday.

Sunday, December 20, 9am-9pm
Wednesday, December 23, 8am-10pm
Thursday, December 24, 8am-7pm
Friday, December 25, Closed
Thursday, December 31, 8am-8pm
Friday, January 1, noon-4pm

We do anticipate that our stores will be busy, so please plan accordingly.

New Products

We are adding several different styles from the Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Collection. These are outstanding champagnes that offer possibly the best price:value ratio among our sparkling wines.

Our vision for the wine is simple, almost simplistic: It must be an expression of its terroir. The oak used for our barrels is sourced from the Écueil forest or from Champagne-Ardenne. Each plot is pressed and vinified separately and the juice is moved by gravity as far as possible and not pumped, to conserve the musts’ intrinsic qualities. The wines stay in tank or barrel in contact with their lees deposits, without racking, for the whole autumn period, so they develop their full complexity and unique personality. For the wines made in oak barrels, no stirring or filtering is carried out. The chilling process then takes place... outside in the winter cold!

Look for the following styles:

Brut, Non-Vintage. 91 points from Wine Spectator: "Well-balanced, this well-cut, aperitif-style version features a mix of savory accents of fleur de sel, almond skin and raisin bread, paired with dried apricot, lemon curd and honey notes. The mouthwatering acidity brings you back for another sip."

Brut, 2008 Vintage. 90 points from Wine Spectator: "A fresh version that offers a lively, lacy bead and subtle flavors of green pear, slivered almond, dried apricot and fleur de sel. Disgorged January 2015. Drink now through 2020. 370 cases made."

Demi Sec. 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay. This is our lowest-priced Demi Sec Champagne. On the nose, red fruit and floral notes that gradually reveal the predominance of the Pinot Noir grapes. It's full-bodied, with a lively attack. Enjoy with desserts or as an aperitif.

Extra Brut. Drier than Brut but not as dry a Brut Nature (Natural). This is our only Extra Brut Champagne. 91 points from Wine Spectator: "An elegant, well-cut sparkler, with a lively, lacy texture carrying a ripe note of poached apple and accents of chalk, almond skin and sea salt. Disgorged October 10, 2013. Drink now through 2019. 250 cases made."

Breaker Wheated Bourbon Whisky is meant to serve as a counterpart to Breaker Bourbon Whisky. By replacing the rye in our mashbill with wheat, we have created a bourbon that is slightly softer on the palate. Remaining true to tradition, this bourbon is aged in new, deeply charred 53-gallon White American Oak barrels for a minimum of 5 years. Only eight barrels are carefully hand selected by our Master Distiller for each batch that we bottle. 45% ABV. Limited availability, at $56.99.

2014 Michel Tete Domaine du Clos du Fief Julienas Tradition. Beaujolais wines like this are really popular at this time of year. Currently, this is our only wine from Julienas and each store has only a few cases. Rated 92 points by Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Juliénas Tradition comes from 45-year-old vines and underwent a 10- to 12-day maceration. It has a lively, vivacious nose with animated red cherry and wild strawberry scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, ripe, citrus fresh red and black fruit, leading to a generous finish that is harmonious and tender. It will be hard to find Juliénas better than this little gem in 2014." Only $16.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Flying Dog K-9 Winter Ale. If it tastes like Christmas, it probably works with K-9. Flavor notes: Sweet malt base with roasted, nutty, and spicy flavors Pairs with: Buttery cheeses; sweet breads; spice cake; squash, yams, and sweet potatoes; hearty meats and stews. 7.4% ABV.

                                                             Links n Stuff

We published several blog posts with additional recommendations for the holidays. Click here for wine, craft beer and sparkling wine. Click here for craft beer and sparkling wine. Click here for craft beer. Click here for sparkling wine and table wine. And click here for table wine only.

Click here for other gift ideas, like cheese and pre-made gift sets. Stock will vary by store.

Click here for events in our Lawrenceville store. Click here for events in our Woodbridge store.

Click here for the most misunderstood wine terms.

Have a great weekend!

Monday Odds & Ends

With the holiday season in full force, there will be a lot to talk about every day, so our regular schedule of posts might vary a bit. Today. we'll skip the mixology to cover other things.

Sparkling Wine

As we get closer to New Year's, we'll take time to discuss Champagne and other sparkling wines. We agree with those who consider sparkling wine to be something we can enjoy every day, and we'll

showcase products in every price range.

