It’s bubble time!

Seriously, there are few things better than sparkling wine.  I love this category so much that we chose the Champagne region of France to live in for over one year in 2018/2019. Yes, it is my belief that champagne is the unchallenged champion of sparkling wine, however, when you are looking for a bottle of bubble – it is nice to have some excellently crafted examples from around the world to choose from.

Most of my selections are available at the B.C. Liquor Stores.  It is always a good idea to check stock online before you head out into the fray – so be sure to click on the link for each wine to find out where to buy it and if it is available near you.

GGG’s 2019 Bubbly Shopping Guide:

• Varias Genui Brut Nature Cava D.O. NV Spain – I am always quick to reach for a great Cava and this new product from Varias is a great example.  When you see ‘Brut Nature’ on the label of a sparkling wine bottle, it means that there has been no additional sugar added to the wine.  I find value for the dollar, well-crafted Cava from Spain is always a good choice.  This approachable wine is nicely balanced with flavours of pineapple, honey and brioche. So good and at $14.99 – why not??
• Medici Ermete ‘Concerto’ Lambrusco Reggiano DOC Frizzante 2017 Italy – If you want to explore the world of sparkling wine and you’d fancy a trip in the bottle to central Italy, then pick up a bottle of this unique and tasty Lambrusco.  This style of wine was pretty hip and popular in the 1970s and now a resurgence has begun. It is a crushed raspberry red colour in the glass with flavours of red cherry and fresh strawberry.  As you open a bottle, enjoy a glass alongside a fantastic charcuterie plate.  $19.99
• Bernard-Massard Cuvée de l’Ecusson Brut Luxembourg – This will be your secret weapon this season – a tasty sparkling wine from Luxembourg?  Yes, you read that correctly and when you see me, you can thank me later. Crafted with Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the bubbles inside this bottle are pretty darn fantastic. It is a great choice to give as a gift to the wine adventurer on your list or save for a quiet night in with loved ones.  You will find notes of pear tart, lemon zest, a hint of almond and an end note of whipped butter. Dreamy. $25.99
• Domaine Zinck Crémant d’Alsace Brut NV Alsace, France – Alsace is one of my favourite regions in France.  When I visited last year, I was warmly welcomed into the region with friendly hospitality and stellar winemaking. This Crémant is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  The flavours are off-dry and bursting with apricot jam, hints of freshly baked bread and lemon citrus. Again, this would make a great gift or a good selection paired with aperitifs or fruit-based desserts. $28.98 (Available at Everything Wine)
• Okanagan Crush Pad Haywire ‘Vintage Bub’ 2013 B.C. VQA – Good things come to those who wait and all I can say is ‘Thank you, OCP,  for releasing this outstanding bottle of B.C. sparkling wine now’.  Swoon-worthy with a decadently creamy texture, this will quickly become your favourite bottle of British Columbia bubble.  This is an equal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that has been bottle-aged for five years. I am a fan of aged wines, specifically, in the sparkling category.  In the glass, you will discover the flavours of roasted pecan and hazelnut mingled with apple flan and a hint of salinity. Truly fantastic and a new classic. $38.99
• Selbach-Oster Riesling Brut 2011 Mosel, Germany – Riesling has become the ‘darling’ grape variety for sommeliers and foodies.  For me, the jury is still out.  However, once and a while I come across a Riesling that makes me smile.  From the beautiful wine region of Mosel, Germany, this is a delicate and lovely bottle of sparkling wine that will delight your senses.  Pair it with light seafood appetizers or Asian cuisine. $39.99
• Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils ‘Cuvée Gastronome’ 1er Cru Brut 2012 Cuis, France – One of the many things I learned whilst living among the Champenois people is that they possess an unwavering love of their region of France.  I had the pleasure of meeting Didier Gimonnet on a few occasions – each time more endearing.  He is a gentleman and a craftsman – taking care of each of cuvée made.  Their 2012 ‘Cuvée Gastronome’ is 100% Chardonnay from five different Côte des Blancs villages.  It is a special bottle of champagne with ultrafine bubbles, creaminess and a nicely balanced flavour profile.  This delicious champagne pairs with many types of food. $76.99
• Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé NV Champagne, France – Ohh la la! What is pretty and pink, exquisitely made and tastes like romance?  This divine and delicious rosé champagne from one of my favourite houses, Champagne Billecart- Salmon.  Think finesse and elegance in a glass with a dash of sass – it is the flagship wine of the house – with good reason. Usually, wines produced here have aged for at least four years before being released.  Champagne Billecart-Salmon practices patience and the still red wine used comes from old vine Pinot Noir.  This lively champagne is bright and full of flavours such as fresh strawberry tart, cranberry, whipped cream and a hint of orange.  Purchase for someone very special. $115.99

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,

Christine