Champagne

"I’ll speak not as a wine grower, but as a wine drinker; now, when I drink a wine worked by people who spent three times longer in their vineyards, who always followed their grapes, who suffered the same climactic conditions as their vines, I dream. I dream, and it gives me pleasure, because I know there is a story, work, patience, passion, and the unique beliefs of the wine grower." - Alexander Chartogne

Unfortunately, for most Americans, the bulk of Champagne sold in this country is priced higher than the quality justifies. For a price, you can obtain some truly exquisite wine from the major Champagne houses. However, to obtain the kinds of wines described by Alexander Chartogne; estate produced, small grower Champagnes that express place of origin and human content, you almost have to attend an event like this one on December 2 at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg, as John Toler of Dreadnought Wines introduces us to Champagnes from the world renowned Terry Theise Selection of small producer Champagnes. This is the kind of event that will come along once in a decade and is not to be missed! Here are John’s picks:

Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee Ste. Anne Brut NV: Reception wine (pouring begins at 6:45). A wonderfully rich, creamy wine that seems to be dominated by red grapes and a warm 2005 base vintage. There is a lovely richness and density to be found in the glass along with a chalky minerality. Robert Parker 90 pts.

Pierre Gimonnet Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV: Bouquet of white flowers, lime and lemongrass along with a strong mineral overtone. Sharply focused citrus flavors with a refreshing note of lime zest on the back end. Stephen Tanzer 92 pts.

Gaston Chiquet Tradition Brut NV: Intensely floral nose offers a vibrant array of fresh orchard and pit fruit aromas. Round and pliant, with vivid pear and white peach flavors, gentle acid lift and a brisk, clean finish. Possesses the depth and heft to stand up to rich seafood dishes. Stephen Tanzer 90 pts.

Henri Billiot Brut Reserve NV: A rich, boisterous wine that showcases incredible intensity in its fruit. The fat, rich style completely covers every inch of the palate and a sweet, perfumed finish reminiscent of ethereal plums and kirsch offers final notes of elegance. Robert Parker 90+ pts.

Rene Geoffroy Rosé de Saignee Brut NV: The wine possesses a dazzling concentration and depth in a silky expression of red berries. The balance is exceptional and the mousse is remarkably elegant. 100% Pinot Noir. Robert Parker 93 pts.

Margaine Traditionelle Demi-Sec NV: Revealing an unusual level of balance and finesse for a Demi-Sec Champagne, the wine shows terrific balance and focus in its crisp apples, flowers and baking spices, with outstanding overall balance and harmony. Robert Parker 90 pts.

Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier D’Or 2001: A rich, opulent wine graced with superb density in a voluptuous expression of fruit. The wine possesses gorgeous textural finesse as well as a surprising level of freshness. Robert Parker 92 pts.

Think December; think festivity and bubbles. Think festivity and bubbles; think Champagne and sparkling wine. While most wine that sparkles is not Champagne, the benchmark for wine that does sparkle is Champagne. Finally, the benchmark among benchmarks is Champagne that reflects human content and tells the drinker where it is from. Unfortunately, Champagne from this last category is much too rare. The vast majority of Champagne sold in this country consists of mass produced wine that, while grown somewhere within the Champagne A.O.C., consists of mediocre, yet expensive wine. Fortunately, the Champagne we will taste on December 2nd is from the category of small producers who grow their own grapes, produce their own wine and offer the public the joy of tasting wine with real human character and a definition of place. Many are esteemed Terry Thiese Selections.

John Toler of Dreadnought Wines will lead us through an event that is guaranteed to spoil you in terms of what to expect from a sparkling wine. John has spent many years in the importing and distributing end of the wine business and is a fabulous speaker, as many of you who attended his Austrian event will recall. Additionally, John has prior experience as a chef and brings a unique perspective to wine and food pairings; a welcome asset when discussing a surprisingly (to many) food-friendly wine such as Champagne. 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg for a treat you will not soon forget!

Ah Champagne! "Is it the taste? Is it the bubbles? Is it the thrill of drinking something a little bit special? Whatever it is that gives Champagne its frisson, it has inspired everyone from poets to politicians to sing its praises in the most heartfelt, hedonistic and elegant ways..." Quotable Quotes, The Wine Lover, Magpie Books, 2004

On Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg, the PA Wine Society will present a wine tasting of the most famous wine region in the world. This will be a Champagne tasting of small producers. John Toler of Dreadnought Wines will lead us through a portion of his extensive portfolio of wines from the Champagne region. Many of these wines are highly esteemed Terry Thiese selections! John is a superb speaker who most recently gave us a memorable introduction to Austrian wines.

It has been several years since our last tasting of this very important wine. What better way to start the holiday season and maybe pick the Champagne that you would like to use to toast in the New Year. Please sign-up early as this will be a popular tasting.

Event Registration Instructions