Chassenay D'Arce Brut Champagne rates 90 points from Wine Spectator, which is impressive for a non-vintage Champagne. "Lightly floral and delicate overall, this is nonetheless focused by a firm frame of well-meshed acidity that drives the flavors of white raspberry, apricot, candied lemon zest and biscuit. A fine aperitif." Brandon Bartfalvi, Senior Wine Manager at our Lawrenceville store, adds, "This delicious Champagne is a steal at this price! This blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is lovely with flavors of stone fruits, green apples and a fine mineral touch. Crisp, light and lively with good acidity. Fantastic Champagne value!"

Only $29.96 in the Bottle Club®.

A quick note for those who aren't sure about Champagne versus Sparkling Wine. Champagne is one kind of sparkling wine, made in a specific method, from the Champagne region of France. Prosecco, Cava and Moscato d'Asti are all examples of different types of sparkling wine; none are Champagne. An "American Champagne" is usually made in the manner of a Champagne, while other domestic sparkling wines (like Gruet or Mumm Napa) use the "Methode Champenoise" or "Methode Traditionelle" designation to show that they are made like Champagne.

New Products

Motto Red Blend "Gung Ho". This Red Blend is full of contrast—rich, yet delicate; fruity, yet structured; soft floral aromas give way to flavors of blueberry pie and pomegranate, with hints of jasmine tea and spice.

Pair with beef chili, roasted chicken, pot roast, burgers, or fettuccine Alfredo. For a twist, pair with nachos, beef jerky or spicy tuna tartar.

60% Zinfandel, 23% Petit Verdot, 17% Petite Syrah. Available for $12.99.

Chateau Lilian Ladouys Saint-Estephe 2010. 94 points from Wine Enthusiast (#15 of their Top 100), 92 points from James Suckling and 90 from IWC. This lovely little cru Bourgeois in Saint Estephe enjoys an enviable location close to Lafite Rothschild and Cos

d'Estournel and is planted to 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. With old vines averaging 40 years, Lilian Ladouys has incredible potential to produce exciting wines during our lifetime with very reasonable price tags.

From Wine Enthusiast: "Obviously wood-aged, with a smoky toast flavor, this is a wine that shows the power of Saint-Estèphe tannins in full force. At the same time, there is a blackberry character that adds richness and juiciness, which cuts through the dry core. Age for at least 7-8 years."

Only $26.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Holiday Hours

We will have extended holiday hours, as follows:

Sunday, December 20, 9am-9pm
Wednesday, December 23, 8am-10pm
Thursday, December 24, 8am-7pm
Friday, December 25, Closed
Thursday, December 31, 8am-8pm
Friday, January 1, noon-4pm

We close by remembering Pearl Harbor Day. Your blogger had the opportunity to visit there about 10 years ago, and it's difficult to find a more moving site here in US. This is a stock photo, showing the interior of the USS Arizona Memorial. On one wall, there is an honor roll of those who died in the attack. What's unexpected is the list of those who survived the attack who later had their cremated remains interred there.

Summer Slammed

The middle of the week is always a great time to turn our attention to our newest arrivals. We'll probably be very busy with deliveries over the next few weeks, in part because many of our wholesale distributors shut down for a full week in August. For our craft beer lovers, we're probably two or three weeks away from the first autumn beers of the season. Below are just a few of our newest products. Ask any manager for assistance in finding these items, or anything else in our stores.

Cockburn's White Port

Based on requests for a white port, we've added this great choice from Cockburn's. White Port is a style of Port that is really worth getting to know better.

Cockburn’s Fine White has the best of both worlds. It has the natural sugars of ripe grapes as well as the dryness of a slightly longer fermentation. The result: a slightly drier, easy-going, easy to drink White Port perfect for a summer’s afternoon, so sit back and relax.

Serve it chilled, straight from the ice bucket or the fridge. Or try making your own Port Tonic cocktail. A good slice of fresh lemon, orange, lime or even grapefruit; ice; a sprig of fresh mint or rosemary; tonic water and generous splash of Cockburn’s Fine White Port.

Available for only $12.99.

Alfred Gratien Champagne

Champagnes from Alfred Gratien have a lengthy tradition and, disregarding the mass-produced ethos and fashions of modern times, still remain true to that tradition today. What you get is a "hand-crafted" champagne that represents quality and uniqueness.

Brut: This great classic clearly shows the style of Alfred Gratien. It's a refined blend dominated by fruity Pinot Meunier combined with the elegance of Chardonnay.

