Old World Bubbles

Moët & Chandon 

Little bubbles, huge old world connections. 

Call it sparkling wine or champagne, we can give thanks again to those Benedictine monks like Dom Pérignon (1638-1715). Vintage Champagne made from the best grapes from the best year only is what he is known for. Twelve years in the bottle; is this more than wine?

Moët et Chandon is huge. They name drop people like Napoleon. They were the first traded champagne house on the French stock market. They own companies like Hennessy, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. 

Domaine Chandon is the Moët-Hennessy's foothold in the Napa Valley. Founded in 1973, it has a 250-year-old legacy: the first French-owned sparkling wine maker in the U.S. 

Walking to the front door you know this is not a small family winery. It is like a shrine. Ron and I tried the reserve tasting, a chardonnay brut, pinot noir brut and a rosé. Twenty dollars, take the flute home with you. It is an etched glass. Buy a bottle get your $20 back. Our server threw in a taste of 2000 étoile Tête de Cuvée at $100 a bottle. I was feeling kinda like Napoleon. Napa sure is fancy for a farm boy like me: Eh, so what, tastes pretty good.

Email: customerservice@chandon.com
Phone: 1+888 242 6366
Club Chandon Opt. 1
étoile Restaurant Opt. 2
Fax: 1+707 944 1123

Directions
1 California Drive
Yountville, CA 94599

Freixenet & Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards 

Sonoma in the Carneros terroir, owners Freixenet from Catalonia Spain. The Ferrers have been known for making Cava, a sparkling wine, all the way back to the 12th century. Caves and vineyards a dream come true here in New Spain.

Sampled the Carneros Cuvee, Royal Cuvee and a Brut Rosé. Paired well with the smoked almonds. They made me happy and hungry for more. Tasting room and vineyards are elegant. Classic bubbles, great view, but did not care for the bugs flying around the room and in my glass. Showed little class. Open every day 10 a.m. to 4:45 at 23555 Carneros Hwy. 121, Sonoma

Website: http://www.gloriaferrer.com