Louis Valbray NV Cuvee Reserve Saumur

[hotwine]

Looks like Champagne and made in that style but from the Loire. Fine, tight bubbles that quickly fade, giving a pleasant nose of faint lemon zest and perhaps orange blossoms (what do I know, only have cactus and mesquite around here). Sprightly touch of lemon oil on the palate but not tart. More like Champagne than are the CA bubblers that claim that name. Pleasing finish, nothing offensive there at all. 12% alc/vol and all of $7.99 at Costco. If you're looking for a cheapo alternative to the real stuff for the holidays, you could do a lot worse. With grilled sliced turkey covered with shredded rabbit food and Provolone on whole wheat.