Toad Hollow NV Risqué French Sparkling Wine

Last week my husband and I celebrated the final closing of our house in Tampa and contracting on a house with 3 acres of land in Murrayville, GA. I decided to celebrate with a bottle of Toad Hollow Risqué Sparkling wine. Not because our decisions where risqué but because when telling people of our plans, there were many different reactions  from people. Most were jealous and a few were jealous not only because we had the ability to make the move but also because we had the courage to make the move. Then there were those (very few) who just didn’t get it at all. They asked, why would we leave everything we knew behind and start over again. A bit of a risky move if you will. I know it’s a stretch but humor me. So when picking out my wine selection prior to the move (parts of the area are still dry, gasp!) I thought Risqué was a perfect choice.

Aromas of fresh apple and pear waft up on the effervescent bubbles. Aromas carry over to the flavors resulting in crisp apple, fresh pear and a hint of honey. The alcohol is only 6%, so if you’re one of those that get a little too tipsy when sipping those tiny little bubbles, this may be the sparkling wine for you. The bottle has a flip top, so if for some reason, can’t think of any, you aren’t able to finish, you can plug it up and enjoy the next day. Priced at just $14.99, who could resist?

Toad Hollow uses the Méthode Ancestrale also known at the traditional method or méthode champenoise. Using this method, the effervescence for more complex wines are produced by secondary fermentation in the bottle. This method is typically reserved for sparklers produced in the Champagne region (wines known as true Champagne). The process is slightly more complex, more expensive and produces wine that is slightly sweeter, since the wine is bottled prior to the residual sugar converting into alcohol. This also gives the wine a lower alcohol content and less effervescence than other methods.  

For more info on Toad Hollow wines, click here.

Since arriving in the north Georgia mountains, there are a few things I have observed regarding the roads and driving. It seems no matter what the speed limit is or how winding the road is, everyone drives 60 mph. I’ve also learned there are "turn your britches brown" roads (a term I coined) and there are "hold onto your skivvies" roads (borrowed from our Realtor). Regardless of which road, the locals find it perfectly acceptable to drive 60 mph on both types of roads. I’m still in the sight seeing mode and find it a little frustrating that everyone wants me to go fast. I thought country folk were more relaxed and moved at a slower pace. Apparently driving, does not apply to this slow, relaxed lifestyle.

As we make our way into our new life, I’ll report it to you so stay tuned for more on our move to the mountains.

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