Thornton Winery 2004 Brut Reserve
I recently coordinated a Champagne tasting for Thornton Winery (Temecula California.) Presented as an opportunity to engage in a guided Sparkling Wine tasting with winemaker David Vergari, this social media outreach event provided an incredible opportunity for 10 press members to taste Thornton’s best Champagnes side by side, poured by one of the world’s most knowledgeable wine expert, and attended by owner John and Steve Thornton and nine other press people.
As we went over each sparkling wine, Executive Chef Steve Pickell also presented food pairings so exquisite we all became instant fans. We all blogged, Tweeted, or wrote on Facebook as we tasted each of the wines. The give and take of each writer’s opinions, the Thornton’s insightful comments, and Winemaker Vegari’s tutorial brought the tasting to a whole new level of interaction and exchange.
The wide range of styles, blends, and bottle age produced thought-provoking comparisons that helped the learning along for all of us who have not spent nearly enough time experimenting and learning more about these Méthode Champenoise wines.
Here is a descriptive line up of the tasting, approximate prices and a fabulous recipe that pairs beautifully with the Thornton Brut Reserve. Click here for the recipe!
Thornton 2004 Brut Reserve ($38): Blended from the best individual vineyard lots of
Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir, this special Cuvée was assembled and
finished in 2010. It shows delicate apple and toasted yeast in the nose…and ohhh
those lovely fine stream of dancing bubbles certainly enhance the overall
tasting experience. Very food friendly.
Thornton Non-Vintage Blanc de Noirs ($24): This is a rich, complex sparkler made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes. Expect rich melon fruit and nutty yeast characteristics alongside citrus and apple notes.
Thornton 2005 Brut Rosé ($29): A light garnet hue sets the stage for delightful indulgence. I know you’ll enjoy the complex aromas that conjure up lilacs and wild cherries, ending with a creamy mousse-like finish. Perfect for the holidays, hostess gifts, or when you want to make a statement about your own exploration of fine Champagnes.
Thornton Non-Vintage Cuvée Rouge ($26): Grapes for the primary cuvée were
hand-picked and tank pressed as whole clusters. The term cuvée refers to a
blended batch of wines. In Champagne, the large houses create their traditional
(and very secret) house-style cuvées by blending various wines before creating
the final product via Méthode Champenoise. Unbelievably good with turkey, ham and lemon
desserts.
If you are interested in giving yourself a little education when it comes to Champagne, or if you’re educated already and simply want to soak yourself in a few bubbles, then head out to Thornton Winery for a Champagne Flight tasting. Cost ranges from $12-$17, and you can download a 2 for 1 tasting coupon (good Sunday – Fridays) at http://www.thorntonwine.com/specialoffers.html
