2001 Moet & Chandon "Champagne", Napa Valley

[wondersofwine]

First beverage at the Upstream wine dinner in Charlotte. Nose of apple and pear with smoky touches. Clear, shimmery appearance with plentiful bubbles. Straw to soft gold color. Leaves obvious legs on the sides of the glass. I liked it and I'm not always fond of sparkling wines. I usually prefer a Blanc de Noir with a good dose of Pinot Noir grapes to the predominantly Chardonnay sparklers--not sure of the mix in this one.

[Thomas]

An ex-California winemaker told me that this operation started out with the classic Champagne grapes--chardonnay and pinot noir--but over time changed to using other varieties. I have no direct confirmation of that story, but I still object to their use of the word champagne, if they do on the label...




[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 04-26-2004).]

[Kcwhippet]

That would be Domaine Chandon, owned by Moet & Chandon. They don't use the word Champagne anywhere. They have about eight or so versions of their sparkling wine. They all use Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier, except for two of them . One called Riche adds some Muscat. Another has Pinot Blanc in the mix. Being owned by a Fench Champagne producer, they very carefully avoid the use of that word anywhere in relation to their California (or Australian) products.

[chittychattykathy]

And it is one of THE most lovely places to visit! A highly suggested stop.
Historically they are important as well...
They were the first French Champagne house to get to the USA and they were the first winery here to use Pinot Meunier in their blends.
(Obviously I've been on the "tour.")

[winoweenie]

I might also add a great stop for lunch. WW

[wondersofwine]

I had lunch there too some years ago (probably in the 80's.)

[Thomas]

I'm confused. The subject of the post explicity puts Moet et Chandon "Champagne" into Napa Valley.

WOW--which is it?