Wine Expert Subscription
September's Wine Expert Box offers Sparkling wines, and Champagne is just one of them.
Your subscription box invites you to explore a vibrant aperitif, bittersweet spritz, brut rosé, elegant traditional-method wine, and a naturally sweet sparkling.
The wine production influences everything from the wine’s texture and aromas to its freshness, sweetness, and complexity.
Your subscription box invites you to explore a vibrant aperitif, bittersweet spritz, brut rosé, elegant traditional-method wine, and a naturally sweet sparkling.
The wine production influences everything from the wine’s texture and aromas to its freshness, sweetness, and complexity.
The Asti Method
The Asti method is closely associated with Moscato from Piemonte, Italy. Rather than fermenting the wine completely dry, fermentation is interrupted while natural grape sugars remain. This preserves the intensely aromatic character of Moscato while creating a delicate, gently sparkling wine with lower alcohol.
Bartenura Moscato d’Asti DOCG showcases this style beautifully: fragrant, sweet and softly sparkling.
Bartenura Moscato d’Asti DOCG showcases this style beautifully: fragrant, sweet and softly sparkling.
The Charmat/Martinoti/Tank Method
The tank method, also known as the Charmat method, creates the wine’s second fermentation in a sealed, pressurized tank rather than in the individual bottle. This approach helps preserve the grape’s vibrant fruit and floral character while producing fresh, lively bubbles.
Toni Doro Extra Dry Prosecco DOCG is an example of this. Its bright, fruit-driven style makes it an elegant aperitif, while its Extra Dry classification gives it a touch more sweetness than a Brut sparkling wine.
Toni Doro Extra Dry Prosecco DOCG is an example of this. Its bright, fruit-driven style makes it an elegant aperitif, while its Extra Dry classification gives it a touch more sweetness than a Brut sparkling wine.
The Traditional Method
The traditional method offers a different expression of sparkling wine. Here, the second fermentation takes place inside the bottle, followed by ageing on the lees (dead yeast cells that remain after fermentation). Over time, this adds texture, depth and layers of flavour, including notes of toast, brioche and pastry.
Charles Le Bel Inspiration 1818 Champagne is made using the traditional method.
Charles Le Bel Inspiration 1818 Champagne is made using the traditional method.
There is no prescribed order. Instead, let each bottle offer something different — a different occasion, a different style and a different perspective on sparkling wine.
From the delicate bubbles of Moscato d’Asti to the complexity of traditional-method Champagne, this is an invitation to explore the craftsmanship, character and versatility behind the world of sparkling wine.
Pour slowly. Taste thoughtfully. Enjoy the experience.
From the delicate bubbles of Moscato d’Asti to the complexity of traditional-method Champagne, this is an invitation to explore the craftsmanship, character and versatility behind the world of sparkling wine.
Pour slowly. Taste thoughtfully. Enjoy the experience.
Bartenura Moscato d'Asti DOCG
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Origin: Piemonte, Italy
Variety: "Moscato Bianco" (mos-KAH-toh bee-an-ko) About the wine: This wine is made in a frizzante, aromatic style associated with Moscato d'Asti. It's sweet and has naturally low alcohol, making it versatile and easy to drink. SERVED BEST AT: Cold (6 – 8 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Fruit-based desserts, cheesecake, fruit plates, spicy Asian dishes. WINE PROFILE: Ripe peach, nectarine, white flowers, ripe melon, honey, grape; light, gently sparkling. |
Chandon Garden Spritz
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Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Variety: "Chardonnay" (shar-dun-nay), Pinot Noir (pee-no nwar), "Sémillon" (sem-ee-yawn) About the wine: Chardonnay adds freshness, Pinot Noir contributes structure, and Sémillon adds complexity to produce this sparkling wine. Locally sourced, 100% organic fresh and dried orange peels are macerated in a fine grape spirit alongside a secret blend of herbs and spices (including chamomile, cardamom, and black pepper). This bitter orange liqueur is blended with the sparkling wine to create an aromatized sparkling wine. SERVED BEST: With 4 ice cubes; garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a dried orange slice.
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Charcuterie board, sushi and sashimi WINE PROFILE: Zesty citrus, herbs and warm spices |
McBride Sisters Collection Sparkling Brut Rosé
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Origin: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Variety: "Chardonnay" (shar-dun-nay), "Pinot Noir" (pee-no nwar) About the wine: McBride Sisters Wine Company was founded by sisters Robin and Andréa, whose story spans California and New Zealand. Today, their company is the largest Black-owned and largest all-women-founded wine company in the United States, with wines produced across both regions. The cool climate and abundant sunshine produce wines with fresh, ripe red and stone fruit. After the second fermentation in pressurized tanks, the wine spends time on its lees, developing that creamy mouthfeel. SERVED BEST AT: Cold (6 – 8 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Fried chicken, fish and chips, charcuterie, savoury snacks, soft cheeses WINE PROFILE: Rose petals, red berries, white peach, cream; refreshing acidity. |
Toni Doro "Dono" Extra Dry Prosecco Superiore DOCG
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Origin: Conegliano Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy
Variety: Glera "Gleh-rah" About the wine: Azienda Agricola Toni Doro is a small family-run winery based in Vittorio in the Veneto region of northern Italy, within the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG designation. The winery focuses on handcrafted wines from its hillside, certified organic vineyards, with Glera at the heart of its Prosecco production. This Extra Dry Prosecco is made using the Martinotti (tank) method, which helps preserve the grape's fresh and aromatic character. The Extra Dry style has a touch more residual sugar than Brut, giving the wine a softly rounded fruitiness while remaining refreshing. SERVED BEST AT: Cold (6 – 8 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Asian dumplings, prawns, delicate pasta dishes, sparkling base for cocktails like Aperol or Hugo Spritz WINE PROFILE: Fresh lemon, white flowers, ripe pear, pink grapefruit; creamy mousse, mineral finish. |
Charles Le Bel Inspiration 1818 Champagne Brut
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Origin: Champagne, France
Variety: "Chardonnay" (shar-dun-nay), "Pinot Noir" (pee-no nwar), "Meunier" (muh-NYAY) About the wine: Charles Le Bel is a Champagne label belonging to Billecart-Salmon, the historic Champagne house founded in 1818. Inspiration 1818 is made using fruit from younger vines, from the three classic Champagne varieties: Chardonnay (37%), Pinot Noir (33%), and Pinot Meunier (30%), with about 70% reserve wines and ageing on the lees for 3 years before disgorgement. SERVED BEST AT: Cold (6 – 8 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Popcorn, oysters, sushi, seafood, delicate fish, fried chicken, soft cheeses, beef burgers WINE PROFILE: Crisp apple, citrus, delicate floral, brioche, pastry, toast, butter; dry, lively, fine bubbles, lingering finish |
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