The Opaline Brut Sparkling Wine is a $9.99 Trader Joe’s import wine, though I did see it selling for $14.99 in a place that Trader Joe’s doesn’t cover. The Opaline Rosé Brut, made from Pinot Noir grapes, was $7.99 before tariffs.
The Story
The back label indicates that CFG Group bottled this Bubbly. CGF is the largest exporter of French wine, and its best-known label is JP Chenet.
They own multiple wineries or Domaines, as well as several labels, so determining the origin of this bottling is difficult.
This Sparkling wine is made from Chardonnay grapes. CFG has extensive holdings, mainly in the Languedoc, but also in other growing regions.
The label says product of France, which is a level before IGP and two below AOC designations; it may mean the grapes were sourced from more than one French grape region.
The label does not mention the method used to produce the Opaline Brut Sparkling Wine. Champagne uses the Traditional Method; French Bubbles using the Traditional Method are called Cremant.
Since the label avoids mentioning the production type, this may have been produced in the Charmate Method, which is how Prosecco is made. It is a second fermentation in a bottle (Traditional Method) or tank fermentation (Charmat).
The alcohol content is 10.5%.
The Opaline Brut Sparkling Wine Tasting Notes
The color is a sunshine yellow. The nose is lemony with melon, a hint of green pepper, apple, and spice. The Opaline Brut Sparkling Wine is subtle and crisp.
This Chardonnay Bubbly tastes like lemon/lime (unsweetened), Bosc pear, a sweet slap of peach, and stone fruit.
The acidity is well-balanced.
The Summary
- The Opaline Brut Sparkling Wine is a fine-tasting, light-bodied Bubbly.
- Much softer than both Champagne-Style Bubbly and Prosecco.
- HBO Bubbly!
- And Yes. It still has the cut-glass bottle.
