Sparkling wine is one of life's simple pleasures. There's nothing like watching tiny bubbles flood a tall, fluted glass and feeling the intense anticipation before you sip. If you haven't experienced the sensation, it's difficult to describe fizz overtaking your tongue. "Sensual" is close. So why wouldn't everyone want to experience this any day and anywhere? Each moment of each day presents another occasion to relax and open a bottle of bubbly: holiday shopping the Internet, formal holiday dinner or scarfing down gingerbread men on the couch. And then there's that little holiday called New Year's Eve
The following Q&A will guide you down the right path to find the perfect sparkler to satisfy your whenever/wherever needs.
Is there a difference between Champagne and Sparkling Wine?
Not really. Officially, only wine produced in Champagne, France, can employ the name "Champagne." To produce the quality of Champagne, foreign sparkling wine producers use France's Methode Champenoise (translation: "made in the method of Champagne") a complex process that generates natural bubbles inside the bottle, as opposed to a tank. The rather snippy French protect their reputation by limiting other countries' use of the venerated name, even when they adapt the same production process. Thus, Americans call their sparklers "Chardonnay Champagne," "Sparkling Wine" or "California Champagne."
What does 'Brut' mean?
Very dry, crisp, sparkling wine. There are four varying sweetness labels:
… Brut: the driest you can buy
… Extra Dry: slightly sweeter (made specifically for the American market)
… Demi-Sec: the sweetest; Demi-Secs are fairly rare and pretty pricey. Those who prefer a sweeter wine should start with an Extra Dry, like Piper-Heidsieck Non-Vintage Extra Dry Champagne.
What food goes best with sparkling wine? Sparkling wine excels in the "Goes with Everything" category. From steak, seafood and roast turkey to fruitcake, doughnuts and cookies, sparkling wine fits every occasion.
What's the best way to chill sparkling wine (or any white wine)?
Place the bottle in a bucket filled with 50-percent water, 50-percent ice, and a handful of salt — it only takes about 20 minutes.
What is Blanc de Blanc?
Blanc de Blanc wine is produced using 100-percent white grapes, normally Chardonnay. "Blanc de Noirs" is a wine made exclusively with red grapes, normally Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
What's the deal with vintage and non-vintage champagne?
A very common practice in sparkling wines, non-vintage (NV) indicates a blend of juice from two or more years. Winemakers sometimes "declare a vintage" when they feel the wine is exceptional. But beware: It frequently adds mucho dollars to the cost, but not always to the quality.
What are some good sparkling wines?
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cuvee Brut NVLeaning toward a fruitier extra dry and easy on the wallet. Sour apple flavor abounds; perfect for those looking for a sweeter wine to wade slowly into the sparkling circuit ($9).
(3 planets)
1998 Seaview Brut NVThis Australian gem is easily the best deal out there and loaded with quality. Clean, crisp and easy on the mouth ($10).
(3 1/2 planets)
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs NVFriendly, sweeter and soft, with little acidity. Smooth and refreshing, with a slight grapefruit experience ($18).
(3 planets)
1997 Mumm Cuvee Napa Blanc de BlancsAbsolutely yummy. Citrusy and elegantly balanced with acidity. It's an incredible bargain at this price ($22).
(4 planets)
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NVTrue Champagne. Rich, full-bodied and lively on the tongue. Grapefruity flavors dance all over the place ($25).
(3 1/2 planets)
Bruno Paillard Brut NVElegant, very dry and full of pear flavor. This is truly sensual Champagne and a good value ($28).
(4 planets)
1995 Beaumont des Crayeres
Fleur de PrestigeIncredible French juice. Smells like baked bread, then explodes with lemon-lime in the mouth. Well-balanced acidity with a smooth and beautiful finish; great splurge wine ($35).
(4 1/2 planets)
Comments? Questions? Great wine experience to share? Talk to us! We'll feature your comments in our Mailbag. E-mail corkscrew@creativeloafing.com, mail to Corkscrew, 1310 E. Ninth Ave., Tampa, FL 33605 or call 1-800-341-LOAF.
This article appears in Dec 13-19, 2001.