NV Biltmore Estate Blanc de Blancs

One of the coolest things in this exploration of sparkling wines has been discovering all the different places where sparkling wine is made. While not the most exotic of places, I have to say North Carolina is one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been. I have actually been to the Biltmore twice, once on a summer vacation with my parents while I was attending college and the other, for a friend’s (hi Foo Foo) wedding. If you ever have the chance, you should definitely visit Asheville and no stop there is complete without touring this amazing home, along with their fabulous gardens.

My first experience with their wines was a good one. FULL DISCLOSURE: I received this wine as a press sample. The wine is made with grapes from the Russian River Valley in California, which is why you won’t see the state of North Carolina on the bottle. More of our labeling laws meant to protect us? Personally, I think the labeling laws need an overhaul, but nobody of any consequence will listen to me. So be it. Biltmore also bottles a vintage Blanc de Blancs, which IS made with N. Carolina grapes. I didn’t receive a sample of that, but think it would be fun to taste the two side by side.

If you view their site, this is the second driest of their wines, with the native version taking the Brut crown. I’m not sure why, since you’d suspect (okay, I’d suspect) that North Carolina fruit wouldn’t be as intense in flavor as California and could use the extra shot of sugar. I’m glad to see it doesn’t, even if I don’t actually get to sample the wine.

The retail price for this wine is $24.99 from the winery, so I suspect you would pay the same locally. The wines are available and here is a link to the page where you can enter your zip to find where nearest you.

Aromatically, the wine is very clean and citrusy. As it warmed, it opened up and revealed a very strong note of meyer lemon. I can imagine some white pears spritzed with the lemon juice and served on a cold plate of thick blue steel. I loved the clean and sharp acidity, especially since I was somewhat bias in thinking it would be a tad on the sweeter side. So much for making assumptions.

Overall, I found this wine to be of above average quality and while the price wasn’t exactly cheap, I thought it wasn’t bad considering the overall quality. This was a very pleasant surprise and has me looking forward to trying the other samples I was so generously sent by Biltmore. I’m sure they will be sweeter, since they are listed that way on their website. Being someone who actually doesn’t mind the sweeter wines (so long as there is a balance of acid), I in no way hold an extra shot of sugar with any disregard.

Haiku
Robber baron wine
Citrus and steel greet my tongue
A pleasant surprise

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read what I’ve got to say. I hope you enjoy it and if you do, please pass it along to your friends. I’m especially fond of comments, suggestions and questions.

Have a great Wednesday!