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Chateau des Charmes 2005 Rosé Sparkling
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Date added;:	10.Dec.2008
Author :	Michael Pinkus - Grape Guy

Description I have found the perfect wine to usher in 2009. My only problem is getting it and, if I were you, I would start figuring out just how I too was going to put my hands on a few bottles (trust me the scheming has already begun in my head). You see, in 2005, Ontario had a wonderful, if short-cropped, vintage but Chateau des Charmes wanted to commemorate this special and exciting vintage with a very different wine. Since they have been making traditional method sparkling wine for many years, patriarch Paul Bosc Senior decided he wanted to try his hand at a rosé version of this popular bubbly. Using 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay, he cobbled together his first rosé sparkling wine (using a secret shading method known only to him for getting the beautiful fuscia colour). He waited the traditional three years and then popped the top. I was able to taste one of the last remaining bottles at the winery. Talk about limited, only 200 cases were made – the LCBO took 120, restaurants another 40 and case by case the last remaining 40 walked out the door, in record time (less than a month). So what’s so special about this bottle that it is being snapped up and flying out the cellar door before you and I really get a chance to know it’s even there. We’ll start with the beautiful pink colour, move to the lush red berry-yeasty nose, and as you look into the glass, you see very fine bubbles and a mousse that foams and settles with a delicate grace. Now put it to your lips and sip. Cherry and strawberry take hold of the tongue with just a touch of delicious combination of mouth-watering sweetness and acidity, while the finish is dry, pleasant and ultimately sippable again and again and again. I am told there is more to come but not from this inaugural vintage. This was a limited release – a trial balloon, so to speak, and it soared. If you can figure out how to get your hands on this wine do so. See you in line at the LCBO; those who get a bottle or two of this will truly have a happy 2009. Price: $28.95

Notes Available at Vintages in February 2009 - and very limited supply at the winery for the 2008 holiday season

Varietal / Grape Pinot Noir (50%) and Chardonnay (50%)

Region Niagara

Winery Chateau des Charmes

Year 2005

Price Under $30

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