So here is my wine review for the week of May 25th, 2009...

DOMAINE CHANDON SPARKLING RED

Description: Any sparkling wine not made in a certain region of France cannot be called “champagne,” but it’s the same idea; bubbles, carbonation, etc.

Domaine Chandon sits at the gateway to Napa Valley in Yountville; it has a gorgeous facility that somehow cranks out a ton of high quality wines, both still and sparkling, for very reasonable prices. This bottle is a unique creation as it is a sparkling wine for red wine lovers.

How and when I drank it: Saturday May 16, 2009, at my house.

How to get it: This particular bottle is difficult to get right now, but don’t fret; it’s temporary. I got it as part of my membership in Domaine’s wine club; when in stock, it can be ordered from their website and is occasionally found at wine specialty stores, Bevmo and online wine retailers.

How Much: The winery lists the bottle at $25

My Thoughts: What’s unique about this particular wine is its depth. Most sparkling red wines are very light in color and flavor, usually relying on pinoit mixed with chardonnay. While those wines are often great, they sometimes lack body and any true red wine flavor. This version blends pinot with zinfandel to create a deep, purple colored sparkling wine. The bubbles are perfect, the flavors matching the color; dark fruit. Mainly cranberry and cherry, offset by the carbonation so as not to taste like fruit juice; the aftertaste adds a very subtle chocolate to the finish. This wine is refreshing, not overly sweet and fun.

Overall Score: Sometimes it’s hard to get into a red wine on a hot summer day; this is a great alternative and a surprisingly great wine.
4 Vines.

DOMAINE CHANDON SPARKLING RED =