4 and 6 bottle levels   $21 (member price $18)
Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay   12.5% ABV

Founded in 1851, Bouvet Ladubay produces méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine from Loire Valley Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc grapes.  The Bouvet family sold to the Monmousseau family in 1933, and the 3rd generation (Patrice Monmousseau) currently runs this family owned winery.  The tuffeau soil is ideal for the cultivation of Chenin Blanc and coupled with the mild climate creates the natural acidity needed to produce a balanced sparkling white wine.  All grapes are hand harvested and the first fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks.  The finest wines from each lot are blended and the cuvée is bottled.  The second fermentation occurs in the bottle and the wine spends a minimum of 18 months on the lees.  Bouvet Ladubay’s cellars are housed in ancient tuffeau stone quarries.  Green apple, lemon, dried honey, brioche.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Every celebration should start with bubbly!  Especially a versatile one like this sparkler that pairs with truffled popcorn, mesclun salad with garden veggies and goat cheese fritters, paella with mussels, clams and chorizo, Yukon gold, leek and fromage blanc frittata, arugula salad topped with grapes and apples, tuna carpaccio with capers, pasta tossed with grilled shrimp, grilled swordfish drizzled with salsa verde, and backyard barbecue.  Continue the celebration straight through the cheese course with creamy Cabrales or tangy Roquefort.