Color: Light-gold, very beautiful

Sparkle: Fine, extremely long-lasting mousse

Bouquet: Citrus fruits, mangoes, peaches and apricots

Palate: A wonderful balance of aromatic strength and the freshness of exotic fruits

Overall impression: A refined blend in which the elegance of the Chardonnay melds with the fruitiness of the Pinot Meunier and the enduring flavor of the Pinot Noir. That is the art of champagne production.

92 points from Wine Spectator. $38.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Brut Rosé: The Alfred Gratien style is clearly revealed in this Rosé Champagne. A refined blend where the elegance of chardonnay and the fruity notes of Pinot Meunier mingle with delicacy.

Color : light-rose color with soft copper glints.

Sparkle : Fine and extremely long-lasting mousse.

Bouquet :The chardonnay aromas mingle subtly with the fruity bouquet of Pinot Noir.

Palate : Fine balance between aromatic strength and the freshness of small red berries dominated by raspberry.

Overall impression: A high quality Champagne that completes the Alfred Gratien range. The rosé is obtained by the addition of Pinot Noir still wine.

Also 92 points from Wine Spectator. $44.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Crown Royal, Cask Strength, Canal's Family Selection

At Joe Canal's, we sometimes partner with others to add outstanding products to our shelves. These partnerships allow us to offer you unique, limited-availability wines and spirits at reasonable prices. The Canal's Family Selection (CFS) designation means that the item was hand-selected for quality, taste and value.

Crown Royal is the standard of excellence for Canadian whisky. It is an extraordinary blend of 50 full-bodied Canadian whiskies, matured to perfection. It's delicately smooth and creamy, with hints of oak and the sweet flavor of vanilla. The finish is long and lingering. At cask strength, this weighs in at 51.5% ABV.

Very limited availability, at $54.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc Les Setilles

Sometimes the wine is an old favorite, but the vintage is new and noteworthy. That's the case with the Olivier Leflaive Les Setilles. Year in and year out, this wine represents impeccable quality and unsurpassed value in the French wine category. This wine exceeds expectations of even the most discriminating of palates.

Roughly 60% of the wine is aged in Allier oak, only 10% of which is new. The remaining 40% of the wine is aged in stainless steel to preserve clean varietal character. And it's 100% Chardonnay.

The 2013 vintage rated 91 points from James Suckling. "This is bright and delicious with sliced lemon, pineapple and minerals. Full body, crisp acidity and a clean finish. 60% barrels and made from vineyards at the foot of Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault. Drink now."

Available for $23.99.

Valentine's Day Plans?

For some people, Valentine's Day is about the dinner, for others, it's about the chocolates and desserts, while still others prefer an all-of-the-above approach. We have guidance for those who might need some suggestions on wine or beer.

We think that Banfi's Rosa Regale looks like Valentine's Day, and it happens to be delicious as well. It's intense and aromatic on the nose, with hints of Bulgarian rose. On the palate, it's soft and elegant with berry flavors and a touch of almond and nutmeg. Rosa Regale is an ideal aperitif, but also pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries, fruit salads, pastries and chocolate.

If you haven't yet tasted Rosa Regale, this is a good weekend for you. We have a tasting in Woodbridge on Friday, February 6, from 5-7pm, and in Lawrenceville on Saturday, February 7, from 2-4pm.

You may prefer something more traditional, something that is made like Champagne. We think that it's hard to beat Gruet. This is available as a Brut or Blanc de Noir. It's produced in New Mexico by the family of Gilbert Gruet, a Frenchman who produced Champagne in Bethon, France. They began their great American experiment with an experimental vineyard in 1984, and their first bottlings available in 1989.

The Gruet Blanc de Noir rates 90 points from Wine Spectator. The rich and toasty character of the Blanc de Noirs is balanced and superb. Aged for two-year minimum, the palate

is developed and shows rich complex flavors. The amazing berry aromas and the creamy texture play a leading role and create a great finesse. Winemaker's Note: A fine salmon color, aggressive mousse and a lovely fruity wine with plenty of immediate charm and toasty aromas. There is also an explosive juicy flavor of raspberry.

The Gruet Brut offers a crisp, and full-bodied sparkling wine, which has developed rich complexity and fine mousse. The allure of toasty finish from twenty-four months on tirage, is a complement to the sophisticated apple and citrus flavor.Winemaker's Note: Brilliant with ultra fine bubbles. A wonderful fine bouquet dominated by green apple and grapefruit flavors. A truly classic house style!

