Louise Mill Champagne

Louise Mill Champagne is a sparkling wine from Esplanda, labeled with a Massachusetts appellation. That makes it an American sparkling wine. The name is a brand name, and the wine is not from the Champagne region of France. The grape blend, production method and dosage level are not stated for this bottle, so what follows describes what sparkling wines of this type usually offer. Expect a pale straw to light gold color and a fine, steady stream of bubbles. Sparkling wines in this category usually lean on crisp orchard fruit such as green apple and pear, with citrus and a touch of white blossom. Some bottlings also show light bready or toasty notes. The body is typically light to medium, tannin is effectively absent, and acidity is bright and refreshing, which makes the finish clean and fairly short. Oak is rarely a factor in this style, so the fruit and the bubbles carry the wine. Serve it well chilled, around 40 to 45°F, which in a home fridge means about three hours or an ice bath for twenty to thirty minutes. Do not decant it. Pouring it into a decanter would strip out the carbonation. A tulip-shaped flute or a white wine glass works best. The narrow opening of a flute keeps the bubbles lively, while a white wine glass gives the aromas more room. Hold the cork as you twist the bottle and ease it out with a soft sigh rather than a pop, and pour in two stages so the foam settles. This is a drink-now bottle. Non-vintage sparkling wines like this are made to be enjoyed within a year or two of purchase rather than cellared, so store it cool, dark and on its side or upright until you chill it. At the table, the acidity and effervescence cut through salty and fried food. Try it with oysters, shrimp, popcorn, potato chips, fried chicken, soft cheeses such as brie or fresh chèvre, and light appetizers. It also works as an aperitif and as the base for a mimosa or a simple sparkling cocktail.