Good Morning!

I am really thrilled with how many of you are lovin’ my blog and how it is related to the March Madness NCAA Basketball tournament. Thanks for all the emails and twitter follows! I love you all and as I learn about wine, I will share my knowledge with you!

Ok, So today is day 3 and I will share with you my 3rd “region” of the bracket for my Wine March Madness. I have nicknamed this bracket the White bracket, thou I have whites in the 2nd region, this region has only whites and champagnes/sparklings.

1. Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 1998
2. Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008
3. Ramey Hyde Barrel Chardonnay 2007
4. Flora Springs Barrel Fermented Napa Valley Chardonnay 2009
5. Roederer Estate NV Sparkling wine
6. Paulette Polish Hill River Riesling 2008
7. J Vineyards Cuvee 20 Russian River NV Sparkling
8. Chappellet Napa Valley Chardonnay 2008
9. Passaggio Wines California Unoaked Chardonnay 2007
10. Craggy Range Hawkes Bay C3 Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2008
11. Cellar Rat Wines RMV 2009
12. Pacific Rim Columbia Valley Riesling 2009
13. Henri de Lanzac Chateau de Segries Tavel 2009
14. Ceago Vinearden Kathleen’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2006
15. Moet & Chandon Imperial NV Champagne
16. Chimney Rock Napa Valley Fume Blanc 2005

What I learned about my tastes with this bracket is, I like young whites except for the Taittinger Champagne the bulk of these wines are just a few years since they were bottled. I also was surprised I enjoyed 2 Rieslings. I like Rieslings, but if you would have said 2 young ones would have made my March Madness bracket, I would have laughed.

I also know there are a couple of wines on this list that you will have never heard of Passaggio and Cellar Rat Wines. I personally know both these winemakers. Cindy Cosco of Passiggio is making unoaked Chardonnay and a Rose’ that will rock your world. Find her on the net and order some, you will smile from ear to ear. The other Winemaker is Ryan Sciara who is located in Kansas City and he is AWESOME too! I swear this white blend RMV Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier,(3 white grapes who got their beginnings in France) I think this is the most fabulous white wine with margarita pizza I have ever had.

There are some pretty well known names on this list, which does not surprise me because I am constantly in tasting rooms in Napa, so I get a lot of exposure to the tried and true wines. I also know that I love the bubbles and my house wine, besides TJR Select, I always have Moet & Chandon Imperial and Roederer Estate, both are NV (Non Vintage) bubbles.

Tomorrow, I will post my 4th and final region and my bracket will be filled out. Then I will start the elimination process, and you can watch to see who will move on to get to the Sweet 16, then the Elite 8, then the Final 4, then to the finals!

Much LOVE and wine,

Tammi

Best French champagne of my year!