Hello wine lovers and Merry Christmas!  It happens to be wine Wednesday so why wouldn’t I write about one of my favourite subjects on such a special day!  I do hope your celebrations and family traditions are absolutely perfect for you this year.  My little family came down with that nasty cold virus that is going around but things are starting to look a bit better.

As you may be aware, Champagne is my most favourite drink on the planet.  If heaven has a taste – then this is what my heaven would taste like.  Yes – I like Champagne that much…

Personally, I don’t think that Champagne needs to be savoured only on one night a year but if that is your tradition and if you head to the bubbly section for your New Years Eve celebratory drink, I am here to assist you with choosing a great bottle.  I know that real Champagne from France is out of my usual price range of $14 – $40 CDN so I am going to include some other sparkling options as well as the real deal.

Girls Go Grape Top Picks for Holiday Bubbles 2013

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Spain $14.99 I don’t think I will ever tire of this bottle of Cava.  Value for money – this bottle of sparkle never lets me down.  It is full of great tropical and citrus fruit notes and is simply a delight to drink.  This is my ‘go-to’ Cava and probably will always be.

Codorniu ‘Anna De Codorniu’ Spain $15.99 (limited time offer at B.C. Liquor Stores). This was my ‘find’ of 2013 – I bought and drank scads of it over the summer months and suggested it for weddings and showers.  This is a crisp and delicate tasting Cava made of 100% Chardonnay grapes.  It is a pretty bottle and a lovely glass of bubbles.

Bailly Lapierre Crémant De Bourgogne Reserve France $24.99 Here is what you buy if you want to go “French” for your holiday sparkle but can’t quite justify Champagne prices. You will not be disappointed in this nicely balanced and crisp Crémant from the Burgundy region of France.  It is a blend of four grape varieties – two of which are Champagne varieties.  Nice and fresh tasting with red apple notes. Yum.

Gaston Chiquet Tradition Brut Champagne, France $49.90 at Marquis Wine Cellars. I was introduced to this “Grower” Champagne by the lovely folks at Marquis Wine Cellars last year.  It goes head to head with other non-vintage house Champagnes that usually cost $10 – $20 more.  Nice and balanced acidity with light brioche and toast notes.  It is a Champagne lovers’ happy find.

Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne, France $76.99  James Bond knows what he is talking about – this is his Champagne of choice and I could not agree more.  It is a powerful Champagne that has a higher ratio of Pinot Noir and Meunier than Chardonnay giving it amazing body and depth.  I am in love with this bottle of Champagne as it connects me to some wonderful memories.  Divine.

Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2002 Champagne, France $94.99 Maybe the nicest Champagne I have tasted. My love, David, bought this gorgeous bottle for me as a celebratory present after I received my WSET Level 3 Advanced certification with distinction.  It has a beautiful golden hue and is full of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.  It is full-bodied yet lively with tasty rich brioche notes.  Stunning.

That is it for me, wine lovers.  It has been a pleasure writing for you this past year.  Your comments and feedback are incredibly important so please do keep them coming.  My wish for you is for a happy, healthy holiday season filled with the people you love and adore.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you!

Enjoy!

XO
C