The method used in Champagne to carbonate wines is called Méthode Champenoise with the secondary fermentation giving carbonation to the wine in the bottle requires time and attention. This is the same processed used by Heath Sparkling Wines. From start to finish, it takes almost two years to complete.
Heath Sparkling Wines offers multiple vintages in their tasting room, online and in their Member club allocations. They invite you to enjoy them all. But, today on this tasting stop, we are tasting a sparkling wine that has similar attributes as some of the best in Champagne, but it is a Texan.
Heath Sparkling Wines 2020 Adoration
This is a luxurious rosé sparkler. The 2020 Adoration is an eye-catching pale coral color bright with its in-situ carbonation when poured. The effervescence carries cranberry, cherry, strawberry, and rose petal aromas. The wine stands proud in its classic rosé style. Bright and tart red-fruit flavors carry forward on the palate. From my tasting, what I like best about this wine is the interplay of smooth palate-covering effervescence and lively acidity that brings on a bright clean finish that leaves you ready for another sip. It also makes this wine incredibly holiday food friendly.
The 2020 Adoration from Heath Sparkling Wines is composed of two classic French grape varieties used in make sparkling wines. It is 91% Pinot Noir (one of three grapes used in Champagne) and 9% Chenin Blanc (used in Loire) and it comes with a very friendly alcohol content of 10.9% ABV. This wine presents a Brut style with 0.85% residual sugar that balances the crisp acidity. Sur lie aging (aging on the fermentation producing yeast cells) for 18 months provides a wonderfully smooth feel on the palate.
What is the Process Used to Sparkle the Wine?
Outside of Champagne, this process of carbonating wine in the bottle is usually referred to as Méthode Traditionalle. There is no difference between this and Méthode Champenoise other than where the process is done (here versus there). Both involve making a small addition of wine, sugar and yeast into bottles of recently vinified wine. In a slow unhurried way, this allows a re-fermentation to take place right inside the bottle under pressure, forming the finest of carbonating bubbles that will appear when the wine is opened.
Most wine drinkers, even those in Texas, don’t realize that Pinot Noir is being grown in Texas. Where you say? Texas is too darn hot! But, au contraire… This grape is grown far up north around the Texas Panhandle. For its use in sparkling wines, Pinot Noir is harvested very early before the hot dog-days of summer arise that are used to bring the grapes to full ripeness when making red wines. I’ll leave you with this factoid, and toast you and yours for a safe and enjoyable holiday season hopefully with a glass of this Texas sparkling wine.
Where can I find it?
If you are on Route 290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg, you are very close. Heading west, just before you reach Fredericksburg, in the vicinity where Grape Creek crosses it, you will see the side-by-side wine properties of Grape Creek Vineyards and Heath Sparkling Wines on the south side of the road. Due to the popularity of this venue and wines, reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome, subject to space availability. For reservations, click here.
Not in the area, have no fear. You can go to the Heath Sparkling Wines online store, by clicking here. Purchases can be setup for pick up or shipped to you.
The tasting room for Heath Sparkling Wines is located at 10591 US HWY 290 East, Fredericksburg, Texas – Tele: (830) 304-1011.
Enjoy!
Photo Credits: Heath Sparkling Wines, Fredericksburg, Texas.
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