Brut

“Brut” champagne is one of my favorite words when it comes to sparkling wine, as it refers to the driest of bubblies, and my mouth is watering just thinking of it. It is dry on the palate, yet the aromas and flavors lean towards apple, pear, and citrus, and can move towards peach and apricot in warmer vintages. It is sometimes broken down further into “extra brut” and “brut natural,” in which case “natural” is the driest of the dry, indicating that no sugar at all has been added, referring to dosage, or the addition of sweetened wine or spirit after the sediment is disgorged.

 

TJ’s $9.99 Fun-Size Legit Champagne Will Have you “Drinking Stars” – or Maybe Just Seeing Them!

Glass and bottle of Ernest Rapeneau Champagne Brut ($9.99@Trader Joe's, California) alongside a 750ml standard bottle of Dom Perignon for perspective.

NV Ernest Rapeneau Champagne Brut, Epernay, France ($9.99@Trader Joe’s, California)   We celebrated the solstice yesterday by popping the cap on this bottle. We are in the home stretch of 2022 people, and this bottle (or bottles!) would be good to have in your fridge for several reasons. If you’re like us, there are holiday … Read moreTJ’s $9.99 Fun-Size Legit Champagne Will Have you “Drinking Stars” – or Maybe Just Seeing Them!

Bargain Champagne?!

Front label of the Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut.

Fast facts: NV Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut ($19.99@Costco, California – Item #942108)   This is our second wine in our December series on sparkling wines. This particular wine also has the distinction of being the very first one reviewed on this site, back in 2018.  A lot has changed in the world since then, but … Read moreBargain Champagne?!

Making Mimosas without Champagne?

A holiday morning Mimosa kit, Mumm sparkling wine, a carafe of OJ and orange for a garnish.

Fast facts: NV Mumm Napa, Brut Rosé , Napa, California ($14.99 @ Costco, California – Item #438577)   Well, here we are.  Down to the final seven days of 2021. What a long, strange trip it’s been. Regardless, ’tis the season for celebration, hence the need to keep lots of bubbly on hand.  Whether it’s … Read moreMaking Mimosas without Champagne?

Your Holiday Mimosa Kit from Trader Joe’s – Everything you Need for Under $10

Front label of M. Chevallier Brut Cava from Trader Joe's

Fast facts: M. Chevallier Brut Cava, Spain ($5.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California) Trader Joe’s Organic Cold Pressed Orange Juice ($1.99, California)   We’ll keep this short, since you’re undoubtedly busy even in the build up to this quieter and smaller Christmas holiday season.  But maybe you have discovered that being forced to shrink your holiday “footprint” brings … Read moreYour Holiday Mimosa Kit from Trader Joe’s – Everything you Need for Under $10

Ring in the New Year, Without Breaking the Bank!

NV Kirkland Champagne Brut

Fast facts: NV Trader Joe’s Reserve Brut Rose´ North Coast, California  ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s; California) NV Kirkland Champagne Brut ($19.99 @Costco, California) If you still need some bubbles to toast the passage of 2018 and celebrate the arrival of 2019, we – and Trader Joe’s and Costco – have you covered. Here are two sparkling … Read moreRing in the New Year, Without Breaking the Bank!