11/24/06 New Favorite Wine

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and as many of you know, my new favorite wine is usually the wine that is in my glass at the time. On a recent trip to the Carneros region of California, I was reintroduced to the wines of Domaine Carneros and you guessed it I found my new favorite wine for the holidays! Many of the very famous Champaign houses of France have made their way to California seeking out places to grow the production of sparkling wines in an effort to quench our thirst for the bubbly frothy libation. One of which was the Champaign house of Taittinger. They sought out and purchased a piece of property, which is idyllic for growing the grape varietals, which make up Champaign, which are mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They planted it and built a winery that mirrors the Chateau of Taittinger in France. It is a gorgeous facility and the hospitality is over the top. Nevertheless, more important is the reason they are there and the reason I went there. The bubbles. I am always searching for a Brut Rose to have before dinner with dinner and after dinner. And much to my delight, I found one at Domaine Carneros. The fruit is superb and the bonus is they actually allow you to experience it. The fruit is front and center the bubbles are a stage for the fruit and with its crisp dry finish it could not be a more pleasing beverage to carry off an entire evening. The bad news  it is only available at the winery. Psst  visit the website. I joined the wine club and believe me I was all smiles when my initial three bottles arrived. And thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine