Jackson-Triggs Proprietors’ Reserve Mèthode Cuve Close
Canada, Niagara, LCBO# 563213, $14.95, 12.5% ABV
by Anne Martin

With the arrival of warmer days (finally, we hope), thoughts of drinking bubbles on the patio or back deck have instant appeal. Not the serious sort fizz of vintage Champagne, but a light, fruity and effervescent little number that won’t demand too much of one’s concentration. In this vein, I was delighted to rediscover the Jackson-Triggs Mèthode Cuve Close 2007 at the iYelllow Wine Club’s tasting featuring the wines of Niagara–on-the-Lake earlier in the spring.

Jackson-Triggs makes this sparkling wine in the Cuve Close (sealed tank in French) or 'Charmat' method which means that the secondary fermentation occurs in a pressure tank rather than in the bottle like Champagne and wines made in that 'Traditional' style. The result is that it’s less expensive to make and well suited to wines that are not meant to be aged: as in drink up now!

The JT Mèthode Cuve Close uses Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and for an extra fruity and less traditional blend, Riesling. It has a bit of sweetness added (22-23 grams of sugar per litre) to "complete the fruit-oriented spectrum" and "to add harmony" according to their Italian-born wine maker Marco Piccloli. Now, before you go screaming off in the opposite direction for fear of a little sweetness in your wine, just remember that even Champagne has sugar added in the “dosage”. It’s good quality in this lighter, fresher style of sparkling that spends 9 months on the lees (yeast cells) for even greater flavour. It's perfect as an aperitif (think warm summer afternoons or evenings, again) or Marco suggests pairing it with calamari or deep fried shrimp - an inspired idea as the balanced acidity will cut the fat and the bubbles will match the crispness of the batter. Its versatility is boundless because will also go well with fruit-based desserts like strawberry shortcake. Why drink foreign fizz when you can pick up this wonderful sparkler for under in the LCBO and feel virtuous for supporting our local wine industry at the same time?

Click here to find this wine at an LCBO outlet near you.

Anne Martin is a Toronto-based sommelier, writer and wine consultant. Learn more about Anne, including her cellar and tasting services at www.annemartinwine.com.