See
other varietals
Domaine
Chandon (owned by Moët & Chandon) set up shop in Napa Valley about twenty-five years ago, and after its initial success,
almost every French Champagne house has come to California to
establish its foothold. The main reason for their interest in
the New World is that Champagne is a geographically limited
area, which is almost fully planted, and California was virgin
territory for sparkling wine. While the legacy of Champagne
seems to be tiny pinpoint bubbles that reveal delicate and subtle
flavors, their California counterparts are more often bold,
upfront and fruity with their flavors. The prevailing wisdom
is that the delicate nuances of the wine (in particular, Champagne)
get lost when paired up with hearty, complex or highly seasoned
dishes. It's certainly the perfect apéritif wine. All California
sparklers are of good quality so it seems to be a matter of
house style as to what is preferred. Names to remember are Domaine
Chandon, Domaine Carneros, Gloria Ferrer, Laetitia, Mumm-Cuvée
Napa, Mirassou, Pacific Echo, Roederer Estates, Schramsberg,
Iron Horse and J.
Sparkling
Wines & Champagne