Nothing Says the Holidays Like Sparkling Wine

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So much to do this time of year, so many social engagements.  I wish there was one wine that was universally loved, that was as perfect at a family brunch as at a cookie party with the girls. If only… wait! Bubbles!

Sparkling wine is the perfect holiday accessory. What other wine is acceptable while opening presents around the tree? True, most people will add a little OJ and call it a mimosa, but it is still totally acceptable. Before dinner, with dessert, even in bed!

Which sparkling wines should you choose? Again, bubbles come in a wide variety of titles, depending on the region, country and grapes they use. Also be sure to pay attention to the sweetness levels, which can vary greatly in sparklers. A quick cheat on any bottle is to look at the alcohol percentage.  Anything under 11 percent is probably going to come off as sweet to most of us, regardless of whether the producers actually put residual sugar into the wine.

Starting in France, the most well known is Champagne, which is created by developing the bubbles in the individual bottles. Although often worth the price, it can add up over the course of the holidays. Champagne classically consists of a blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier grapes.  Other French options include the more reasonable crémant, thought to be a bit creamier in the mouth because of less carbon dioxide. Both of these bubbles use their labeling to indicate their sweetness levels: brut natural or brut zéro for the driest, extra brut on the dry side, and brut for the least dry.

In Italy, sparkling wines are usually called prosecco, spumante or lambrusco. Prosecco is often thought to be a bit sweeter than French bubbles, but I recommend tasting them side by side. Spumante is made primarily of the moscato grape and can definitely be on the sweet side. Wines labled moscato are often frizzante, the step between sparkling and still. Definitely try lambrusco if you get the chance. The versions available in the valley these days are a far cry from the sticky sweet red bubbles of the 70s. Nothing says Christmas like sparkling red wine!

For your best value, don’t miss Spain. Decent cava can easily be found in the $10 to $15 range. Cavas are a blend of six grapes and are made in the Traditional Methode. Again, the sweetness can range from brut (dry) to seco, semiseco and dulce (sweetest).

But don’t just raise a glass and call it good! Add a little pom and a few pomegranate seeds for a refreshing change from mimosas. Or you can put in a few drops of Chambord (or other raspberry liqueur) for a delicious Kir Royale. If you have a little time, mix your bubbles with some sugar water, freeze, and fluff with a fork for a refreshing palate-clensing granita.

No matter what you select, we all have reason to celebrate. So fill your glasses and enjoy your bubbles!

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Rona Ferguson

Rona Ferguson escaped to Jackson from Southern California in 1994. She has served in some of the Valley’s best restaurants including the OYG, Osteria, Sidewinders, and now Bin22. Downtime includes her four legged children, gourmet meals prepared by her chef/baker/nursing student husband, and delicious wines from traveling to west coast wine countries. Add a river and mountain bike, and she has found a recipe for the perfect meritage.

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