Choosing a Sparkling Wine
By Bernard Delille, Biltmore Winemaster
You may think that all sparkling wines are basically the same, but just as with still wines, there's a great deal of variety within the style.
Brut wines are drier, while sec wines are sweeter. Wines are also described as full, medium, or light-bodied, which refers to how the wine feels in your mouth. To get some idea of what this means, imagine sipping skim milk, then half and half, and finally, heavy cream. The skim milk would feel "light" in your mouth, half and half "medium," while the cream would be "full-bodied."
Try a Full-Bodied Wine
Biltmore's driest, full-bodied sparkling wine is Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve Méthode Champenoise Blanc de Blancs—2003 North Carolina—Brut. Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in the mountains of North Carolina, this wine bursts forth with tropical and citrus flavors. It is an outstanding dinner wine, enjoy with your favorite meal.
Go Somewhere in the Middle
Biltmore Estate® Méthode Champenoise Blanc de Blancs—Brut is equally dry, but has a little less body. Hints of lemon, strawberry, and mint have earned this wine numerous awards. Made from Chardonnay grapes, the clean, tart finish is a great choice as an aperitif for with any meal.
Go Sweet
Biltmore Estate® Pas de Deux—Sec is a lively and sweet sparkling blend of Muscat Canelli and Riesling. Aromas of orange blossom, mint, red currant, and roses make this wine a sensual choice as an aperitif or with desserts and ambrosia salad.