A marker slides across the table, and a date goes on the cork. That gesture sums up Bouteille de Plaisir. For this Sparks I sit down with Pascal Noordover, founder of the label, about premium bubbles made to hold a moment. We open two bottles together: an alcohol-free cuvée from Württemberg and an organic Riesling sekt from Rheinhessen, and take apart the idea behind the cork.
Who is Pascal
Pascal Noordover is a wine importer and the founder of Bouteille de Plaisir. The idea came together with marketing professional Irene, after a visit to an office with a wall full of dated corks, each tied to a milestone. Pascal and Irene decided to bottle that idea.
“That moment of uncorking goes by fast. Marking the cork makes it stick.”
Through his import business he makes two bubbles under his own label, both from Germany, both with the marker tucked into the packaging.
What you learn in this episode
- How a wall full of dated corks became the concept behind Bouteille de Plaisir
- Why the alcohol-free cuvée is made from Muscaris, Cabernet Blanc and Müller-Thurgau from Württemberg
- How PIWI varieties (fungus-resistant) play a role in the vineyard
- What sets the organic Riesling sekt from Rheinhessen apart from the alcohol-free
- How the second fermentation in bottle gives the sekt its fine bead
- Why demand for quality alcohol-free bubbles is growing
- Which occasions the marker is made for, from birthdays to a Dry January toast
In the glass
The alcohol-free from Württemberg shows a surprisingly fine, persistent mousse, with none of the giveaway dealcoholised aftertaste. The nose opens on a bite of Granny Smith, then lime, lemon zest and bitter jasmine. The palate is full, sweet-acid in balance, with no sharp edge. Served blind, it would pass for a regular sparkler. Price 19.99 euros, or 27.50 euros with gift box.
The organic Riesling sekt from Rheinhessen has a deeper gold and an even finer bead. Honey and butterscotch open, then apple, lime and a touch of ripe pineapple. The palate is fully dry despite the fruit weight, with tighter acidity than in the alcohol-free and a richer mouthfeel. Late picking shows without tipping into sweet territory. Price 21.49 euros, or 28.99 euros with gift box.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bouteille de Plaisir?
Bouteille de Plaisir is a private label by wine importer Pascal Noordover selling premium sparkling wines made to capture special moments. Every bottle ships with a marker so you can write a date on the cork.
Which bubbles do you taste in this episode?
Two: an alcohol-free cuvée from Württemberg, made from Muscaris, Cabernet Blanc and Müller-Thurgau, and an organic Riesling sekt from Rheinhessen made with the traditional method.
How good is the alcohol-free version?
Surprisingly good for the category. The mousse is fine and persistent and the giveaway dealcoholised aftertaste is missing. Served blind, it comes close to a regular sparkler.
Where can I find Bouteille de Plaisir?
Through bouteilledeplaisir.nl, with single bottles and gift boxes for both styles.
Listen on your own podcast platform
Prefer Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Overcast or another app? Search for Sparks by VinoVonk in your podcast app and you will find this episode with Pascal Noordover on Bouteille de Plaisir.
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