This month, we will put a half bottle of Gruet Brut in to chill and will toast March and the French winemakers who set a high standard for sparking wine from New Mexico, producing wines by the Méthod Champenoise they use in France.
We try to keep a few half bottles of this lovely sparkler on hand for spontaneous celebrations. We agree with the winemakers' description of this value-for-money wine. "Wonderful aromas of green apple and citrus mineral notes make for a delightful start to this traditional sparkler. Our Brut NV offers bright, crisp acidity complemented by a touch of yeast on the delightfully long finish. A classic house style!" We also agree with the "90 points, Smart Buy" rating of this wine by Wine Spectator.
This is our year of honoring heroes of the sparkling wine world. The Gruet family are not only heroes; they have a great story that we will quote from their website.
"In 1983, the Gruet Family was traveling through the southwestern part of the US, and while in New Mexico met a group of European winemakers who had successfully planted vineyards in Engle, near the town of Truth or Consequences, 170 miles south of the city of Albuquerque. After hearing of vineyards planted there as early as the 1600s, and learning about the specific climate and soil conditions of the region, the Gruet Family knew they had found what they were looking for. In 1984, Gilbert Gruet – whose Champagne house (Gruet et Fils) has produced fine Champagnes in Bethon, France since 1952 – made the decision to plant an experimental vineyard in Engle, NM. The plantings were exclusively Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Two of his four children, Laurent and Nathalie Gruet then relocated to New Mexico to begin their American winemaking adventure."
Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes and produced by different methods, adds spice to our monthly ritual. Since 2007, we've raised a glass of sparkling wine to greet each new month!
We purchase our bottle at Gordon's Fine Wine and Spirits for $9.99 with a case discount.
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2020 Penny & Ed Cherubino
