There’s just something special about wine with bubbles.
Not only is it emotive and sensual, but it’s beautiful as well; nothing’s prettier than thousands of tiny bubbles dancing around in your glass. Hand someone a glass of Champagne and they immediately stand straighter and speak more eloquently. It’s magic, instantly transforming you into the most sophisticated, most charming version of yourself. So pop the cork! Here’s what, why and when to do it:
Champagne
True Champagne comes only from the prestigious, iconic Champagne region in France. It’s cold there, and most years, grapes struggle to ripen fully. Low yields, combined with the industry’s most labor-intensive winemaking, equal expensive wines. There’s nothing like Champagne’s crisp and earthy flavors of tart lemon, green apple, chalk and butter and its fresh-baked-biscuit aromas. They cost more, but the finest examples (from grower-owned wineries) are worth the splurge. Open a bottle of Champagne to feel regal and sexy, or if you’re planning on proposing. Try Michel Turgy Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc brut ($40) or Egly-Ouriet Tradition Grand Cru brut ($60).
Cava
Ahhhh, cava. Cheap and cheerful cava is one of the world’s great wine values. Cava may be scrappy, but even top sommeliers and winemakers admit to guzzling it from time to time. It’s just so easy and likeable. Producers in northern Spain use Champagne methods to make their wine, but the lower land cost, higher yields, and more prolific grape varieties make for a much more reasonably priced wine. Most cost less than $15! Cava from a great producer is the kind of guilt-free wine you can proudly pop for your sweetheart on a special occasion, or an otherwise uneventful Tuesday night. Try Cristalino brut ($7), Kila Cava ($8) or Raventós i Blanc reserva brut ($20).
Moscato d’Asti
Another sparkling darling that won’t break the bank is Moscato d’Asti, northern Italy’s slightly sweet, totally irresistible wine. Aromas of peach, apricot, melon and pretty white flowers (think honeysuckle, orange blossom, jasmine and gardenia) are seductive, and the kiss of sugar makes them a great choice for pairing with spicy foods or dessert. Moscato d’Asti is a guaranteed palate pleaser for folks who think Champagne is too dry. Saracco ($12) and Ceretto Santo Stefano ($20) are two of my perennial favorites.
California Rosé
Sparkling pink wines from California are gorgeous and charismatic. The best toe the line between juicy and tart red fruits. They are thirst quenching, almost gulp-able, with flavors like kirsch and wild raspberry. Fuller body and more structure (usually thanks to pinot noir) mean you can pair these wines with a variety of foods, even pork or lean red meats. Open them on Valentine’s Day, or any other day, and watch your significant other swoon. Some of my favorite pink sparklers are Roederer Estate brut rosé ($25) and Schramsberg brut rosé ($35).
