($19): You can imagine the curled lips and other facial expressions on my guests when I told them I was ordering a sparkling wine from a New Mexico producer, which was on the list at a very French restaurant (Le Coq Rico, run by Antoine Westermann, who formerly was the chef/owner at a Michelin 3-star in Alsace).  Well, one sip of this Blanc de Blancs transformed the curled lips to smiles.  It should come as no surprise because of the history of Gruet, which was founded by Gilbert Gruet, a Champenois who started a cooperative in the Champagne region.  Clearly the family knows something about making sparkling wine, because this Blanc de Blancs had all the elegance and energy you’d expect from a Chardonnay-based bubbly.  A superb aperitif, it also was a beautiful complement to Le Coq Rico’s signature roasted chicken.  Do try the combination at home.
90 Michael Apstein Apr 19, 2016