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Sip happens! – Issue No. 8

This month, things are getting a little more… bubbly. Instead of our usual lineup, we’re diving into the world of sparkling wines - because sometimes, still just isn’t enough.

Staying true to the Sip Happens! spirit, we’ve picked two bottles that strike that perfect balance: one that keeps things comfortably under the CHF 40 mark, and another that’s a bit more indulgent - but absolutely worth it. Expect elegance, character, and just the right amount of sparkle in both glasses.

In this issue, we’re featuring Ca' del Bosco and Amis de Beauregard Blanc de Noirs - two very different expressions, each bringing their own story and personality to the table.

For anyone curious about the full tasting vibe (especially our Swiss German crew), the recorded session is up on YouTube. Auto‑translate actually does a pretty decent job—perfect for an extra dose of entertainment! As guest Simone joined the blindtasting, what a fun one it was!

If you’re looking to add a bit of sparkle to your next weekend, this edition has you covered.

Ca' del Bosco - Cuvee Prestige Franciacorta DOCG, Italy

Founded in the late 1960s by Maurizio Zanella, Ca’ del Bosco helped transform Franciacorta from a quiet Italian region into one of the world’s most respected sparkling wine territories. Zanella wasn’t interested in following Champagne - he wanted to challenge it. With obsessive attention to detail and a constant push for innovation, he built a winery that blends technology, terroir, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.

Fun fact: Ca’ del Bosco is famous for its grape “spa treatment” - every single bunch is gently washed and dried before pressing, a meticulous process that ensures only the purest expression of fruit makes it into the bottle.

In the glass, Ca’ del Bosco delivers exactly what you’d expect from a top-tier Franciacorta: finesse with depth. Fine, persistent bubbles carry aromas of citrus zest, white flowers, and freshly baked brioche, while the palate is both creamy and vibrant - balancing elegance with a quiet intensity that lingers long after each sip.

Despite its prestige, Ca’ del Bosco remains surprisingly accessible for the level it plays at. It’s a sparkling wine that doesn’t just celebrate special moments - it elevates them.

Ca’ del Bosco means “house in the woods” or “little house in the forest.” The name comes from the original property in Franciacorta, which was surrounded by woodland.

Ca’ del Bosco: proof that Italian sparkling wine isn’t just an alternative to Champagne - it’s a statement of its own.

  • Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco

  • Region: Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy

  • Vinification: Grapes are washed and dried bunch by bunch; fermentation takes place for 7 months in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.

  • Aging: Traditional method 25 months on the lees.

  • Alcohol: 12.5% vol.

  • First Vintage: 1976

  • Price: ~40.– CHF

Amis de Beauregard Blanc de Noirs - Champagne, France

The story behind Amis de Beauregard is rooted in a love for classic Champagne craftsmanship, but with a more contemporary, approachable spirit. Rather than chasing noise or trend, the house focuses on precision, balance, and wines with real personality - a style that feels both respectful of tradition and refreshingly modern. That sense of quiet confidence is exactly what gives this Blanc de Noirs its charm.

Fun fact: Blanc de Noirs literally means “white from black,” and when done well, it often brings a little more body, depth, and quiet complexity than people expect from a sparkling wine.

In the glass, Amis de Beauregard opens with a fine mousse and a polished aromatic profile: think ripe red fruit, citrus peel, a gentle brioche note, a subtle caramel touch, and a noticeably deeper color that hints at more structure and concentration. On the palate, it feels layered but precise, with freshness carrying the wine forward and a supple texture giving it a more gastronomic edge than your average celebratory pour.

Amis de Beauregard Blanc de Noirs is the kind of wine that works just as well at a dinner table as it does at a special toast. Stylish without being flashy, it captures that rare balance between generosity and restraint - with depth, elegance, and a little extra character in the glass.

  • Type: Blanc de Noirs

  • Grapes: Pinot Meunier

  • Region: Champagne, France

  • Soil: Clay-limestone and clay-silica soils.

  • Vinification: Direct pressing in a Coquard press, spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, natural malolactic fermentation, and indigenous yeasts.

  • Aging: At least 3 years on the lees in bottle.

  • Alcohol: 12.5% vol.

  • Price: ~45.– CHF

“Sparkling wine is a great match for burgers, especially cheeseburgers, because the bubbles and acidity balance the richness beautifully.”

Check out what glasses we use in our tasting and why Gabriel Glas is the right one for you!

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