There’s something special about popping open a bottle of sparkling wine. The effervescence, the celebratory atmosphere it creates – it’s hard not to feel a little fancy when you’re sipping on some bubbly. And while it’s often associated with special occasions, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy sparkling wine on any given day.

First, let’s talk about the different types of sparkling wine. Champagne is the most famous, but plenty of other options exist. Prosecco, Cava, and Crémant are delicious and often more affordable alternatives. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a sparkling rosé? Even better, try a local and delicious sparkling wine from British Columbia!

Located in Okanagan Falls, B.C., Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars is owned and operated by the Mavety family. They are known for their precise, terroir-specific expressions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir, and Pinot Gris. Sparkling wine also happens to be one of their specialties. Blue Mountain’s latest sparkling wine releases are reviewed below and are available through the winery website and some select private stores across the province.

Blue Mountain Reserve Brut 2014 R.D. $49.90

• classic blend of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir
• traditional method
• left to age ‘sur lie’ (on dead yeast cells) for 7 1/2 years
• hand-harvested, 100% estate fruit
• delicious and complex with flavours of toasted brioche, Bartlett pear, fresh raspberry, and a top note of lemon zest
• 4 g/L dosage
• GGG 93 Points

Blue Mountain Brut Rosé 2019 R.D. $39.90

• 70% Pinot Noir with 30% Chardonnay
• whole cluster pressed, and each wine is fermented separately
• left to age ‘sur lie’ for 30 months
• 10 g/L dosage
• flavours of strawberry compote, hints of cranberry, pomegranate, and a dash of biscuit on the finish
• GGG 89 Points 

When serving sparkling wine, it’s essential to get the temperature right. It should be chilled but not too cold – around 7°C is ideal. If you are tempted to pop the cork and let the bubbles flow, my advice is that it is better to open the bottle with a gentle pop to preserve the carbonation. 

In terms of food pairings, sparkling wine is incredibly versatile. It’s an excellent match for salty snacks like chips, popcorn, creamy cheeses, and seafood. And, of course, it’s the perfect accompaniment to celebratory meals like brunch, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Or, a Tuesday evening in.

The most important thing when enjoying sparkling wine is to savour the moment. Take a sip, close your eyes, and let the bubbles tickle your tongue. Raise a glass to the little things in life and enjoy the simple pleasure of a glass of bubbly. 

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