We also recommend Aubry Brut Champagne. This NV Champagne rated 92 points from Wine Advocate. From the review: "This contains just one-quarter each Chardonnay and Pinot; 45% Meunier; and a mixture of Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau (a.k.a. Pinot Gris). Nearly half of it is reserve wine, and more than half of that from a solera going back to 1998. If that sounds like a recipe for delivering complexity, you’re right and won’t be disappointed! Bittersweet perfume suggestive of gentian and iris mingles with intimations of fresh lime and sea breeze that in turn manifest themselves on a seductively silken palate in both juicy, vivacious exuberance and mouthwatering saliva-inducement. A scallop-like sweetly saline and mineral amalgam takes hold in a vibrant finish that leaves me caught between the urge to linger and the urge to take the next sip."

Our staff loved it as well: "A brilliant “value” among Champagne!  Citrus and mineral notes take the lead with green apple and pear flavors in the background.  A slight ginger note takes hold on the finish.  A dry, clean style that has a very attractive green apple juiciness that keeps you coming back for more.  This puts some of the big house Champagnes to shame!"

In the beer category, Weyerbacher Tango is a great place to start. It is a big, bold, Belgian-style dark ale brewed with 1,200 pounds of cherries!

Tango pours a beautiful ruby color with a nice fluffy head, offering a very complex aroma of cherries and other dark fruits. The strong 750 ml glass bottle finished with a cork and cage allows the very robust bottle-conditioning responsible for Tango’s effervescence. Dark fruit flavors join the cherries to match up with the strong malt bill with the Belgian yeast adding its 2 cents along the way.

Tango weighs in at 10.6% ABV and was brewed using a base of Pilsner Malt with Honey Malt, Special B, Aromatic Malt and a touch of Chocolate Malt. Apollo hops balance all that sweetness to 35 IBU.

Weyerbacher Tango pairs with any sort of chocolate, fruit flavored and filled chocolate, desserts, and would be a great night cap. It is boozy and sweet, just like your Valentine's Day should be!!

Yards Chocolate Love Stout is Love in a Bottle. Passionately brewed with over 200 pounds of pure, 100% cacao Belgian dark chocolate, this irresistibly smooth stout explodes with the taste and aroma of rich, dark chocolate goodness. This deep black beauty will seduce you with her roasty maltiness and hints of vanilla and caramel.

At 6.9% ABV, this pairs with long walks on the beach (maybe not this week) candlelit dinners, big comfy beds, cabins with fireplaces, scenic overlooks...you get the picture.

Need additional Valentine's Day ideas? Try these:
Click here for What to Drink for Valentine's Day, Part 1: Sparkling Wine 
Click here for What to Drink for Valentine's Day, Part 2: Dessert Wine
Click here for What to Drink for Valentine's Day, Part 3: Beer

Last Call for 2014

We're looking forward to closing the books on 2014 and opening up 2015. But before we get all "out with the old," let's focus on sparkling wines one last time. Whether you need some for tonight's celebrations or for tomorrow's brunch, sparkling wine sales peak in late December.

Over on our website, we've posted coupons for a couple of economical (but tasty) sparklers. Kila Cava is fruity and fresh with green apple and lime zest aromas. Fresh clean green apple and citrus flavors up front with a touch of toast/bread in the middle. Ripe and generous palate with a crisp clean finish. Caposaldo Prosecco is pale straw with greenish undertones; fruity aroma with citrus, green apple and acacia flowers. A pleasant acidity, freshness and full-bodied flavor make this a perfect wine to drink as an aperitif or with an antipasto, dinner or brunch.

The coupon saves you $1 off the already-low Bottle Club® price. Click here for the Lawrenceville coupons, and click here for the Woodbridge coupons. You don't need to print the coupons; as long as the cashier can see it on your smart phone, we can go paperless.

Yesterday's Bottle Club® email also featured special sale prices on several sparkling wines, from Aubry Champagne to Zonin Prosecco. Click here to see the Lawrenceville email, and click here to see the Woodbridge email.

Finally, in Monday's blog post, we reviewed the definitions for several types of sparkling wines, and offered eight more recommendations for your New Year's enjoyment. Click here to view that blog post.

One quick note on our store hours. Both our Lawrenceville and Woodbridge stores will be open until 8pm tonight, New Year's Eve, and from noon until 4pm tomorrow, New Year's Day.

From all of us at Joe Canal's, have a Happy, Healthy New Year. Drive safely tonight.

A New Year's Toast

It seems like everyone celebrates with bubbly on New Year's Eve. And maybe it seems that way to us because so many people find their way to our sparkling wine aisles this week. So to help you make the best choice for your needs, we have a quick guide to sparkling wine, and recommendations as well.

