rating B-

standout the only New Mexico wine you’ll probably ever try

about established in 1984, Gruet was the brainchild of Gilbert Gruet; from Champagne, he toured the US to find a location suitable for traditional method sparkling wine production. He chose the high elevation mountains of New Mexico outside Alburquerque. Not an obvious choice, and no one has followed suit, but the wines are of good quality, widely available within the US, and very affordable. The winery is now run by his children.

wines tasted

Brut NV ($15)

75% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir. Fruity and easy: it’s not the most complex wine, but it’s hard to dislike at the price.

Blanc de Noirs NV ($17)

75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay. Not really a Blanc de Noirs, but this is the US so there’s some playing around with terminology. It fits into the more fruit-forward Blanc de Noirs style, although it’s not quite as fresh as the more widely available Brut.

Vintage Sauvage 2018 ($38)

100% Chardonnay. Extended lees ageing for a toasty, yeasty style balanced by high acidity. Gruet’s wines can have a subtle complexity to them. “Sauvage” is also made in non-vintage and rosé (both $22), in fresh, fruity styles.

website https://www.gruetwinery.com/

email info@gruetwinery.com

phone +1 505-821-0055

address 8400 Pan American Freeway N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87113