N.V. Victorine de Chastenay, Brut Crémant de Bourgogne, Sparkling Wine, Burgundy, France.
It is so nice that after more than 25 years in the wine business that I can still be totally and happily surprised by a new discovery, and this brilliant Victorine de Chastenay Brut sparkler absolutely thrilled me and it takes this category to a new level for me, this Crémant de Bourgogne Brut bubbly drinks as grand as many grower producer Champagnes! I am very familiar with Crémant and how savvy a choice they can be, but this Victorine de Chastenay blew me away and it delivered a fabulous performance both with and without food, it is almost Extra Brut like in dry intensity and its vitality, but still has remarkable depth and elegance. Kudos to Lovina Restaurant in Calistoga for finding this excellent and distinct sparkler and putting it on their tight and well thought out list, they deserve some credit, as they could have put almost anything in its place, but they chose a unique and high quality alternative, which is not all that common, gotta love that commitment to pleasure and passion. This impressive stuff is a killer value and it way over delivers, all sparkling wine lovers should make note to get this Victorine de Chastenay, it is a ridiculous bargain and guilt free bottle.
The non-vintage Victorine de Chastenay Brut Crémant de Bourgogne comes from all sustainable vines in Burgundy and it was made in the classic Methode Champenoise in the manner of fine estate hand-crafted Champagnes, it has a vigorous small beading and a delicate mousse that is just about perfect. The cepage here in the Victorine de Chastenay is a blend of about 75% Pinot Noir, 10% Gamay, 10% Aligoté and 5% Chardonnay that was stainless steel fermented and lees aged for 20 months, all of which adds to the vinous nature and complexity in this stylish and crisply focused sparkling wine. The Victorine de Chastenay Brut is sleek and zesty fresh with a range of lemony citrus fruits along with a hint of stone fruit, wet rock, brioche, hazelnut and faint florals, all presented in a light and mineral driven fizz that brings out the flavors in the companion dishes and cleanses the palate, making it an exciting addition to any meal. The grapes come from 100% Cote d’Or fruit, with Victorine de Chastenay using vines in both the Hautes Côtes de Beaune and Hautes Côtes de Nuits to craft their Crémant de Bourgogne offerings, mainly relying on Pinot Noir for the core of these well made wines, but I like the intriguing use of both Aligoté and Gamay here! Also, after enjoying this Brut, I’m really looking forward to getting the Victorine de Chastenay Rosé too!
($20 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive