Best Magnoriental Beverage Types
Gewurztraminer is a pink-skinned grape that produces some of the most aromatic and complex white wines in the world. The exact origin of Gewurztraminer is hard to trace, but the grape is related to Traminer family that is cultivated across Europe, and although Gewurztraminer has shown success in Germany, Austria, Australia, Washington and California, the French Alsace region remains its foreground.
Alsace produces varietals that are rich and typically deeply colored, often low in acidity and high in alcohol with exotic aromas of lychee and rose petals. Their character and the body heavily depends on the terroir and ripeness of the grapes, and they may range from dry to off-dry and sweet styles.
THE BEST Gewurztraminer d'Alsace Wine Varieties
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Weingut Hans Wirsching
Iphöfer Kalb Gewürztraminer Trockenbeerenauslese
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold 2022
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Weingut Ökonomierat Petgen-Dahm
Petgen-Dahm Gewürztraminer-Sekt b.A. "Les deux dames" klassische Flaschengärung
Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold 2017
Riesling is an aromatic white grape native to Germany. It is a terroir-driven wine known for its versatile character and intense aroma, usually reminiscent of citrus, petroleum, and white flowers. In Alsace, Riesling is one of the main varieties.
Although the grape is often associated with sweeter styles, most of the examples coming from Alsace are bone dry. Riesling from Alsace can slightly vary in character, from leaner to more opulent, flavor-packed expressions, but it is generally complex, richly flavored, and high in acidity.
THE BEST Alsace Riesling Wine Varieties
Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio and Grauburgunder, is a white grape variety whose origins are believed to be in Burgundy, but the grape has shown amazing potential in Alsace—the region with which it is mostly associated nowadays.
In Alsace, Pinot Gris is considered a noble grape. In the past, it was mistakenly related with Hungarian Tokaj, and it was often called Tokaj d'Alsace. The wines made from Pinot Gris considerably differ in character than those found in other wine-growing regions.
Popularly known as the gold standard of sparkling wine, true Champagne only comes from the actual Champagne region in France. It is produced using the so-called méthode Champenoise; the process in which secondary fermentation is done in the bottle with the addition of yeast and rock sugar, and it is made with the basic, traditional blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, all of which are indigenous to the Champagne region.
However, there are four other permitted grape varieties in the Champagne AOP - Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier and Arbane - but these are rarely mentioned as they're almost never used for sparkling wine production outside of France. Varietal Champagne made with solely Chardonnay grapes is designated as Blanc de Blancs, while the one produced by the fermentation of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir is called Blanc de Noirs.
THE BEST Champagne Wine Appellations
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Piper-Heidsieck
Vintage
International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2021 - Daniel Thibault Trophy 2021
These white and rosé sparkling wines are produced in the French wine region of Alsace, with Pinot Blanc as the principal grape variety, though Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are also permitted. The wines are produced with a traditional method—in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle—and they must be aged for a minimum of nine months. Crémant d'Alsace wines are usually lively and fresh, with fine bubbles and fruity notes of apples, pears, apricots, and peaches.
Although they can be enjoyed as an aperitif, these vibrant wines are food-friendly and can match different appetizers, various seafood dishes, poultry, and cheese, while semi-dry varieties can pair well with desserts.
Muscat d'Alsace is a type of white wine that can be made from two Muscat grapes—Muscat Ottonel and Muscat à Petits Grains (which is confusingly sometimes simply called Muscat d'Alsace). Unlike other Muscat styles that usually have some amount of residual sugar, Alsatian Muscat is traditionally a type of dry white wine.
The production can take place anywhere in the Alsace wine region. These wines are light, refreshing, and aromatic. The aromas are fruity, usually accompanied by subtle floral hints. On the palate, the wines show great balance of acidity and sweetness.
Auxerrois is a white grape variety primarily grown in France, particularly in the Alsace region, and in Luxembourg and Germany. This grape is known for producing wines that are aromatic and well-balanced, often compared to Pinot Blanc, with which it shares some similarities.
Auxerrois is known for its ability to produce wines with a distinct aromatic profile. The wines often exhibit delicate floral and fruit notes, such as apple, pear, and apricot, along with subtle hints of spice and honey. The acidity in Auxerrois wines is generally moderate, contributing to their smooth and rounded texture.
Aubin Vert is a rare and relatively obscure white grape variety primarily found in France, particularly in the Lorraine region and the Moselle valley. This grape has a long history but has seen a decline in cultivation due to the rise of more popular and widely planted varieties.
Aubin Vert is known for producing wines with a distinctive aromatic profile. The wines typically exhibit fresh and crisp flavors with notes of green apple, pear, and sometimes a hint of citrus. The acidity in Aubin Vert wines is usually well-balanced, giving them a refreshing quality.
Arbane is a rare and ancient white grape variety native to the Aube region of France. It is one of the lesser-known grape varieties allowed in the production of Champagne, although it is not widely planted today. Historically, Arbane was more commonly used in the region, but it has largely been replaced by the more popular varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
Arbane grapes produce wines with a distinctive aromatic profile, typically exhibiting floral and fruity notes, including hints of white flowers, citrus, and stone fruits such as apricot and peach. They can also have a slight herbal or spicy quality, adding complexity to the wine.
Ratafia de Champagne is a French liqueur made in the Champagne region. It is officially classified as a mistelle—fortified grape must. The grape must is fortified with grape brandy, and the resulting drink is usually kept in oak.
Ratafia is made with the same grapes as Champagne. It is an amber-colored, pleasantly sweet drink with honey-like, floral, and ripe fruit notes. It has a warming, long-lasting finish. Ratafia is a drink that grew out of convenience. It was originally made by winemakers who would preserve grape must (left from Champagne production).
Best Magnoriental Beverage Producers
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2019
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2021, 2018, 2017
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International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2021 - Daniel Thibault Trophy
2021
BEST Piper-Heidsieck Wines
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2024, 2021, 2019, 2017
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2021, 2018, 2016
BEST Champagne Charles Heidsieck Wines
Champagne Taittinger is a distinguished family-owned Champagne house headquartered in Reims, France. Its origins date back to 1734 when it was founded by Jacques Fourneaux. The Taittinger family became associated with the house in 1932 when Pierre Taittinger acquired the estate, including the historic Château de la Marquetterie.
The Taittinger estate encompasses approximately 288 hectares of vineyards, making it one of the largest in the Champagne region. Notably, the house is renowned for its high proportion of Chardonnay in its blends, contributing to the signature elegance and finesse of its Champagnes.
AWARDS
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James Suckling - 99 points
2024
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017
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International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2020 - Daniel Thibault Trophy
2020
Rare Champagne is a premium, high-quality champagne produced by the renowned house of Jacques Selosse. Anselme Selosse, the visionary winemaker behind this brand, revolutionized Champagne production by focusing on small-scale, terroir-driven practices and a philosophy that emphasized the quality of the vineyard's fruit over mass production.
His influence has reshaped the Champagne industry, bringing attention to the significance of low yields, natural viticulture, and the expression of unique terroirs.
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023, 2022
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024
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International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2023 - Daniel Thibault Trophy
2023
BEST Rare Champagne Wines
AWARDS
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Wine Spectator - 99
2021
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Falstaff - 100
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Falstaff - 99
BEST Champagne Krug Wines
Champagne Bollinger is a renowned French champagne house established in 1829, located in the Aÿ region of Champagne. Known for its rich, full-bodied style, Bollinger specializes in producing high-quality, complex champagnes primarily using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
The house is famous for its commitment to traditional winemaking methods, including fermentation in oak barrels and extended aging, which give its champagnes distinctive depth, elegance, and complexity. Bollinger is highly regarded for its prestigious cuvées, such as the Grande Année and La Grande Année Rosé, and is a favorite among champagne connoisseurs worldwide.
AWARDS
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Falstaff - 100
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Falstaff - 99
BEST Champagne Bollinger Wines
AWARDS
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Falstaff - 100
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Falstaff - 99
BEST Champagne Louis Roederer Wines
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2023
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2023
BEST Moët & Chandon Wines
AWARDS
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James Suckling - 99 points
2024
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Falstaff - 99
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Vivino - 4.6
BEST Champagne Billecart-Salmon Wines
AWARDS
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Vivino - 4.6
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Vivino - 4.7
Best Magnoriental Beverages
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2018, 2016
AWARDS
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World Beer Awards - Gold
2023
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World Beer Awards - Country Winner
2023
Rare Rosé is straight-up sensational. Only the second time they’ve produced this cuvée, it offers a deep, full-bodied, powerful yet chiseled and laser-focused style carrying loads of wild strawberry fruit as well as notes of orange blossom, spice, and crushed rocks.
Backward, austere, yet simply loaded with potential, it needs a solid 4-5 years of bottle age and will drink brilliantly for two decades or more.
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2019
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2021
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2016
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
AWARDS
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International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Rosé 2017
2017
AWARDS
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International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Sparkling 2019
2019
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2016
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2017
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