Domaine Ste. Michelle Sparkling Wines: Big Bangs and Sabers



By Kori ~ July 20th, 2010.

Domaine Ste. Michelle, located in Paterson, Washington, has been producing an excellent array of value sparkling wines for over 30 years. DSM is one of the largest sparkling wine houses in the United States, producing more than 300,000 cases each year. Rick Casqueiro has been head winemaker since 1994. I had the pleasure to meet Rick at the recent Wine Bloggers Conference in Walla Walla. One of the highlights of the conference was when Rick demonstrated how to open a bottle of sparkling wine with a saber.

<a href="http://vimeo.com/13453566">Click here to view video</a>

Recently, we had the opportunity to taste four sparkling wines from Domaine Ste. Michelle in a blind samples tasting. All four wines offer good overall quality and deliver the most bang for your buck.

Too often, people only think of sparkling wines to celebrate special occasions or to ring in the New Year. I absolutely love bubbly and think that it should be enjoyed on a regular basis. Sparkling wines are also very food-friendly. All of the wines from Domaine Ste. Michelle can regularly be found for under $10 at your local grocery store and are great options to become your “house” sparkling wine that you don’t hesitate to open on a random Tuesday night, just because.

NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington): Light, pinkish salmon in color. Very aromatic with raspberry and floral notes. Raspberry, citrus, and a hint of cinnamon come through on the palate. Dry, medium-bodied and crisp with small, fairly fast bubbles, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $12; Available elsewhere, $9 to $15

NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington): Pale, greenish straw yellow. Very aromatic with citrus and grassy notes. More citrus fruits, lemon zest, and some minerality come through on the palate. Dry, medium-bodied and crisp with small, fairly fast bubbles, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $12; Available elsewhere, $8 to $13

NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Sparkling Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington): Pale, greenish straw yellow. Aromatic with orange peel and floral aromas that lead to flavors of gardenias and oranges. Dry, medium-bodied and lively with small, fairly fast bubbles, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $12; Available elsewhere, $8 to $12

NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra Dry Sparkling Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington): Pale, greenish straw yellow. Aromatic with apple, pear, hay, and honey on the nose. Apple, banana, and honey come through on the palate. Off-dry, medium-bodied and lively with small, medium speed bubbles, and a long finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $12; Available elsewhere, $8 to $15


Filed under: American Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Sparkling Wine, Video, Washington State Wine, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

Reader's Comments

  1. Jenny | July 21st, 2010 at 6:04 am

    Love the video and will be sure to share it.

    http://www.blog.onxwine.com

  2. Kori | July 21st, 2010 at 7:34 am

    Thanks, Jenny. Cheers!

  3. le bon vin | July 27th, 2010 at 9:43 am

    I absolutely agree that sparkling wines should be enjoyed year-round. Here’s a good blog on Lambrusco and food pairing.
    http://www.terranovawine.com/blog

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