Alright, so I finally got my hands on that Angers Nice Champagne everyone's suddenly buzzing about online. Heard whispers at the bottle shop last week, figured why not grab a couple bottles and see what the fuss is all about? Wanted to know what actual people think, not just some fancy wine critic with a thesaurus, you know?
First Step: Getting The Bottles
Easy part. Popped down to my local place – they actually had it, surprisingly. The bottle looked pretty slick, gotta say. Not that the look matters much for what's inside, but hey, it catches the eye. Snatched two bottles. Figured one wouldn't be enough for a proper taste test.
Calling In The Jury
Didn't wanna do this solo. Taste is so personal. I rung up my regulars:
- Mike: My beer-and-whiskey guy, brutal honesty guaranteed.
- Sarah: Loves a good Prosecco, prefers things sweet.
- Dave: The foodie friend who pretends he knows terroir.
Told 'em, "Bring snacks, we're guinea-pigging some new Champagne." Easy sell.
Cracking It Open & First Impressions
Popped the cork – nice sound, not a loud bang, felt classy. Poured it out. Looked the part: bubbles streaming up nicely, straw yellow colour, maybe a touch deeper? Smelled it right away. Huge whiff of green apple! Like, really strong. Also got some pear, maybe a tiny bit of... bread dough? Yeah, like fresh baking yeast. Simple, but pleasant.
The Actual Taste Test (The Important Bit!)
Okay, down to business. Had everyone swirl, sniff, then slurp. Asked for gut reactions:
- Mike (Beer Guy): "Whoa! That's crisp. Like biting a granny smith. Bubbles feel sharp! Not sweet, but... zesty? I like it! Would I pick it over beer? Maybe on a hot day." Key takeaway: Tart Apple Punch.
- Sarah (Prosecco Fan): "Okay, okay... It's dry. Really dry! But... I don't hate it? The bubbles feel creamy after that first bite. Fruity, but not sweet fruit like I'm used to. More like... minerally apple juice? Weirdly good with cheese!" Key takeaway: Dry but Surprisingly Fruity, Creamy Bubbles.
- Dave (Foodie Friend): "Hmm. Classic Chardonnay vibes. Apple, citrus rind. Nice toastiness underneath, like toasted almonds maybe? Acid is bright, cleans the palate. Definitely Brut style. Good value for the price point, I think? Simple but well-made." Key takeaway: Classic, Toasty, Good Value Brut.
- Me: First sip confirmed the smell – big green apple hit! Then it smoothed out a bit, felt fuller than expected. Bubbles were small but lively, not harsh. Not complex, but really refreshing and easy drinking. Surprisingly good depth for the price. Key takeaway: Refreshing Apple Bomb, Surprising Depth.
The Snack Test
This is crucial! Tried it with:
- Sharp Cheddar: Awesome combo! The salt cut the acidity, made the fruit pop.
- Pistachios: Also great. Nutty flavour complemented the toastiness.
- Sushi (Daves brought some): Surprisingly decent. The clean bubbles worked.
- Strawberries: Good, but Sarah's sweet Prosecco worked better with them.
Wrapping Up The Night (& Thoughts)
Both bottles disappeared fast. That tells you something. Nobody spat it out! General vibe was super positive.
Us Real Drinkers Agree: This Angers Nice stuff packs a fruity punch (mostly apple/pear), with decent bubbles that start sharp and feel creamier later. It's definitely BRUT dry, no fake sweetness. Simple character but well-made. Feels fancier than the price tag suggests. Perfect for casual hangs, picnics, or when you want bubbles that actually taste like something but won't bankrupt you.
Final thought? Worth the hype? Honestly? Yeah, especially for the price. Don't expect crazy complexity. Do expect a damn tasty, refreshing fizz that most normal people will enjoy. Don't overthink it. Chill it, pop it, drink it. Job done. Cheers!
