Exploring France: Jaillance Offers Bubbles on a Budget

It’s not very often that I run into a Sparkling Wine that is both delicious and inexpensive. Because I prefer Methode Champenoise Sparkling Wines, a time consuming and labor intensive method used in the production of Champagne, I usually obtain a certain degree of buyers guilt for paying a pretty penny on a bottle of wine that will no doubt be consumed rather quickly; especially, when celebrating with friends.

Every once in a while, however, I’ll come across a sparkling wine that is not only affordable, but delicious too. Jaillance, a sparkling wine brand located in France’s Drôme Valley, offers two great alternatives to expensive Champagnes: the Cuvée Impériale Clairette De Die and Crémant de Bordeaux Brut Cuvée de l’ Abbaye – both are delightfully enjoyable while excelling at keeping the buyers guilt at bay.

Jaillance Cuvée Impériale Clairette De Die ($15.99): 90 percent Muscat/10 percent Clairette. Produced using Methode Ancestrale, aromas in this off-dry sparkler are of ripe peaches and pears. Slightly sweet on the palate, flavors perfectly mimic the fruity aromas and bubbles are mellow. Meyer lemon on the finish balances out some of the sweeter notes, ending with palate pleasing tones. Perfect for those who prefer sweeter wines and less bubbles.

Jaillance Crémant de Bordeaux Brut Cuvée de l’ Abbaye ($15.99): 60 percent Semillon/40 percent Cabernet Franc. Streams of elegant bubbles race to the top of this golden pale beauty, which was produced using Methode Champenoise. Aromas of strawberries and lemons with hints of earth and almonds follow through to the palate, which is creamy and complex. This could easily be priced higher than it is, so don’t just walk by this one if you spot it on the shelves – it’s a winner!

Visit Jaillance.com for more information on the production of these fine sparkling wines.

If you’re in the Eugene/Sringfield area, check out 16 Tons Taphouse for these and other great wines (and beer!) 265 E. 13th, Eugene.