Classy Bubbles Vol. 4
A traditional wine tasting event dedicated to sparkling wines produced by traditional method.
By Boris · Hosted by Boris Buliga
Over the years, a few traditions have taken root, and one of my favourites is our December gathering to taste sparkling wines made using the traditional method. Each year brings its own quirks, but three pillars remain constant. First, we drink only wines crafted using the traditional method (aka Méthode Champenoise)---though I reserve the right to add a playful twist. This time, I started with a welcome drink: a carbonation-method wine from England (cheers to Yaryna for bringing this bottle). It served as the perfect contrast to the next bottle, another English sparkling wine but made using the traditional method, vividly illustrating the difference between the two approaches. Occasionally, I'll also throw in a bonus bottle---this year, it was sparkling sake.
Second, we taste everything blind. And third, I take a bit of mischievous delight in throwing people off. Once, I brought an inexpensive bottle from the Loire that managed to outshine heavyweight contenders from Champagne. Another time, I added well-known and loved wines to keep everyone guessing. You know the drill. It's not about torment for its own sake (despite my jokes about raising a new generation of wine-loving masochists); rather about enriching our collective experience. Struggling to identify the nuances forces us to engage more deeply, and in doing so, we discover new layers of appreciation. Each year, it's fascinating to see how much richer our shared experiences become, transforming the act of drinking wine together into something profoundly rewarding.
This year, I decided to keep things simple---no experiments, just wines I love or at least enjoy. Some are the kind I've shared with my family on sunlit picnics. Others are my go-to for quiet evenings. A few are the wines I dream of drinking weekly, while some are treasures I guard jealously, waiting to see how time will shape them.
At its heart, wine exists to be enjoyed, to be shared. And when that enjoyment happens in great company, it's like adding a dash of magic (or a pinch of MSG)---a subtle ingredient that elevates the experience, turning it into something unforgettable.
| Wine | WAVG | SD | Price | QPR | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chapel Down | – | – | – | – | – | |
 Lyme Bay | #6 | 3.93 | 0.16 | – | 1,514 ₴ | 0.91 |
 Domaine Breton | #5 | 4.05 | 0.19 | 3 | 1,549 ₴ | 1.15 |
 Benoît Lahaye | #4 | 4.13 | 0.16 | 2 | 3,033 ₴ | 0.97 |
 Pierre Péters | 🥉 | 4.23 | 0.20 | 2 | 4,565 ₴ | 0.98 |
 Ca' del Bosco | 🥈 | 4.25 | 0.10 | – | 6,100 ₴ | 0.87 |
 Assemblage2015 Bruno Paillard | 🥇 | 4.27 | 0.17 | 3 | 5,424 ₴ | 0.97 |
Chapel Down A Touch of Sparkle 2022
This wine has an intense and bright nose, boasting super aromatic notes of grapefruit, lemon, elderflowers, and pineapple, with a touch that feels slightly artificial. It's crisp and refreshing on the palate. The aftertaste, though short, is flavorful, and the bubbles dissipate quickly, as expected with the carbonation method used in its production.
Lyme Bay Brut Reserve (d2023-04) NV
This Seyval Blanc-based sparkling wine is quite enjoyable. While not overly complex, it is generous and fruit-driven, making it easy to appreciate. The aromas of lemon, slightly bruised green apple, and brioche with a touch of honey are enticing. On the palate, it is fresh and flavorful, with a slight creaminess. Flavors of baked apple, brioche, cream, and a hint of cider round out its appealing profile.
Domaine Breton La Dilettante Méthode Traditionnelle NV
La Dilettante has become one of my favorite sparklers of the season for casual enjoyment. It strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and approachability. The wine is nuanced and mineral-driven, yet remains delightfully easy-going. The nose is beautiful, with aromas of creamy mushroom soup, baked apples touched with honey, and a hint of sea notes. On the palate, it is deliciously fresh and even racy, with a long aftertaste and intense flavors. The finish is slightly creamy, making it a truly enjoyable experience.
Benoît Lahaye Rosé de Macération a Bouzy (d2023) NV
Arguably one of the best rosé Champagnes available at this price point (at least, in UA), this bottle offers a compelling experience. Its mineral profile might initially seem less friendly, but with time in bottle, it mellows down and becomes more deep and approachable. The nose delights with notes of barberry candy, red currant, caramel, red apple skin, spices, and calendula. On the palate, it is fresh, multilayered, and complex, extending to a long and simply delicious slightly chalky finish.
Pierre Péters Brut Millésime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru L'esprit 2019
I knew it was too early to open this bottle, but curiosity got the better of me. While it's beautiful, it's not quite ready. The nose is a bit restrained, offering hints of lemon curd, yellow fruits, flowers, tarragon, and a touch of cream. Though relatively light, the flavors are intensely vivid, complemented by a wonderful mousse and pleasant persistence. The finish reveals a hint of sea and chalky limestone, with a touch of white flowers. It's a beautiful wine that certainly warrants another taste in a few years.
Ca' del Bosco Annamaria Clementi 2015
On my second try in a week, this wine stepped up as a "wolf" among Champagne wines rather than merely a welcome drink. It even managed to puzzle some seasoned drinkers during a blind tasting. The nose offers notes of toast, fried nuts, damp cellar, white fruits, and honey. Generous, rich, and intense, it evolves nicely in the glass. The palate is long and almost full-bodied, further showcasing its impressive complexity.
Bruno Paillard Assemblage 2015
This wine presents a restrained nose that is nonetheless nuanced and sophisticated. Aromas of citrus, green apricots, green apple, grapefruit, orange oil, chalk, tarragon, wild plums, and a hint of pepper with a touch of Jerez create an intriguing bouquet. Its mineral, detailed, and racy character is complemented by an interesting texture and a hint of umami. This is not a wine that's easy to understand at first glance; it invites you to spend time with it, rewarding your attention with its complexity. Whether you find it good or bad, it certainly stands as a unique and engaging experience.