by Matt Bean
“The 100 percent tariff threat on French Champagne shouldn’t be the only reason you seek out American sparkling wine—stateside producers have come into their own, as shown by this selection of bottlings.”
2009 Argyle Extended Tirage Brut
The practice of tirage, or aging a wine on its yeast or lees, confers complexity to a sparkling wine as the yeast is ‘autolyzed,’ or broken down. Traditional Champagne must be aged at least 3 years, and most producers extend the process to between five and eight years. That’s why this 10-year-Tirage bottle is worth seeking out for a splurge. You’ll get amplified brioche characteristics along with poached quince and currants.”