In our search for the unusual bubbling wines, two surfaced at our Friday night blind tasting: Punkt sparkling Gruner Veltliner and Greg Norman's Pinot Noir/Chardonnay sparkling NV.Both show quality well above their price points. The Punkt
is a real surprise, showing green apples and mild citrus. I've had Gruner in still form, but it makes for a blanc de blanc-like sparkler. In the blind, I guessed it a Chardonnay cuvee, but surprise! This resembles an Alsace sparkling Riesling with its minerals and tart overtones.
Greg Norman offers a real deal in his NV sparkling chard/pinot blend. It is produced in the "Methode Champenoise" so it is easily mistaken for a wine much higher in price. More bold and showing less residual sugar, compare this to a Mumm, Va Di Vi, or Taittinger at twice the price. Long on finish and citrus. Some earth and apple tastes make the middle round and full. Great finish with tart overtones.
Either of these should please your palate at a price that won't upset your weekend tasting budget. T-Scale 90 each. Plukt is $15 or so... so it's a great deal for an unusual sparkler. Greg Norman is under $20, so it too is a winner for your bubbling dollar.
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