There is a lot turmoil in the world right now and it is easy to get depressed, or even angry, so I try to find little bright spots in my day. What is really important is enjoying every day and experiencing all amazing moments life offers. Enter a nice bottle of bubbles, or Champagne if the budget allows. These are serious wines that do not need to be reserved for special occasions or celebrations. Make every day a celebration for the beauty of being alive. In addition, there are also many up sides to drinking bubbles that you may not have considered.
1. There is something about drinking sparkling wine or Champagne that makes me happy. I can have a terrible day and a little bubbly just perks me right up.
2. Almost all sparkling wine and Champagne is 12.5% alcohol or less. Have a glass or two, the effects are a lot less than drinking a big red in this heat.
3. You don’t want to finish the bottle? No problem! A good stopper will keep the wine fresh for several days unlike still wines which degrade immediately upon opening.
4. They are very food friendly. In the summer we eat a lot lighter foods; seafood, pasta with pesto and veggies, stir fry and salads. Sparking wine and Champagnes work great with all of these, and I do not feel the pressure to finish the bottle either!
Here are 5 sparkling wines and Champagnes we are hot on right now, but this lists evolves all the time so stop in and let’s talk about what you like!
Jo Landron Atmosphere – $20
This crystalline example from the western Loire Valley is practically sunshine in a glass. A mix of 36% Folle Blanche, 33% Pinot noir and 31% Chardonnay from certified organic grapes, aged up to two years on the lees and finished with 1 g dosage. It’s light, aromatic and fun!
Collalbrigo Prosecco Brut DOCG – $25
This family also makes all the Prosecco for Harry’s Wine Bars around the world, home of the Bellini! Their DOCG bottling is a more serious example of Prosecco from the high slopes around the village of Valdobiaddene. More intense and focused, drier and with more mid palate texture than basic DOC examples.
Claude Manciat Cremant de Bourgogne – $26
This terrific Cremant is a blend of 1/3 each Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, & Aligoté, fermented and aged in bottle for 2 years before disgorgement. It is less austere than Champagne with a warm, round texture and moderate length.
Monfort Trentodoc Cuvee 1985 – $35
The name Cuvée 85 celebrates that the Simoni family have made this wine since 1985, with current bottlings being a blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. It spends 24 months on the lees then is finished with a scant 5 grams to fill out the mouthfeel. The nose of this wine is a Champagne like mix of toasted bread crumbs, fresh green apple, celery hearts and lemon zest.
Baron Albert Champagne L’Universelle Brut – $49
We discovered this Champagne last year while looking for a 100% Meunier bottle. This year they introduced this cuvee, which is still 70% Meunier, but with the addition of 25% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir. The difference is a lighter texture, more finesse and superb length. I like this for “fun” Champagne you can drink with or without food or a great way to upgrade your brunch.