Definitions

Champagne is a type of sparkling wine, made in a particular place (the towns in Champagne, France), in a specific way (Methode Champenoise), from certain grapes (usually some combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier). Another distinguishing feature of Champagne is that it undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle. Some domestic producers of sparkling wine call their products "California champagne".

Cremant is sparkling wine from other regions of France.

Prosecco is sparkling wine from the Veneto region of Italy. Made from the Glera grape, it is produced as a still wine, then that wine is moved to a pressurized steel tank with specific amounts of sugar and yeast. The sugar and yeast react to create the carbon dioxide, and the stainless steel tank yields a more fruit-driven sparkling wine.

Cava is typically produced in the Catalonia region of Spain. It has a protected DO status, and any number of local grapes can be used in Cava. A Cava is produced in the Methode Champenoise.

Dry vs. Sweet. There's no right or wrong when choosing a dry (Brut) or sweet (Sec) sparkling wine; let you palate be your guide. From drier to sweeter, the choices typically go from Brut Natural to Brut to Extra Dry to Blanc de Noir to Sec/Sweet. 

Recommendations

We recommend Aubry Brut Champagne. This NV Champagne rated 92 points from Wine Advocate. From the review: "This contains just one-quarter each Chardonnay and Pinot; 45% Meunier; and a mixture of Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau (a.k.a. Pinot Gris). Nearly half of it is reserve wine, and more than half of that from a solera going back to 1998. If that sounds like a recipe for delivering complexity, you’re right and won’t be disappointed! Bittersweet perfume suggestive of gentian and iris mingles with intimations of fresh lime and sea breeze that in turn manifest themselves on a seductively silken palate in both juicy, vivacious exuberance and mouthwatering saliva-inducement. A scallop-like sweetly saline and mineral amalgam takes hold in a vibrant finish that leaves me caught between the urge to linger and the urge to take the next sip."

Our staff loved it as well: "A brilliant “value” among Champagne!  Citrus and mineral notes take the lead with green apple and pear flavors in the background.  A slight ginger note takes hold on the finish.  A dry, clean style that has a very attractive green apple juiciness that keeps you coming back for more.  This puts some of the big house Champagnes to shame!" Available at $35.99 in the Bottle Club®.

If you prefer a domestic sparkler, one that is made like Champagne, it's hard to beat Gruet. This is available as a Brut or Blanc de Noir. It's produced in New Mexico by the family of Gilbert Gruet, a Frenchman who produced Champagne in Bethon, France. They began their great American experiment with an experimental vineyard in 1984, and their first bottlings available in 1989.

The Gruet Blanc de Noir rates 90 points from Wine Spectator. The rich and toasty character of the Blanc de Noirs is balanced and superb. Aged for two-year minimum, the palate is developed and shows rich complex flavors. The amazing berry aromas and the creamy texture play a leading role and create a great finesse. Winemaker's Note: A fine salmon color, aggressive mousse and a lovely fruity wine with plenty of immediate charm and toasty aromas. There is also an explosive juicy flavor of raspberry. $13.99 in the Bottle Club®.

The Gruet Brut offers a crisp, and full-bodied sparkling wine, which has developed rich complexity and fine mousse. The allure of toasty finish from twenty-four months on tirage, is a complement to the sophisticated apple and citrus flavor.Winemaker's Note: Brilliant with ultra fine bubbles. A wonderful fine bouquet dominated by green apple and grapefruit flavors. A truly classic house style! A Wine Spectator Best Buy, at only $12.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Scharffenberger Brut is from Mendocino, CA, and rated 90 points from Wine Spectator. Their review: "A delightfully racy sparkler, with tart apple and floral anise aromas leading to zesty lime and lemon flavors, presenting accents of cinnamon and spicy ginger. Drink now." This was also popular with our staff, earning these remarks: "This is good, really good! A vibrant sparkler offering flavors of apple, citrus and spice with a slightly honeyed fruit note. Creamy and full-bodied! Great value!" Only $16.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Juve y Camps Reserva de la Familia is made mainly from the "free-run juice" of Macabeu, Xarel-lo and parellada grapes harvested from our Expiells, Can Massana and La Cuscona estates.

It is an attractive, bright, pale gold cava. Its tiny, abundant bubbles rise up, forming a large number of streams and a stable crown. Deep, intense and elegant, it initially evokes notes of ripe white fruit. Its complexity gradually increases and the aromas typical of long aging then appear. Hints of toast and a certain citrus background complete its distinguished aroma.

