William Pollard Jr | aka: Wild 4 Washington Wine

Welcome the new year in style with French bubbles - à votre santé! Toast the season with bottles of crisp, sparkling Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé. At my home, we enjoy bubbles year-round. If you only drink Champagne or Prosecco, then it's time to try something different. remuage : the periodic turning or shaking of bottled wine, especially champagne, to move sediment toward the cork. The history of the Albrecht family as winegrower can be traced back to 1425 with Romanu Albrecht, who was settled in the town of Thann. During the fifteenth and sixteenth century in Thann, several generations of Albrecht were elected as Bangard vinegrowers. Lucien Albrecht pioneered Crémant production in 1971 and helped gain an Appellation Contrôlêe for the wine and for Alsace. The wines are vinified in the classic Champagne Method. Tasting Notes Lucien Albrecht Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé Method : 100% Pinot Noir free-run juice. Whole cluster hand picked grapes are softly p...

French sparkling wine is not always Champagne. Though just as good.  "...à votre santé!" As promised, I have more wines to recommend for your seasonal celebratory gatherings. Today I am recommending two sparkling wines from France. They are not Champagne. They are Crémant d'Alsace made by the Albrecht family in Northeastern France. The history of the Albrecht family as winegrower can be traced back to 1425 with Romanu Albrecht, who was settled in the town of Thann. During the fifteenth and sixteenth century in Thann, several generations of Albrecht were elected as Bangard vinegrowers. Lucien Albrecht pioneered Crémant production in 1971 and helped gain an Appellation Contrôlêe for the wine and for Alsace. The wines are vinified in the classic Champagne Method. Toast the season and share the history of Crémant d'Alsace with bottles of crisp, sparkling Lucien Albrecht. Share your appreciation with friends and welcome the new year in style with French bubble...

A selection of wonderful wines perfect for summer. During the heat of the day I lean towards crisp white wines and the occasional rose' wine. As the day winds down I prefer a chilled red wine with my grilled steak. I'm here to help you select wines suitable for your summer fun and meals. We've already had a lot of heat in the Columbia Valley, so I've had the opportunity to taste and pair these wines in summer like conditions. These are some of my favorite wines which I have enjoyed over the last few years. They are essential wines, wonderful for building your summer menu and sharing with friends. All of these bottles should retail for less than $20 each and are terrific values. My list includes three white wines, one sparkling rose' and two red wines. I have a full tank of propane and a patio prepped for relaxing, so I'm grilling it up outside all summer! Grab some of these wines and experience an essential summer. Cheers! 6 Essential Summer Wines Tas...

Meals seem more enjoyable when paired with a bottle of sparkling wine. If you only drink Champagne, then it's time to try something different, Prosecco, Crémant d'Alsace and CAVA. With so much variety to choose from, you can select the perfect wine to entertain friends and family. These delicious sparkling wines are perfect for pairing with your holiday meals and parties. Many of these tasty sparklers are now available at your local wine shops and grocery stores. Typically, they are reasonably priced between $8 - $20 and are great wine and food pairing alternatives. Loved these sparklers, they are a great ensemble for the Holidays. Note: The following wines are best served chilled, between 40°F and 45°F. Warm bubbles are no fun. PROSECCO Prosecco is an Italian sparkling dry white wine made primarily from Glera grapes. Principally grown in the Prosecco region of Italy, which includes Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, north of Venice in the Vento region. Under Eur...

Because bubbles are fantastic with everything. This time of year, sparkling wine seems most appropriate to me for celebrating the season with family and friends. At my home, we enjoy bubbles year-round. Meals just seem more enjoyable when paired with a bottle of sparkling wine. The wines I'm reviewing here are not Champagne, they have bubbles, but they are not Champagne. I point this out because people often, mistakenly, call all wines with bubbles "Champagne." Wines with bubbles are generally referred to as “Sparkling Wine.” Because they sparkle. However, there are sparkling wines from other regions of the world with specific regional names, such as: Cava from Spain, Prosecco from Italy and  Crémant   d'Alsace from north-eastern France. Note: Champagne was invented and perfected in Champagne, France. True “Champagne” is only made in the Champagne region of France, using the Méthode Champenoise to create those lovely bubbles. The Champagne winemaking comm...