A Wine for Tonight: NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Noirs



By Kori ~ August 9th, 2012.

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Noirs from the Columbia Valley of Washington State.

Our selection criteria include:

  • A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
  • A price tag of <=$20
  • Must be widely available

The Blanc de Noirs is one of an excellent array of value sparkling wines from Domaine Ste. Michelle. Producing sparkling wines for over thirty years, Domaine Ste. Michelle 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. While this Blanc de Noirs is good enough to celebrate a special occasion, its price point makes it an excellent weeknight or Sunday brunch bubbly.

“Rosé sparkling wines are original not only because of their color, but also their vinous character. Blanc de Noirs is a beautiful salmon pink wine, with a persistent column of small bubbles. A delicate sparkler, with strawberry impressions coming through in the nose, and on the palate. The initial impression is dry, with a soft and fruity aftertaste.” –Winemaker Rick Casqueiro

NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Noirs (Columbia Valley, Washington): 100% Pinot Noir. Pale salmon in color. Small, fairly fast bead of bubbles. Very aromatic with raspberry, strawberry, cherry, lime, and yeast aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a long finish. A nice, refreshing weeknight or Sunday brunch bubbly.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Metropolitan Market (Seattle, Washington), $8.49; Available elsewhere, $8 to $15


Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine, Washington State Wine, Wines Under $10, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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