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Wine Notes: Olema Sparkling Wine Brut

 Another Wine for Sparkling Wine Enthusiasts



I am familiar with the still wines of Olema from Sonoma, but I wanted to try a sparkling wine from the Loire Valley, and was quite intrigued to find Olema carried a Cremant De Loire. The Olema Sparkling Wine (Brut) comes from the Loire Valley's Angers region. Winemakers, Tony Biagi and Jesse Fox, work with a historical producer in the town of Brissac, that has the expertise to bring the best of the Loire Valley's sparkling wine tradition. The winery has been in operation since 1872.

This sparkling wine is not like the sparkling wines I am accustomed to drinking that pack a certain punch. After the first sip, you will almost immediately notice, it is different. Not "purple unicorn" different- but there is a difference in the structure. The DNA is still sparkling wine, but when I drink this, I think clean...I think ethereal. What do I mean by this?

For example, if you are familiar with A.J. De Margerie Grand Cru Brut or Veuve Clicquot Demi- Sec, their cuvee consists of primarily pinot noir.  A.J. De Margerie Grand Cru Brut is 90% Pinot Noir, and 10% Chardonnay. Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec contains 40-45% pinot noir, meunier at 30-35%, and chardonnay at 20-25%. I am sure this is what gives those wines their masculine-like edge. 

Olema's is a Loire style, made with 50% chardonnay and 50% chenin blanc made in the traditional method. The secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle and the wine is allowed to mature on the lees for 12 months (which is less than what is required in Champagne). 


Evaluation of Olema Sparkling Wine Brut


This wine is pale gold in color. On the nose, the primary and secondary aromas are quite pronounced: green apple, peach, and minerals, followed by notes of toasted bread. On the palate, the wine is dry, and the flavor intensity is pronounced. The characteristics detected on the nose are also found on the palate, however, I also got the faint taste of almond. 

The acidity and alcohol are high, however, it is still a medium- bodied wine. The finish is long, with a hint of sweet. This is what makes this wine different- yet, interesting and fun. 

This is the kind of wine that you can serve for brunch, or even have with dinner everyday if you wanted to.

It is affordable compared to the other wines cited in this post. I paid $24.99 for my 750mL and it can be purchased in many of your local wine stores. Of course, when in doubt, there is Total Wine. 

Give this one a try and let me know your thoughts!

Until next time, Ciao!

Ijeoma

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