The Original Sparkling: A Trade Masterclass on Limoux

Description

Discover the history and terroir of the world's first sparkling wine with Ioana Revnic and CIVL, Languedoc Wine Trade Council

The Terroir of Limoux

The Original Sparkling Wine Region

In 1530—more than a century before Champagne gained global renown—the Benedictine monks of Saint-Hilaire in the foothills of the Pyrenees documented the world’s first deliberate bottle-fermented sparkling wine. Today, Limoux remains the Languedoc’s premier cool-climate sparkling enclave, where Mediterranean sunshine meets Atlantic and Pyrenean breezes to yield naturally crisp, complex, and highly gastronomic wines.

Led by Ioana Revnic, FWS (Co-Owner, Princess & Bear Wines), and presented in partnership with the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL), this masterclass is designed specifically to unpack why Limoux deserves a permanent spot on serious Seattle wine lists, retail shelves, and study guides.

What We’ll Explore

• Terroir & Microclimates: How elevation, dual oceanic/Mediterranean influences, and clay-limestone soils shape Limoux’s signature acidity and depth.
• The Grapes: Mauzac’s crisp apple-peel aromatics, blended alongside mountain-grown Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.
• Appellation Styles: Unpacking the technical and stylistic differences across Blanquette de Limoux (Méthode Ancestrale and Traditional) and Crémant de Limoux.
• The Guided Tasting: A seated flight of roughly eight benchmark sparkling wines, including direct imports from Princess & Bear’s portfolio, plus access to a discovery table featuring additional selections & small bites.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Location: Princess & Bear Wines | 309 S Cloverdale St, Suite A1, Seattle, WA 98108
• Tickets: $25
• Link: https://www.princessandbear.com/product/the-original-sparkling-a-trade-masterclass-on-limoux 

Seating is strictly limited to 30 attendees to ensure an focused, seated tasting experience. Early registration is strongly recommended.