By now you must know that I love bubbly. I'm most partial to Champagne but I do appreciate a good "Méthode Champenoise" or "traditional method" sparkling wine, having enjoyed some beauties from Hermann J. Wiemer, Mumm, Domaine Carneros, Gloria Ferrer, Iron Horse... even Tzakoli in Spain. The common thread in traditional method sparkling wines is the wine making techniques, including the second fermentation in the actual bottle that gets sold, but often Champagne grapes are used: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sometimes Pinot Meunier. But have you ever had a sparkling Marsanne? I sampled Cass California Brut 2011 Marsanne at the Rhone Rangers event in Paso Robles a couple weeks back. Delicate, floral, perfumey and pretty, it was unique fun in a bottle.
