Sparklers not just for special celebrations
In 2002, Americans began choosing red wine over white, signaling (to wine pundits and trend-watchers alike) that the U.S. had become a "real" wine drinking nation.
We'll prove these chops in 2010 when, according to these and other pundits, America will become the top wine-consuming nation in the world.
Yet we're still behind the times when it comes to sparkling wine. We reserve the bubbly for celebrations, dropping us below just about every other wine-drinking nation in per capita consumption.
Why? I wonder. It's not like America doesn't have anything to celebrate. Or maybe it's because the Germans, Italian, French, English and others know that sparkling wine turns any occasion into a celebration.
With area retailers busting out with sparkling wine tastings, now is the time to explore various styles, suitable for every palate and price, no special occasion required!
Champagne Produced in France's Champagne region under strict production methods, Champagne is rich and statuesque with complex flavors (green apples, brioche, minerals, direct acidity and sumptuous finish), all of which come at a cost. Your $40 a bottle (and more) buys you an elegant aperitif and classic complement to lighter but flavorful dishes from smoked salmon to turkey with all the trimmings. I drink Champagne whenever I can. Favorites include Pol Roger Winston Churchill ($275), Besserat de Bellefon Brut Rose ($69) and Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top ($37).
When occasion, personal preference and/or budget don't afford Champagne, try:
Vins Mousseux French sparkling wine not designated Champagne. For delicate green apple and stone fruit flavor and pretty mousse (bubbles), look for St. Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux Brut (about $14)
Prosecco Currently, the biggest thing in bubbles, with excellent labels surging into suburbs. In 2010, increased quality standards will limit production to a tiny region in northeast Italy. Styles ranging from sweeter (Zonin, $11) to drier (Nino Franco Rustico, $15) are perfect for sparkling cocktails (try a Bellini: fresh peach puree and Prosecco) or to sip with light dishes including appetizers, delicate seafood and pasta.
Moscato d'Asti Sweet as a perfectly ripe peach, pair this big sister to Italy's Asti Spumante with desserts and sweet occasions. Ceretto ($24) and Saracco ($16) are favorites.
Cava Spain brings us bubbly's best value, with the excellent Jaume Serra, the clean and lively Segura Viudas, and the delicately sweet Freixenet Carta Neveade Semi-Dry all hovering around $10.
U.S. Sparkling Wine After decades of trying, our sparklers join the world's best, adding the West Coast's plump fruit to sparkling wine's inherent lightness of being. A consistent favorite is Roederer Estate Brut NV, with ample apple, brown spice toasted nut flavors and lemony acidity ($20-ish); for more depth choose Roederer l'Hermitage ($50-ish).
Schramsberg is known stylish sparklers, especially the powerful J. Schram (see Ross' Choice 10/21/09). Mumm Napa, Domaine Carneros, Gloria Ferrer are all delicious quaffs to toast the holidays or any other day of the week.
• Advanced Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator Mary Ross writes Good Wine. Contact her at food@dailyherald.com.
<p class="factboxheadblack">Champagne Fest 2009</p> <p class="News">3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 30</p> <p class="News">Schaefer's Wines & Spirits</p> <p class="News">9965 Gross Point Road, Skokie</p> <p class="News">(847) 677-9463</p> <p class="News">Join a suburban tradition as Schaefer's celebrates a sparkling renovation with its annual Champagne Fest! During the four-hour fete at least one bottle of every sparkler in the shop - from the finest grande marque Champagne to the best-value cava - will be popped. Hors d'oeuvres are yummy but light, so eat a big lunch. $10 admission benefits the Skokie Fire Department; parking is complimentary, but the lot fills, so set your patience on high. Still, this gala is one great way to ring out the old year and toast the new.</p>