Its creamy mousse is perfectly integrated on the palate, making its mouthfeel simultaneously fresh, rounded and evocative. All the aromas found in the glass are displayed in the long finish.

The Reserva de la Familia is a Brut Nature cava. It is a Gran Reserva that has aged for 36 months on average in the bottle. Only $13.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Nicolas Feuillatte Blue Label Brut rated 92 points from Wine Spectator. "Rich and creamy, showing the dried fruit, nut and spice notes of fruitcake, with lemon meringue, quince and honey flavors. Clean citrusy acidity integrates beautifully and provides an elegance to this refined Champagne. Drink now through 2020."

From our staff: "Interesting aromas of lemon and nuts with great visual pearlage. It has a creamy, full and foamy mouthfeel and is classically dry with ginger and orange peel flavors." Only $31.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Zonin Prosecco is produced in Veneto, Italy. Our staff notes: "Fantastic value sparkling wine! This is a clean, easy-going bubbly offering apple and pear flavors with a touch of almond on the soft finish. It's a bright, fun sparkler to enjoy before or during any meal! A great New Year's Eve alternative to Champagne!" Only $9.98 in the Bottle Club®.

Merum Prosecco, also from Italy, is a Vino Spumante, meaning it has a touch of sweetness. This has excellent bubbles that stay around longer than most Proseccos. It has a creamy flavor with soft fruit and nuttiness. Enjoy on its own as an aperitif or in a Bellini or Mimosa. Only $9.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Friday Grab Bag

Welcome to the middle of the holiday shopping season. We appreciate the fact that you are shopping with us at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge. Our staff is ready to assist you in any possible way, so don't hesitate to ask.

If you're preference is for a pre-packaged holiday gift set, click here for an earlier blog post with a fairly comprehensive list. For single bottles or cases, please check with our staff. We can even help with themed concepts. Your blogger assisted someone who was shopping for wine that had a tree on the label. He was in the landscaping business, so the tree label was his theme for the year. And we had plenty of choices, starting with Dreaming Tree, Tilia and Wishing Tree.

But we're about more than just shopping, so let's really start this post by covering...

Lawrenceville Events

We have our regular wine tastings this weekend, from 4-6pm today and 2-4pm tomorrow. Click here for the tasting menu. On Saturday, from 4-6pm, we have a free tasting of Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch. And on Sunday, we have a free tasting of Hendricks Gin, from 2-4pm.

Brand new to our Events calendar is the Tim Smith Climax Moonshine Tasting and Bottle Signing, on January 31. Click here for more information.

Tim Smith and Camo

As always, keep up with our events and activities by clicking over to the Events page on our website, or follow us (@jcanalslawrence) on Twitter.

Woodbridge Events

On Saturday, we have the Johnnie Walker Blue Label engraving. Click here for details.

The big tasting event of the weekend is on Saturday, from 5-7pm. Pisco is something that most people haven't yet sampled, and we're offering you the opportunity to change that. Stop in for a free sample of Porton Pisco, and find out why this South American spirit is growing in popularity.

Woodbridge will also welcome Tim Smith for a tasting and bottle signing for his Climax Moonshine on January 31. Click here for the detailed information.

Follow us on Twitter at @jcwoodbridge, and remember to check our Events page regularly.

We're in the final week of our Holiday Toy Drive. Simply bring a new, unwrapped toy to either store. We're working with other businesses locally to help brighten  the holiday season for some less fortunate children. The deadline is next Friday, December 19.

New Products

This is the time of year when Champagne and other sparkling wines sell the best. Your blogger started Thanksgiving dinner off by opening a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, and another is waiting for the next big family dinner. Veuve Clicquot Luminous, 1.5L is is fun twist on the incredible popular Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut.

Veuve Clicquot Brut starts with 50-55% Pinot Noir, for structure, 15-20% Pinot Meunier, to round out the blend, and 28-33% Chardonnay, for elegance and sophistication. So what makes this bottle different? This 1.5 Liter magnum bottle has a label that light up. We know you already love Veuve, and this limited-edition Luminous will help make the holidays even more fun. 

Chateau La Dame De Montrose 2010 is a beautiful Bordeaux, scoring 94 points from the Wine Advocate. Dense black color, with violet highlights. Complex nose with notes of morello cherry, raspberry, dark tobacco, Havana, and a touch of vanilla. Net attack in the mouth: Mid-mouth fresh and ample. Long finish on neat tannins. Great homogeneity in the tasting with recurring notes of raspberry, vanilla and mocha. Discreetly wooded. 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot, best from 2015-2035.

