One of the things I like to do during the summer is find any excuse to drink bubbly—it’s Saturday; it’s daytime/nighttime; I’m alive; I woke up; it’s Thursday…as you can see, any “excuse” will do.

I brought a new one home the other night—to celebrate being off work—and this is a product we just began to carry a little over a month ago. Cuvee Marie Ambal Rose Cremant de Bourgogne is a nice little French rosé without the price of a Champagne. I love to know the history behind a wine, a label—and this was fascinating!  Marie Ambal was a real person.  She created her own Maison in 1898, according to their website veuveambal.com. The Maison has now been moved from Rully to Beaune in Burgundy and is run by her great grandson, Eric Piffaut. Family traditions show love and respect to the grapes, the region and the wines. I love that this has gotten passed on in the family, and it’s great for us on the other side of the pond who are looking for great bottles to drink without the high price tag. ABC carries four levels of this particular Cremant to choose from,  Veuve Ambal Cremant Brut ($14.99), Veuve Ambal Bourgogne Brut ($16.99), Veuve Ambal Marie Brut ($22.99), and of course, Marie Ambal Rose ($24.99).

The flavors cross the gambit, but as I focus on my celebratory rosé, I must say the flavors that came through were raspberry, cranberry, a hint of toasty oak, and I swear I touched on eucalyptus on the finish. You will have to buy a bottle and let me know if I am on the right track.

These bubbles are bottle fermented in the Champagne method and aged anywhere from 18 moths to three years. After tasting the line of these sparkling wines, I must say you really can’t go wrong anywhere.  I know if Marie were still alive today she would be extremely proud of the accomplishments in her name (and with her name). 

So no more excuses, find your reason to open some bubbles and always be celebrating!

Kathleen Anderson, NW FL wine supervisor. Follow me on Twitter @abcwinekat.