Hello wine lovers and happy wine Wednesday!  I hope December is treating you well and connecting you with friends and family!  Personally, I find this month peaceful and hectic at the same time…which suits me perfectly.

Again, many thanks for your comments and remarks on the 2014 ‘Red’ and ‘White’ list for the holiday season.  Today, I have my favourite category for you – the sparkling category.  As in the previous two posts, I will include crowd pleasing bottles, bottles of bubbles for gift-giving and, finally, luxury choices for that special someone on your holiday list.

Sparkling Wine for 2014:

Jaume Serra – Cristalino Brut is my ‘crowd pleaser’ pick for the sparkling wines this year.  Made up of the three traditional Cava grapes, Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, this wine is a knock-out in both taste and value.  Notes of apple, orange and citrus on the palate makes this Cava appealing to just about anyone.  It is bright yellow in colour with a nice amount of fine bubbles – this is a no-brainer!  BC Liquor Stores have it on sale right now for $11.99 – yes, you read that right.  Go Go Go…

Pierre Sparr – Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé is a stunning, bright salmon glass of bubbles that will tickle even the grouchiest of hearts.  With aromas of strawberries and lemon peel and flavours of bright berry fruit and a whiff of white pepper, Pierre Sparr’s Crémant D’Alsace is a great gift for the hostesses of your holiday parties.  Currently, it is on sale at the B.C. Liquor Store for $27.99.

Pierre Paillard – Champagne Grand Cru Brut is a delicious Champagne made from both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.  This ‘grower’ Champagne is a stunning example of why you must try to get beyond the ‘brand name’ Champagne houses and find new producers who absolutely embody all that they do.  The Paillard family has 28 Grand Cru acres of grapes and this Champagne is my new favourite in the ‘grower’ category.  The Champagne spends three and a half years on its lees which gives it lovely finesse and complexity.  Flavours of pear, toasted nuts and brioche make this glass of bubbles a must for this holiday season at a price that won’t break the bank.  It currently retails for $56.99 at the B.C. Liquor Stores.  Delicious.

Montaudon – Réserve Première Brut is another fantastic expression of Champagne.  Made with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, Montaudon delivers a lively glass of bubbles that would convert a non-Champagne drinker to a true fan.  Full of balance and structure due to the Pinot Noir, I am a new fan of this Reims based Champagne house.  It offers a nice flavour profile with a predominance of pear and orchard fruit with a hint of white pepper – fantastic.  It retails for $70.50 at the Edgemont Liquor Store in North Vancouver.

Lanson – Extra Age Brut has become one of my most favourite wines since first sipping it in the glorious Lanson House in Reims, Champagne.  It is a blend of three exceptional vintages consisting of both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and has been aged on its lees for a minimum of 5 years.  Lanson is famous for the non-malolactic fermentation approach to winemaking.  The extra age on this Champagne truly makes it outstanding.  Full and complex with notes of biscuit, brioche and citrus fruit, I am in heaven when I drink a glass of this stunning sparkling wine.  This is my luxury pick of the year, indeed.  A bottle of this amazing Champagne is available at both Legacy Liquor Store and Marquis Wine Cellars between $90 – $105. Divine!

Well, I hope this list gives you a few wonderful bottles of bubbles to celebrate with and enjoy over the Christmas season.

Enjoy!

XO
C