Ripped from the Headlines

From the Wine Spectator: "A Champagne kerfuffle has arisen in Britain's Parliament. During budget negotiations meant to impose some belt-tightening measures, the House of Lords refused to merge their catering services with their lowly counterparts in the House of Commons because 'the Lords feared that the quality of Champagne would not be as good if they chose a joint service,' said Sir Malcolm Jack to a parliamentary committee in the Commons (Jack served as clerk of the Commons, in charge of such affairs, from 2006 to 2011). The chairman of the committee, understandably, asked, 'Did you make that up? Is that true?' Jack confirmed that it was, according to the U.K.'s Daily Mirror. Then, because the members were having a laugh, another asked if the Lords' concerns about Champagne quality were, in fact, valid. 'I don't think they were,' responded Jack. 'We were very careful in our selection.' For good measure, another MP went ahead and just said how he really felt: 'The Lords are a bunch of unelected, out-of-touch toffs and money grabbers. It is time they were put out of their misery. Let them drink corporation pop.' The Lords bought 17,000 bottles of Champagne since 2010 at a cost of $417,000. The Mirror reported last year that taxpayers were spending $94,000 a week so peers could dine at subsidized prices: 'trompette mushroom risotto with truffles, Champagne and double cream' for 13 bucks, as one example. A Lords spokesman rebutted that 'the House of Lords would not reject a merger of catering services with the House of Commons simply on the supply of Champagne.' "

Have a great weekend!

Metamorphosis by Dom Pérignon

We agree that Champagne is a wine suitable for everyday enjoyment. However, we also agree that some Champagnes are so rare or so special that they must be savored. Today, we'll talk about two such champagnes, both from Dom Perignon.

Dom Pérignon Metamorphosis marks the end of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004 as we know it in its First Plénitude, and celebrates its metamorphosis into P2, the Second Plénitude of Dom Pérignon.

The Dom Pérignon limited edition collaboration centers on metamorphosis: signifying the closure of one period and the birth of another, and a powerful symbol of evolution, transformation and renaissance.

In today's frenetic world we have forgotten how to enjoy the essence of time. Power and energy are generated when one is able to seize a singular moment and stop time's trail.

Some still have that unique gift to seize the moment, to capture that rare energy of pure plénitude in time.

Richard Geoffroy, Dom Pérignon’s Chef de Cave, has worked with time to seize rare moments of intensity and pure energy in order to create exceptional products, unique tastes and emotions.

The process begins in the darkness of the cellars where the champagne spends extra time to create a new energy. This is a unique expertise crafted by Dom Pérignon and known as the Plénitude System.

Each Plénitude has a distinct universe and generates a distinct emotion.

The First Plénitude is revealed after at least seven years of maturation on the lees, depending on the vintage. The wine then embodies the perfect balance of Dom Pérignon, its greatest promise. This is Dom Pérignon Vintage, the Plénitude of harmony.

The Second Plénitude asserts itself after a minimum of 12 years of maturation on the lees. In this window of expression, the wine is majestic in its Dom Pérignon intensity. Here it expresses its scope, its expansion. This is Dom Pérignon P2, the Plénitude of energy.

The Third Plénitude then comes after a minimum of 20 years of maturation on the lees. The wine now fully embodies another dimension where its essence enters the unknown. This is the Plénitude of complexity.

After three metamorphoses, Dom Pérignon’s uniqueness is almost completely revealed and accomplished.

Such a process can exist nowhere else. This is Dom Pérignon’s own creation, the “Power of Creation”.

During each of the wine’s Plénitudes, with an enlightened sense of drama, certain Dom Pérignon traits are distinguished without ever denying the others.

Thus the way in which the wine reveals itself is different each time, yet so close.

This process is the expression of a true vision of wine and veritable work of its architecture. The Chef de Cave is the master.

Exalted in this Second Plénitude, the dark, mineral, iodine, spiced singularity of Dom Pérignon vibrates higher and clearer than ever. The experience of the Dom Pérignon Second Plénitude unfolds in a high-definition universe, both intense and penetrating.

Dom Pérignon P2 owes its intensity to its precision and is the reward for this sharp mastery of wine. Tasting the wine is a memorable experience, abundant in intense and penetrating sensations and vividly fresh emotions. A new luxury of uniqueness appears. This facet of the brand underscores the avant-gardism of Dom Pérignon.

