Bubbles, Bubbles, Who’s Got the Bubbles?

You know those people who can smell out you’re going to eat sushi and they happen to show up at your house moments before you leave. How about the ones who have incredible ESP as to when you’re grilling burgers with avocado and pimento cheese? Everyone knows that person or those persons who can smell out their favorite dishes and just by happenstance, knock on your door to make sure they get a piece of the pie. O.K. Well, I’m that person when it comes to sparkling wine. Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, Franciacorta, Cremant de Bourgogne, simple sparkling from anywhere in the world and I’m there ready to sip. And sip and sip and sip. I don’t know what it is about those miniscule bubbles, that incredible effervescence, those tiny sparklers that get me every single time. It’s almost like the gateway drug. You get me drinking wine with bubbles and I don’t stop til the last drop. Of course, the relevance of this blog is that famous holiday is days away. The holiday where sparkling wine is expected to be consumed and expected to be served at whatever party you attend or host, however big or however small. If you’re having a party of 1000 or that special dinner for two at the casa, sparkling something should be a part of your celebration. As a sparkling wine-aholic, I feel it is my duty to recommend some delicious bubbly in all price ranges to those who may be shopping at some point this week. Segura Viudas Brut Reserva NV–Cava, mmmm, yummy Cava, a sparkling wine from the Penedes region in Spain that is made from indigenous grapes called Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo. This particular bottle is $9, give or take, and it has crisp green apple flavors combined with an intense finish. You cannot go wrong with this wine…it’s the perfect price and it gets the job done every time. Canella Prosecco NV–an off-dry sparkler from the Veneto region of Italy that pops in your mouth upon first sip and leaves a lasting impression of pears and nectarines. ($16) St. Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux 2005–from southwestern France, this is one of the closest styles to Champage at one-quarter of the price. Toasty and reminiscent of Creme Brulee, this wine is absolutely delish! ($15) Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee 2004–another showstopper from Joy Sterling’s winery, this American sparkler is a testament to how well domestic sparkling can be. It is a special bottle for a special occasion and can be the perfect bottle to share on a New Year’s anniversary. ($45) Pannier Brut Rose NV–a pink Champagne that has loads of wild strawberry flavors and tea rose. Perfectly festive and absolutely stunning to enjoy with or without food. ($69) Philipponnat Clos des Goisses 2002–the tete de cuvee or la creme de la creme of Philipponat, this wine is super special and super yummy. Creamy and filled with apple fritters, this wine is one that will make you cry when the last drop is poured. ($255) Degiorgis Moscato d’Asti–a semi-sweet sparkler from Piedmont, Italy, this wine has notes of sweet peaches and fruit cocktail. A perfect wine to drink instead of dessert or with spicy cocktail food. ($15) Cheers to a bubbly 2010!