Happy Holiday's

Happy Holiday's to everyone!!  Wanted to talk bubbles...

For most Champagne, Sparkling wines, Cava, Prosecco etc... are viewed as celebratory wines.  Something about that pop of the cork that brings that special occasion to the next level.  Unfortunately bubbles are perfect everyday and is a celebration just to open a bottle.  Not to mention awesome food wines.  Since we are in the holiday season, I thought that I would give some recommendation that might even make you fans year round.

First:  Rotari Brut Rose NV Trento DOC Itay:  First rule about sparkling wines from Italy....they are not all Prosecco!  This lovely Brut Rose is mostly Pinot Noir with some Chardonnay made in the classic Metodo Classico resting on the lees for 24 month.   Elegant, fruity, extreme subtlety and hints of wild strawberries, currant, and grape stems shows throughout.  Enjoy this wine as an aperitif and with all meals, goes well with fish appetizers.  Fantastic bottle of bubbles for around $12.  89 Points Best Buy Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

 


Click to check out Rotari Web Site



Second:  I would be doing an injustice by not mentioning the best Sparkling house in not just Cali but quite possibly on the planet(I'm a little bias)  Schramsberg.  The only American owned Sparkling house in California(all the others are French owned) rivals some of the best Champagne's.  The Blanc de Blancs(white from white) was first produced in 1965 and has been a staple on the tables at all function in the White House starting in 1972 when then President Nixon served the wine at the historic “Toast to Peace” in Beijing, China.  Made from Chardonnay this wine can be enjoyed by itself as an apéritif, it is also perfect with fresh oysters and other shellfish, crab cakes, ceviche and grilled sea bass. It is also delicious with lemon chicken and Thai curries. Serve with aged Gouda or other hard cheeses and as a counterpoint to soft triple creams.  You can find the 2008 vintage bottle for around $35.  94 Points Editor Choice Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Click to check out Schramsberg Web Site

Third:  The mother land, Champagne.  There is nothing better!  Since 1808, Champagne Henriot, one of the last independent and family-owned houses in Champagne, has pursued a tradition of excellence – a fragile balance between delicacy, intensity, and purity. For seven generations, the family has selected only the very best vineyards, concentrated on the purity of chardonnay and has upheld the utmost respect for time in order to ensure the cuvee has an opportunity to reach its full expression. The Brut NV Souverain is made up of a balanced proportion of Chardonnay, in the majority from the Côte des Blancs, and Pinot Noir, mostly from the Montagne de Reims. Pinot Meunier adds a delicate fruity note.  A lively, fresh and balanced attack, with pastry, spice (vanilla) and fruity (morello cherry, candied plum) notes. The full texture precedes a clean, refreshing finish marked by citrus fruit aromas.  Enjoy with Red tuna carpaccio marinated in dill, yogurt and capers, Fine monkfish escalope in saffron cream, Limousin milk-fed leg of lamb with sage, Hutch-raised rabbit in a cabbage hotpot.  This wine will set you back about $45 but is well worth it.  93 Points Wine Spectator Magazine.



Click to check out Henriot Web Site



Hopefully some of these might make it to your table this Holiday season.  Cheers and have a wonderful and safe Holiday.