SHOPPING for the SPARKLING SEASON
Tis the season when everyone drinks sparkling, because it’s the thing to do. Real pleasure drinkers have bubbles all year round and are probably well stocked, but for anyone in need of a sparkling or two for New Year’s here is my cannot-fail shopping list. As ever, I’m listing by categories, starting with the least expensive, and most crowd-pleasing wines. These are the best choice for parties, or any just-for-fun occasion. Spain and Italy are the traditional leaders in this category but Chile and Argentina are brilliant new comers, while Jacob’s Creek has been rocking the world for over a decade. Best buy in local is the super pleasant Angels Gate. Pink sparkling always gets a “˜wow’ and Bottega’s wine is cheap enough to tempt you with a case.
Champagne, and Champagne-style wines tend to be too dry for many palates, but if they are to your liking, skip ahead to the second list. This category is much more expensive due to the labour and ageing involved. My two local offerings deliver the Champagne experience for half the price, but if it must be French ““ without breaking the bank, look for Cattier. Piper Heidsieck leans toward prettieness, Taittinger offers~ delicacy, and Roederer exudes elegance.
Peller’s Ice Cuvee Rosé is one of the most seductive sparkling wines on the planet, due to the addition of a little Ice Wine. Lovers take note.
Wishing all a happy and healthy New Year.
Billy
*GREAT VALUE CROWD-PLEASERS*
SEGURA VIUDAS RESERVA Cava, Spain 216960 $14.25
CODORNIU BRUT CLASSICO Cava, Spain 215814 $12.95
JUVE y CHAMPS BRUT Cava, Spain 352864 Vintages $17.75
VILLA SANDI Prosecco, Italy 249722 $14.15
BOTTEGA ROSE SPARKLING, Italy 277202 $12.95
JACOB’S CREEK BRUT CUVEE, Australia 210633 $14.45
CONO SUR BRUT SPARKLING, Chile 215079 $13.95
SANTA JULIA SPARKLING BRUT, Argentina (Organic) 314239 $14.95
ANGELS GATE “˜Archangel Chardonnay’, VQA Niagara 227009 $21.95
*CLASSIC CHAMPAGNE & WINES IN THAT STYLE*
LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT Champagne, France 268771 $78.95
TAITTINGER BRUT RESERVE Champagne, France 365312 $58.95
PIPER HEIDSIECK Champagne, France 462432 $49.95
CATTIER Champagne, France 325720 $39.95
HENRY OF PELHAM “˜Cuvee Catharine’ Sparkling, VQA Niagara 217521 $29.95
FLAT ROCK 08 “˜Riddled’, VQA Niagara 187377 $24.95
…and for something DIFFERENT*
PELLER ESTATES Ice Cuvee Rosé, VQA Niagara 113035 $34.95
