January 7, 2024, was Ukrainian Christmas Day. I know that Volodymyr Zelensky passed a law to make December 25 the new Christmas Day in Ukraine, but many people still like to also celebrate on January 7. Double the celebration. So, I opened a bottle of BC’s Church & State Wines sparkling Blanc de Gris Brut 2019 and shared it with friends. This sparkling wine made in the Traditional Method by Church & State Wines was their “Sparkling Pinot Gris”, but was relabeled this release to match their other named sparkling wines. It is not yet released, but I am told it should be available in the next few weeks. Let me tell you about this wine.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Church & State Wines Blanc de Gris Brut 2019 (BC $25.75)
The wine’s second fermentation in bottle and leaves the lees in the bottle for at least 12 months.
Appearance: A clear, medium-minus intensity mix of lemon and straw colours.
Nose: Medium-intensity aromas of spartan apples, pears, citrus and a hint of oak.
Palate: Dry, with high acidity, round, with a medium-plus body and flavour intensity. Mouth-filling. Creamy medium-minus sized bubbles. Crisp apple with hints of pear and floral flavours.
Finish: Medium-plus length finishing with mouthwatering acidity and some apple skin tannins. A dry finish. Apples, along with touches of oak and pepperiness and a hint of honey at the very end.
Rating: 
A dry, easy-to-enjoy sparkling wine with apple and pear aromas and flavours. Creamy medium-minus sized bubbles. Medium-plus length. Goes well with medium cheddar cheese and with roasted almonds.
Where Can I Buy This Wine?
The wine is not yet available to the public, but when it goes on sale, you will be able to purchase it from the Church & State Wines’ website.
