France's Budget Bubbly

One of my favorite value-priced bubblies is Charles de Fére, “Tradition,” Sparkling Chardonnay (Non Vintage) at  $9.  Recently I spotted  a cobalt blue bottle labeled, "Boucheron Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine"  Of course, the phrase Blanc de Blanc is normally associated with 100% Chardonnay-based Champagne.   This however is not Champagne and, in addition to Chardonnay, is made with the white wine grapes Chenin Blanc, Ugni Blanc (of Cognac fame) and Sauvignon Blanc.

With this gemisch of "lesser" grapes, the flavor and character is not as clear as Mssr. de  Fere's sparkling Chardonnay.

The Skinny
Boucheron Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine, NV ($12)
Very pale yellow-gold in color, farily fast moving, medium-sized bubbles
Mostly citrus scents with a little honey/floral lurking
Not terribly crisp in the mouth with light flavors
**.5 (2.5 stars out of 5)


If you see this wine on sale in the $8-$9 range, I would recommend it.  However, at over ten bucks, it doesn't quite compete with Charles de Fere or many similarly priced Spanish Cavas.