Chandon Riche

I have a friend of mine who me on to this many years ago,this is a sparkling wine from California. The chandon company is originally from France,when they decided to come over to Napa Valley California. They use and still practice today méthode traditionnelle. Which is the closest thing we can get to the true french method for making champangne. This particular sparkling wine uses pinot meunier, pinot noir, and chardonnaywith a touch of muscat. The flavor is like a soft honey fruit, with a touch a peach behind it. This goes well with a Tex-mex dish, or with some fresh fruit, or you can even make my favorite:

Chandon Nouveau Riche:

Ingredients for 1 cocktail
2 oz cucumber simple syrup (see recipe below)
2 thin cucumber ribbons
1 thin slice of orange
1 thin slice of lime
2 mint leaves
Ice cubes
Chandon Extra-Dry Riche

Instructions for cucumber simple syrup
Cut one whole English cucumber into ¼-inch slices. In a saucepan, combine cucumber, 2 cups of water and two cups of white sugar. Bring to a boil and cook on low heat for 8 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let stand and come to room temperature before refrigerating. Cool in the refrigerator for 4-5 hours or overnight for best results. After proper refrigeration, remove the cucumber with a slotted spoon and use the syrup as desired. Syrup will keep refrigerated for up to one month.

Instructions for cocktail
In a highball glass, combine cucumber simple syrup, cucumber ribbons, orange slice and mint leaves. Squeeze juice from lime slice and discard rind. Fill the glass almost to the rim with ice cubes. Top with Chandon Extra-Dry Riche. Stir and serve.

Suggested glassware: Highball glass

Give it a try it runs about $14-20 depending on where you shop.