4APR05 Aimery “Cuvée 1531” SPARKLING BLEND, Crémant de Limoux, Roussillon, France NV (O)
4 and 6 bottle levels $20 (member price $17)
60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc, 10% Mauzac 12.5% ABV
The Crémants of Limoux pre‐date Champagne by 150 years. Winemaking visitors to Limoux in the early 17th century (including the monk Dom Perignon) are documented and a testament to how Champagne production was originally influenced. Aimery is a project of Sieur d'Arques, a cooperative of 193 small local growers founded in 1946. Cuvée 1531 refers to the first year sparkling wines were produced in Limoux. This is a traditional method wine, with the second fermentation on the lees in the bottle for 18 months. Brioche, lime, pear, green apple.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
These elegant bubbles are best shared with friends and poured alongside smoked trout spread on crostini, fried crawfish with remoulade, freshly shucked oysters, Gorgonzola and smoky bacon topped bruschetta, poached salmon over butternut squash risotto, buttermilk fried chicken, bacon, avocado and corn topped salad and crispy crab cakes with tartar sauce. These versatile bubbles are also delightful with gingerbread crème brûlée, red fruit sorbet, white chocolate truffles and strawberry shortcake. Or savor the fizz with Taleggio, San Joaquin “Gold”, buttery triple-creme cheese, fresh chèvre and bloomy rinds such as Camembert, Chaource & Buche de Chevre.