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The Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blancs Brut is a $5.99 Sparkling wine from France. Trader Joe’s has been selling Bubbly for years; Cheapwinefinder first reviewed this wine in October of 2013. Blanc de Blanc translates to White wine from white grapes. In Champagne, it means the Bubbly was made with Chardonnay. But here, they could use whatever white grape they choose. Brut means a dry, not sweet wine.
TJ’s does not offer any information on the technical details of the Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blancs Brut. The label does not specify if it was produced in the Traditional Method (Champagne) or the Charmat Method (Prosecco). This is not scientific, but I have found that if a wine is produced like Champagne, they have printed prominently on the label. The label here says nothing, so I figure it is the Charmat Method. The wine, after the first fermentation, is transferred to a huge pressurized tank. A measured amount of sugar and yeast is added, and after a few weeks to a couple of months, you have Bubbly.
One method is not more enjoyable to drink than the other, one is 16th-century technology, and the other is the Industrial Age product. I like Prosecco; I like Champagne; I like Bubbly; it is that simple. Do not get too caught up in how the Sparkling wine was produced unless you are buying expensive Bunny, then get the Traditional Method (it is more labor-intensive and makes a more detailed wine when done right).
So, the Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blancs Brut is a Sparkling wine from France, and we not too sure of anything else. But, in my experience, it is drinkable, enjoyable Bubbly, and therefore the perfect test platform for Mimosas. I left a link for fifty-something ideas on Bubbly drinks for the summer and Mothers Day.
You can use expensive Champagne when you get your recipe and your technique perfected, though if you are adding pureed fruit of liquor and more affordable Bubbly makes more sense. You basically want a Sparkling wine, and any decent Blanc de Blancs Bubbly will do. If you enjoy the taste of the Bubbly, it will be a good base wine.
I recall the Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blancs Brut is a Sparkling wine that drank above its price tag, but back in 2013. So on to the tasting portion, to determine how the 2021 version does (this is a non-vintage wine). The alcohol content is 11%.
Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blancs Brut Tasting Notes
The color is pale gold with a hint of silver, and there are plenty of bubbles. The nose is clean and balanced, lemon, green apple, a shock of grapefruit, Anjou pear, a hint of minerality, and a little cream. The Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blancs Brut is subtle, balanced Bubbly. Not complicated, but enjoyable.
It tastes like soft lemon, crisp apple, a little peach, a salty, nutty sensation, pink lemonade, and lime. The acidity has you smacking your lips and reaching for another sip. This is a solid, tasty, $5.99 French Sparkling wine. There are no off or odd flavors, and it delivers on flavor.
The Summary
- Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blancs Brut is way too enjoyable for a 6 buck French Bubbly.
- This wine is an excellent testbed for your Mimosa creations and is good enough to be your go-to Bubbly.
When the wine foam up at the top like a shaken soda, it’s like from the “Charmat method”. This bubbly is fine for cocktails and desert, but it tastes like fruit juice – too sweet and green. There is no indication of grave varieties used – but traditional champagne uses a mix of chardonnay and pinot (blanc), or rarely a riesling component.
It is NOT champagne – type.