Here comes February! And, we’re reaching for another sparkling wine to welcome this often unpredictable weather month. Instead of relying on that pesky groundhog to predict an early spring and put us in a good mood, we’re placing our faith in a reliable Champagne house that has served us well.
Having featured and enjoyed the bubbles of Charles de Cazanove twice in 2015, it only makes sense that their Champagne Stradivarius has real promise (and besides, we’re intrigued by the name).
Here’s what people are saying ...
The winemaker calls Charles de Cazanove Stradivarius 2000 …
- A symphony of meaning and passion
- Its unique flavour … provides an original harmony
- Bouquet opens on ripe fruit, walnut, and almond aromas
- A powerful, hearty finish
Wine Enthusiast gave Stradivarius (91 points) describing it as a …
- Ripe, beautifully integrated Champagne
- Beginnings of nutty, toasty maturity
- Full in the mouth with a delicate and creamy mousse
- Not for aging … an impressive wine to drink now
Bauer Wine & Spirits, where we purchased our bottle, had the most intriguing tasting notes …
- Yellow-gold
- Deep, toasty aromas of orange marmalade, gingerbread, brown butter
- A hint of floral honey and a livelier touch of lemon curd
- Supple in texture and gently smoky
- Broad candied citrus, poached pear flavors, late notes of buttered toast & spices
- Fully mature Champagne finishes with strong thrust, clinging honey, pear notes & very good persistence
Talk about a morale booster, how could we pass up an opportunity like this? Our notes to follow.
Oh, and, maybe we’ll slip some to Punxsutawney Phil just to loosen the guy up, a little. Cheers!
Champagne Charles de Cazanove Stradivarius 2000
70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 12% ABV
$49.99 @ Bauer Wine & Spirits, 330 Newbury St., Boston
UPDATE (02.01.16) –
We toasted February with the Stradivarius, then chose the descriptions from above that we think fit best.
- Definitely a unique flavor
- Almond and brown butter aromas
- Nutty, toasty maturity
- Full in the mouth
- A hint of floral honey, gently smoky
- Broad candied citrus, pear notes
- Powerful, hearty finish
While this Champagne is not the lighter, everyday style we’re accustomed to, it is a nice change on the right occasion. And with certain foods, like the French onion soup we enjoyed with it tonight, it was outstanding.
UPDATE (02.02.16) – On a personal note, Thanks Phil.
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Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne – One Happy Surprise!
Join Us as We Toast February 2015 with Charles de Cazanove Champagne
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino, bottle display photo courtesy of Charles de Cazanove