Despite their increasing popularity, sparkling wines—what I call “bubbles”—are still reserved mostly for special occasions. While December has plenty of those, I’d like to use this month’s column to counter that assumption and convince you that bubbles bubble year-round. For one, there is no better beverage for pairing with any type of food, even some “foods” you might never suspect (see sidebar). With more and more options available, it’s just too easy to grab a bubbly for that special meal … or that special snack.
- MV Marques de Gelida Cava - Penedès, Spain ($13.99, Straub’s) A terrific Spanish value in sparkling wine (also known as cava). Light, bright and crisp with a tangy herbal character highlighted by fresh minerality and a green-apple texture. This cava offers vibrantly bright citrus fruit while maintaining great mineral strength and focus.
- Nino Franco “Rustico prosecco di valdobbiadene” - Veneto, Italy ($18.99, Starrs) This wine hails from the northern regions of Italy, where the Prosecco grape adapts well. Crisp, bright and light is what Prosecco is all about. It lends itself well to mixed drinks or is happy as a lunch wine. Pears, nectarines and white peaches are present, but restrained among the vibrant acidity.
- Schramsberg “Brut Rosé” - Napa Valley, Calif. ($35.99, Straub’s) Strawberry, pomegranate and juicy red currants flood the palate. The finish is baked cherry tart. Rosé sparklers have the ability to hold up to heavier dishes (think of Grandma’s spiral ham). An extremely tasty and versatile bottle of bubbles.
- MV Billecart-Salmon “Brut Rosé” - Mareuil-sur-Ay, France ($79.99, Starr’s) Wildly sexy flavors of strawberry, orange peel and lavender fill the mouth. Bright ruby-red grapefruit and tangerines denote the delicate blend of chardonnay and pinot noir. Steadily rising in price, this wine never fails to deliver and is always a crowd-pleaser … unless you don’t bring enough for everyone.
- MV Krug “Grand Cuvée” - Reims, France ($199.99, Lukas Liquor) This multivintage cuvée rivals most producers’ vintage wine. Incredibly, up to 10 different vintages and more than 50 wines can make up this blend. The explosive aroma of dried fruits of lemon, pineapple and white strawberries alone is intoxicating. This champagne is not cheap, but few wines come as close to perfection as this one does.
Sidebar: Bubbles + Salty Foods = Delicious
French Fries: McDonald’s work just fine
Popcorn: Get fancy with truffled popcorn
Potato Chips: Often seen at champagne tastings
Caviar: Indulge … if you must