This is Dom Pérignon P2, the Plénitude of Energy.

The 2004 Dom Pérignon P2 Blanc is available for $169.99 in the Bottle Club®. The 2003 Dom Pérignon P2 Rose is available for $304.99 in the Bottle Club®. We have a limited supply of each.

Vive le France

We're celebrating France today, Bastille Day. Not only are some of the world's best wines produced in France, but some of the best values come from France as well.

We start our own Tour de France in Champagne. There are many styles of sparkling wine produced in France, but none match the quality of Champagne. We suggest the Duc de Romet Brut Champagne Prestige. This non-vintage sparkler scored an impressive 91 points from Wine Spectator. Their review: "A fine, creamy mousse defines this elegant version, underscored by a chalky note of minerality and offering subtle notes of patisserie apple, blanched almond, fresh ginger and a hint of crystallized honey."

At only $26.99 in the Bottle Club®, it's impossible to find a better Champagne in its price range.

Next, we move on to Bordeaux, where Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominate. Since it's a Monday, we'll recommend an every-day wine. The Barton & Guestier Les Charmes de Magnol Medoc is an outstanding choice.

Medoc is a Left Bank appellation, meaning that Cabernet is typically favored over Merlot. Both varietals are included in this wine.

Les Charmes de Magnol is a special selection made by the Barton & Guestier winemakers' team in the prestigious Médoc appellation. The Medoc parcels offer the perfect soil to the two famous Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Tasting notes for the Les Charmes: Deep purple red color. Intense and complex on the nose, developing ripe fruits, plums and spicy notes. When swirled, flattering tobacco and coffee hints appear. On the palate, the wine offers a velvety tannic structure with very ripe fruit aromas. The finish is long and elegant.

Only $11.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Naturally, we'll next explore the Burgundy region. Here, Gamay and Pinot Noir excel, as does Chardonnay. The Gamay is often overlooked because of the Beaujolais Nouveau, but in-the-know wine drinkers can grab some outstanding Gamay-based wines at incredible prices. One such wine is the Domaine Balandras Les Gravieres Macon Serriere.

It's an intense ruby red, with purple reflection. The nose is strawberry, spice and licorice. Soft tannins that still exhibit great length abound. The terroir influence had a surprising and very pleasant minerality to the great 100% Gamay. Mâcon-Serrières goes marvelously well with fine charcuterie, braised beef, burgers and tapas. This wine also has the ability to age up to 5 years.

Only $9.96 in the Bottle Club®.

There are some amazing wines produced in the Rhone region. From the simple (Cotes du Rhone) to the extraordinary (Chateauneuf-du-Pape), the Grenache and Syrah-based wines from the Rhone offer something for every palate.

We'll spotlight the Pierre Amadieu Cotes du Rhone Roulepierre, another wine made for daily enjoyment.

Bunches of Grenache and Syrah, grown on chalk and clay soils are strictly sorted to produce this cuvée.

Hand-made harvests and the traditional wine making process express a pleasant color together with red and black fruits scents (blackberry, plum). A sweet touch of licorice enhances the beautiful palate. A mouth filling wine in a pure Rhône style.

Enjoy this wine young, or up to about 5 years, with grilled poultry, or a roasted veal with an unctuous sauce. This is also only $9.96 in the Bottle Club®.

A mid-summer tribute to French wine has to include a Rosé. We recommend the Petit Rimauresq Rosé, from Provence. 

Rosé, with its surprising aromatic subtlety, will lead naturally to the Provencal cuisine. Try the experience of foie gras, or chicken with morels, and you will understand that there is something very different about a meal with a Rosé!

This wine is a rich, red fruited rose, offering flavors of orange, strawberry and spice with a fine mineral backbone and juicy red fruit note on the finish. Only $10.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Naturally, the meal and the day would not be complete without a beautiful dessert wine.  Many of the best French dessert wines, are made for aging, just like a fine Bordeaux or Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Since we want to celebrate now, we chose a wine that's ready to enjoy now.

Look for the 2011 vintage of Château Guiraud Petit Guiraud Sauternes, in a 375ML bottle. This Sauternes rated 90 points from Wine Spectator. "Solid, with a direct, open-knit core of apricot, toasted almond, piecrust and white peach flavors that meld through the creamy, ginger-tinged finish. Drink now through 2018."

And it's only $14.99 in the Bottle Club®.

That's our quick, wine-centric Tour de France to celebrate Bastille Day.  You can also toast the day with Cognac, or with a cocktail that includes Lillet or Grand Marnier if you prefer.