A Sparkling Entry into a New Decade
Yes, of course, I mean sparkling wine. As New Year’s Eve and Day approach, I can think of no better beverage to welcome in the new year than sparkling wine! It bubbles, it foams, and the effervescence is intoxicating. The simple pouring of a glass invites celebration.
The first question then is what type of glass should you use? There are many traditional and even historical vessels that have been used, such as the open goblets which eventually morphed into the flute. The flute itself has become quite prevalent today, even in restaurants and bars. My suggestion would be to use a traditional white wine glass. You will still see the stream of bubbles and also enjoy the fresh, toasty aromas of the wine. Reidel has introduced a new performance glass that, in my experience, enhances the beauty of a sparkling wine.
Holiday Spirit!
As we find ourselves in the month of December, the holiday spirit is beginning to build. There are parties to look forward to, and we take time to express our appreciation and affection for others. It is a time of sharing and showing others that we care and wish them well. It is a time to celebrate with loved ones and, along with that, an opportunity to share in great meals with those we hold close in our lives.
Wine, of course, complements the season and the meals that we share with others. It lightens our spirits and brings that sense of celebration to the moment, the meal and the gathering. The question is then, what wine best suits the occasion?
Schramsberg Vineyards: A Sparkling Occasion
Many people reserve sparkling wine for special occasions, and others allow it to make any occasion special. However you approach it, there is a great experience waiting for you at Schramsberg Vineyards in Calistoga.
This property was one of the first wineries in the Napa Valley, second only to Charles Krug. With that, they have developed a rich history of producing fine sparkling wines that have been served at official State functions by every U.S. Presidential administration starting with President Nixon. Schramsberg produces excellent sparkling wines that are crafted with several of the old practices through a history that spans over 50 years.
Food & Wine at Holiday Time
December is upon us and the time for season celebrations abounds. With friends, family, and co-workers, it’s time to set the table. It’s time to enjoy one another and toast to the season! Wine is a welcome addition to the holiday table.
As a starter, sparkling wines set a festive spirit and brighten any event. There are several types of sparkling wines, and their bubbles will set the stage for a festive mood. They can be modest in price or expensive. One of my favorites is Prosecco, ranging in price from $10 to $25. I have a preference for Ruffino. Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine and can be quite lovely and modest in price. There are several California producers of sparkling wine such as Roederer Estate and Mumm. Of course, there is always Champagne. This is the proper name for sparkling wine from the Champagne region in France. One of my favorites is Veuve Clicquot Brut. And, of course, one could always splurge on a bottle of Dom Perignon.
Bubbles for Any Budget!
As we approach February 14th, the stores are showing the bright red colors of Valentine’s Day – a time when our hearts turns toward expressions of love and romance. Nothing is more quintessential for this month than sparkling wine! Real Champagne can be pricey, but there are many lovely expressions of sparkling wine that can fit the occasion and the pocket book.
Sparkling wine is made all over the world, including in Champagne, France, which is the only place real Champagne comes from. It used to be that no other region could challenge the sparkling wine from Champagne, yet that is no longer so. Many wines, especially the sparkling wines of California, can provide the luxurious texture and flavors to rival Champagne.
Mumm’s the Word
You will often hear folks refer to sparkling wine as “Champagne,” but this is an accurate description only if that bottle is from the French region named Champagne. There was a time when no other sparkling wines could come close to the quality produced in France, but that’s not true today. California sparklers can deliver the complexity, richness, and length of finish to rival those made by the French.
Mumm is one such producer to try for your next sparkling wine. Located in Napa Valley and growing fruit in vineyards in the southern, cooler part of the valley, Mumm offers many different wines to please your palate. A visit to the winery is not only refreshing but also enlightening when it comes to the production of their wines. Just recently, I took their tour and found it well done and informative.
Add Some Sparkle to Your Holidays!
The holiday season is the perfect time to share a glass (or two) of Champagne with family and friends. It is a tradition to ring in the New Year with and serves as a festive apéritif at dinner.
True Champagne comes from only one region, which is 90 miles north of Paris. Yes, it is the Champagne region. The complex process by which Champagne is made involves a secondary fermentation during which carbon dioxide is trapped inside each bottle. The trapped CO2 will eventually become Champagne bubbles.
The Time of Year to Sparkle
The approaching New Year brings many opportunities to celebrate. It is routinely a time to remember the friends and experiences that make a year memorable. It is a time to reminisce and savor the accomplishments of the year gone by, as well as to usher in the possibility of the coming year. What will you create? What will be the mark and moments of 2015?
Celebrations, as such, are frequently accompanied by sparkling wines. Although most commonly and collectively referred to as “Champagne,” all that bubbles is not that. Champagne itself is made from grapes solely from the region in France named Champagne. Yes, it is a specific region that owns that name. The effervescence is accomplished through secondary fermentation in the bottle. The winemakers in Champagne also use specific grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Munier). Many believe the French have mastered the craft, and the bottles may be expensive (and worth it).
Sparkling Wine: A Refreshing Time!
The Super Bowl is now a few days behind us. For those who live in Seattle or have allegiance to the Seahawks, it was a great game, a glorious triumph. For others, it was a Super Dud. A blow-out does not lend itself to excitement. Nonetheless, the Seahawks and their fans should be celebrating with some wonderful sparkling wine!
Most people will refer to sparkling wine as Champagne, yet the truth is that only sparkling wine from the region in France named Champagne can truly be called that. The French have done an excellent job with their expression of sparkling wine, and many times it will come at a price. The process of getting all those little bubbles in the bottle is the result of a specific process of secondary fermentation. The grapes that are used are specific as well. Champagne is produced using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. It is a lovely journey, which may be a bit expensive yet worth the pleasure.