The Obligatory New Year's Sparkling Wine Post
Many of you know I work at the Divine Wine Emporium in Niantic, CT. From time to time, I will be promoting events for the local folks in this space, but if you are stuck in traffic on I-95 in Connecticut, get off at Exit 72, turn right at the light, and the store is a 1/4 mile down on the right. A few of the sparkling wines mentioned below are on the display (pictured). Drop by before 6:00pm on Saturday and pick some of these up if you are in the area!
In most of my social media feeds, I see a lot of folks who are just done with 2016. Certainly, everyone goes through ups and downs and that's just part of life. But it seems that those who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s have been hit hard emotionally; large chunks of childhoods have been ripped away with the passing of many iconic celebrities in the world of the performing arts in one calendar year.
And yes, it stinks. We grew up wanting to act like them, dress like them, see them in concert, on stage, or on the big screen. It makes us sad to lose them, but today I am going to take a different approach. Do you realize how great it was to have Star Wars, Ziggy Stardust, Young Frankenstein, How The West Was Won, Purple Rain, Die Hard, and anything Wham! (you love this phase of George Michael's career...don't lie to yourself) in our lives? We should all be so lucky!
With 2017 speeding toward us, there will be plenty of articles regarding "Best Sparkling Wines" types of posts from various publications. So you know what? I am going to throw my hat in the ring with this, too. I have chosen five sparkling wines to enjoy this Saturday night (or any time, really...sparkling wine is not just for special events and New Year's parties!).
These choices give you plenty of options for styles in different price brackets. They also all have a positive personal connection to me in the way our fallen icons have been a positive part of my childhood and adult life.
No need to get all educational on this go-round; we'll make a deeper dive into sparkling wines another day. For now, sing Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth and Last Christmas one more time this season! Go watch The Producers and Harry Potter. Download those songs. Stream those movies. Whether you choose to celebrate 2016 or welcome the fresh start in 2017, here's to a happy and healthy new year:
Mionetto Prosecco Brut Treviso ($15): The supplier who carries this wine at our store in Connecticut has reached out to me for several events, and I have to thank them for thinking of me as my career evolves in the beverage industry. Golden apple and white peach flavors dominate this fruity sparkler, and this is great to drink on its own, or mix in cocktails.
Pares Balta Cava Brut ($14): I have grown to love Cava for the fact that if I want a sparkling wine without having to pay big bucks for Champagne. Cava producers typically use the local grape varieties of Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada (modern examples include Chardonnay), but Pares Balta chooses to stick with the traditional trio I just mentioned. This particular example is all green apples and pears with some yeasty/toasty things happening. Another one that is mixable or suitable to enjoy on its own.
Gruet Brut ($17): Sparkling wine made as they do in Champagne, but produced in...New Mexico?! This has nectarine and red berry flavors with a touch of fresh bread. The first time I tasted this Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend, I knew I would never reach for the similarly priced, Korbel ever again.
Pol Roger Champagne Brut Reserve ($40-$50): This is the Champagne the International Wine Center welcomed me with when I registered for the WSET Diploma program and attended orientation. What a great way to loosen me up before attacking nearly three years of wine and spirits academia! I was too busy wondering if I could really earn this credential to write a real tasting note, but I remember tasting brioche bread with a creamy texture. You may be able to find the occasional deal on this for $40, but this will mostly creep closer to $50.
Ayala Champagne Brut Majeur ($40-ish): If you go over to my "About" page and check out the handsome devil in the picture, this wine is in the Champagne flute after completing the Diploma program. Aromatic and citrusy, the huge sense of relief made me want to go back for more glasses. This will go with any light appetizers or sushi; use the Pol Roger with crab or lobster dishes.