Bouzy Wine

Is this where we got the phrase “Booze”? I was hitting the bubbles on Christmas day and took a look at the label: a Bouzy (France). What the hell is that?! Is the bottle mocking me? Making fun of the French? Neither one would be a first.

After I got everyone to laugh at the funny label (and question their drinking habits), I decided to do some research on the Intertubes. Turns out, Bouzy is a French wine region encompassing Reims, Marne, Champagne-Ardenne. The vineyards have grand cru status (that must be good), and largely produce Pinot Noir grape. Most of which are used to produce sparkling wine.

The French call it “Champagne” if it comes from the region the French government has designated Champagne. In America, we refer to any sparkling wine as “Champagne”, because we don’t recognize borders (or the French). Anyway you slice it, this stuff is tasty. I gave John Roenigk at the Austin Wine Merchant a shout to see what Bouzys he recommends.

Paul BARA : Brut Réserve: $55.00
André CLOUET : Brut Grand Cru Bouzy Rosé : $50.00
André CLOUET : Brut Grand Cru Bouzy Cuvée 1911 : $95.00
Camille SAVÈS : Brut Premier Cru Carte Blanche : $45.00

Austin Wine Merchant : 512 West Sixth Street Austin, TX : (512) 499-0512

UPDATE: Roenigk adds – “Bouzy Rouge” is among the only still red wines of note from Champagne. It is often added to otherwise white sparkling wine to create Rosé (Champagne, of course).