This Summer has been brutal, to say the least, and on days that are in the high 90’s, all I want to do is to lounge on my deck with a nice glass of wine. But I also want something that will be my mainstay all year long and I am pretty sure I found it……
Le Grand Courtâge a French sparkling wine company, sent me a few bottles to try to quench my thirst and possibly add to my wine fridge all year long. They were kind enough to send along their sparkling Brut Rosé, a Blanc de Blancs Brut, and a Provence style, Très Chic Rosé.
The Brut Rosé is as elegant looking as it is tasting. I just love the look of the bottle, it’s so pretty and perfect for gifting. This was a refreshing dry wine with a hint of floral that really hit the mark.
Aromas – Bright aromas of fresh strawberry, raspberry, and pomegranate combine with notes of lilac and violet.
Flavor Profile – It is deliciously seductive while smooth and versatile. A perfect balance of freshness, fruit, acidity, and sweetness.
Food Pairing – This Brut Rosé complements a range of foods, from savory to sweet. Pair with spicy Asian dishes, risotto, BBQ, lamb, duck, chicken, prosciutto, pizza, soft cheese (like brie or goat), cheesecake, crème brûlée, strawberry shortcake or berry pie.
The Blanc de Blancs Brut, an equally delicious and crisp wine. I enjoyed this one as well and will in the future, take this with me when I visit my friends for our girls night get togethers.
Aromas – With bright flavors of green apple, ripe melon, honeysuckle and toasted brioche.
Flavor Profile – A delicate balance of dryness and acidity lingers with flavors of Meyer lemon, honeydew & soft floral notes. Crisp, light, refreshing with baby bubbles. Great length.
Food Pairing – Pair with savory hors-d’oeuvres, buttered popcorn, creamy pasta dishes, fried chicken, spicy Asian dishes, seafood, fruit desserts or semi-soft cheese.
Très Chic Rosé is my favorite of the three, although all three are amazing. This one had more of full fruity flavor and was nice and dry. I actually took this Rose and made strawberry ice cubes but slicing strawberries and placing them in an ice cube tray then pouring the Rose over and freezing. On those hot days when you want to enjoy a glass outside, just pop a strawberry wine ice cube in your glass, and enjoy your Rose without it being watered down.
Flavors – With notes of red berries, grapefruit, and tropical fruit this is refreshing. Dry with a nice balance of fruit and acidity.
Aromas – This rose petal-hued wine offers aromatics of red currant and thyme. Food Pairing – Pairs stunningly with shellfish, grilled meats, salmon, sushi, charcuterie, pizza, creamy sauces, mild cheeses, and spiced dishes such as Asian or Latin cuisine.
All of these wines were created by an American woman who moved to Nuits St Georges in Burgundy, France.
Le Grand Courtage has put together a beautiful list of Rosé Recipes & Pairings.
Tawnya Falkner took the leap and gave up her career as a designer/developer in San Francisco to move to Burgundy, France to follow her passion relating to travel, food & making wine.
Long ago, when a boat left on a long voyage, it was referred to as a “courtage” and it is from this that the name originates. These wines are about the negotiations as we journey through life. Intended to mean “the Great Courtship”, the approach was to combine hundreds of years of grape growing experience with progressive blending techniques. Le Grand Courtâge is a “courtship” between French and American wine culture, the old and new world, and grapes from different terroirs; and it is the “courtship” of life and love.
Our vision was to create an affordable luxury perfect for all occasions… a timeless, yet contemporary packaging which catches the eye of consumers, and a delicate wine that delights the palate. We positioned our product so its visual identity conveys the perception of luxury at an exceptional value.
Courtâge’s unique profile, with its dry, crisp, yet light and fruit-forward character, creates a “balanced”, cuisine and cocktail-friendly wine which is enormously versatile. In short, we aim to change the luxury, special occasion mentality of ‘champagne’ by offering an elegant yet approachable, affordable, versatile French bubbly.
Our philosophy is Embrace Life. Dream Big. Accept all Invitations. and we aim to encourage people to find joy in life’s simple pleasures.
