Jacob Lebo

Before blogging became what it was, I was filing posts on my MySpace page. This style of blogging sounds so quaint now. I was heavily involved in the restaurant industry, first as a way to help pay for University. And soon after graduation, a way of life I was extremely passionate about.

I was diligently studying to become a Sommelier and would share my wine drenched thoughts with anyone who would listen. Here is my most favorite post about my most favorite wine I wrote back on August 18, 2006

American Sparkling

My lust of the bubbly runs so deep; if drinking wine was a monogamous affair, I am unequivocally willing to forsake all other wine styles, for Lady Champagne. Hell, I would give up ALL alcoholic imbibements, for her. This love of the bubbles is not easily satisfied. Some of my favorites, Moet & Chandon, Laurent & Perier, and the Veuve can retail between $40-$50. This is American Sparkling. Showing a young man how to stay fitted in bubbles, on a beer budget.

American Sparkling (a term first used by me, thank you) has achieved wondrous flavors and spectacular character in the past 10 years. And what a 10 years! America finally paid the Champagne region the respect it deserves by not allowing, (save for a few wineries, which were grandfathered in) the term Champagne to appear on its labels. See, true Champagne, must come from the Champagne region in France, and made only from three grapes. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay are the three Noble Varietals that create the luscious and toasty cuvees. And American Sparkling makers are following this model of perfection, to create some amazing flavor combinations, and stunning bubbles.

Mendocino Countys Scharffenberger has been the most recent tryst, in this tawdry affair. Vibrant complexity, and outstanding luscious chains of bubbles, that rise with thunderous force from the flute, attribute to the care that is taken when crafting this wine. With fruit, spice, and minerality on the front nose, this American Sparking stands out. For only $25 restaurant, and $12 retail, even Mr. Bubble couldnt keep you this flush with suds.

Gruet ($23 retail) from the desert climate of New Mexico has methode de champanois written all over it, literally, its on the bottle! Crafted in the most exacting Champagne style these New Mexican bubbles with their sultry ways, will make you see fireworks. This was my choice of beverage this last Forth of July, standing on the rooftop at LaFayette City Grill, so maybe that would attribute to the fireworks

Finally, from the house of Mumm, comes MummCuvee Napa Brut Prestige. This American Sparkling is unfortunately the most average of the three, but the House of Mumm has been making Champagne since 1827. This longevity in the wine world allows them to work the California earth to the best of their abilities and produce this fine offering. These toasty, dry sparkling bubbles, with a nice green apple tartness is an excellent way to start of a meal.

As with purchasing any wine, it can take work to find what you enjoy. While Champagne is always my first choice, exploration, for the sake of exploration, and even price, can produce surprising results. American Sparkling, a new love.