SPARKLERS AT ALL PRICES
What to pop at New Year’s will depend on the nature of your event. Go for value if it’s a crowd, but don’t be afraid to splurge if it’s just two of you.
As you’ll see from my list there are an awful lot of good bubbly out there. Maybe you’ll be tempted to become more familiar with this wonderful category of wine! Which would not be a bad New Year’s resolution. Hope Santa brought you a Champagne stopper ““ the best kitchen gadget in the world!
May you drink and live well in 2013.
Billy
GREAT TASTE, GREAT VALUE
These are some the world’s best everyday sparklers. Think designer labels at the discount store. Classy, refreshing and crowd pleasing. Not to be overlooked at a time when everyone is hooked on Prosecco.
CONO SUR Sparkling Brut, Chile 215079 $13.95
SEGURA VIUDAS Brut Reserva, Spain 158493 $14.45
JACOB’S CREEK Sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, Australia 562991 $14.45
THE PROSECCO BOYS
Prosecco is a good buy for general drinking and party-time. It has the lightest feeling of all sparklers and is more about freshness than flavour.
BOTTEGA 11 Prosecco “˜Il Vino dei Poeti’, Italy 897703 $12.95
VAL D’OCA 11 Prosecco, Valdobbiadene, Italy 340570 $13.95
VILLA SANDI Prosecco, Italy 249722 $14.15
CHAMPAGNE STYLING AT HALF THE PRICE
The following wines are crafted in the austere, classy, Champagne style. Best for aperitif. Wolf Blass is amazing value, and who could resist the good looks and vibes in the Henry’s Cuvee Catharine, Rosé.
MUMM NAPA Brut Prestige, California 256678 $27.95
WOLF BLASS “˜Yellow Label’ Sparkling Brut, Australia 649996 $17.95
HENRY OF PELHAM “˜Cuvee Catharine’ Brut Rose, VQA Niagara 4051 $29.95
NEED CHAMPAGNE?~ PICK A STYLE
PIPER”“HEIDSIECK Brut, Champagne, France 462432 $49.95
. . . crisp, light, aperitif-style champagne. Good price.
POL ROGER “˜Reserve’ Champagne, France 217158 $59.75
. . . elegant Champagne with a little toastiness. Special for sure.
LOUIS ROEDERER Brut Champagne 268771 Vintages Essentials $67.95
. . . lovely mix of richness, citrus refreshment ““ and classy feeling
MUMM “˜CARTE CLASSIQUE’ Champagne, France 308064 $59.95
. . . off-dry Champagne with warm, toasty feelings. Lovely to sip late night.
ROSE & SLIGHTLY SWEET
A million bottles of Yellow Tail are consumed every month. Please your gang with this pleasant bubbly.
YELLOW TAIL Bubbles Rose, Australia 229047 $13.95
