Dec 4

Written by: John Gerum
12/4/2009 2:58 PM 

Sparkling wine is much more versatile than just a midnight New Years' beverage. It's clean acidity and fine bubbles are ideal to match with a wide range of foods such as appetizers, seafood, creamy dishes and soft cheeses.

I would recommend staying away from sparkling wines that are not made in the traditional or charmat method, in which the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle or enclosed vessel. These wines have been injected with carbon dioxide gas which results in large bubbles in the glass. These large bubbles fill your stomach with large amounts of gas which can lead to discomfort. The fine bubbles of a well made sparkling wine gently aid in the digestive process. Look to the label to make sure the words traditional method or charmat are included. Champagne which is only produced in the Champagne region in France under strict quality control rules are automatically made in the traditional method.  Sparkling wines can be produced from a single grape varietal but the better ones seem to blend two or more grapes together.

Here are a few more tips before I review a few of my favourites. Use a tall fluted glass for sparkling wine, it will hold in the fine bubbles longer. Also serve sparkling at a cool but not cold temperature, about 6-8 degrees Celsius is ideal. If you use a stopper on the bottle with a special champagne enclosure your bubbles will stay for a few days if you keep the bottle in your fridge. When opening a bottle rotate the bottle and not the cork; it is much easier on your wrist and will prevent the cork from breaking in two when pulling it out.

These wines are available for under $25 and are ideal for holiday celebrations. The Cristalino Jaume Serra, Brut Cava from Spain is produced in the traditional method. Its' fresh pear, lime and yeasty fresh baked bread aromas lead to a clean and fruity palate with an attractive lemon lime finish. The wine is made from the Viura and Malvasia grapes.

Processo is becoming very popular. This sparkling wine from Italy is a value in its own right. The Flor Processo Veneto delivers a minerally, chalky, pear, almond and floral nose. The flavours are off dry with a creamy, juicy and ripe extract. The finish is extended and bright.

An off-dry bargain from Quebec is Mousseux Brut Charles Meunier. Lively apple and pear aromas and a creamy mid palate make this an ideal party sipper. At about 9% alcohol it does not overwhelm the palate.

Finally from Portugal, Luis Pato, Maria Gomes displays light grapefruit, citrus and a mineral quality. Slight yeasty characters make this a perfect match for scallops.

So reach for a few sparkling wines this season, your guests will be glad you did!