Recommendations
Special to The Washington Post · Dave McIntyre · FEATURES, FOOD · Nov 21, 2016 – 2:50 PM
Who can have too much champagne? This week’s recommendations include three: the Jean Vesselle and Gonet-Medeville are “grower” champagnes, denoted by the difficult-to-read minuscule production codes on the label that begin with “RM.”
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Jean Vesselle, Oeil de Perdrix Brut NV
Three stars.
Champagne, France, $47
Oeil de Perdrix, or “eye of the partridge,” is a type of rosé with a pale pink, almost bloodlike tinge. It has a sexy, silky texture that grabs your attention, but also intellectual stuffing to sustain the conversation through a long, lovely evening. Alcohol by volume: 12 percent.
Gonet-Medeville Rosé Extra Brut Premier Cru NV
Three stars.
Champagne, France, $60
This gorgeous premier cru rosé champagne bursts with strawberry and red currant flavors, backed by firm acidity and an elegant finish. ABV: 12.5 percent.
Domaine du Pas de L’Escalette, Petits Pas 2015
Two and a half stars.
GREAT VALUE
Languedoc, France, $20
Julien Zernott and Delphine Rousseau are among my favorite producers in Languedoc. This tasty, velvety blend based on grenache calls for a hearty stew or roast. ABV: 13.5 percent.
Charles de Cazanove, Stradivarius Brut 2007
Two and a half stars.
Champagne, France, $50
Stradivarius is a cuvee from a champagne house that perennially produces some of the best bargain-priced champers available. And it’s a bargain for a vintage champagne. ABV 12 percent.
Cascina Fonda Brachetto Bel Roseto 2015
Two stars.
Piemonte, Italy, $20
Brachetto is a slightly sweet, fruity sparkling red wine ideal for dessert. Perhaps surprisingly, it is a fantastic partner to chocolate and its dessert-based pastries. Even better at the end of a long meal, it’s low on alcohol. ABV: 6 percent.
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Three stars Exceptional, two stars Excellent, one star Very Good
Prices are approximate. Check Winesearcher.com to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor.