Earlier and Earlier

By / Wine + Drinks / October 22nd, 2014 / 2

I know it’s only mid-October, but according to wine producers and the mainly-monopolies that run this country’s wine system, ‘Tis the Season.

Yup, the season for gift giving and celebrations is getting close and the gearing up has begun (it seems to get earlier and earlier every year):  Halloween is just around the corner, next stop is American Thanksgiving, Black Friday and then it’s a straight shot to Christmas.

Having just been to a sparkling wine tasting (‘Tis the Season) I present you with some of my top picks from the wines that were available … more holiday ideas to come in the next couple of months.

Piper-Hiedsieck Brut, Champagne, France ($54.95)

Exactly what you think of when you think of Champers:  bready, biscuity with a lovely sweetness of fruit and acid balance.

Taittinger Brut Reserve, Champagne, France ($62.95)

Brioche qualities, like a liquefied flaky croissant, but adds lemon and green apple into the mix for something to brace your tongue against.

Cono Sur Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose, Chile ($13.90)

One can not live on Champagne alone (though it would be nice) that’s where this Cono Sur value comes in – the acidity mixes with raspberry, cherry and a lingering finish; pretty and worth the price; the Brut is also pretty awesome.

Angels Gate Handsome Brut, Ontario, Canada ($24.95)

There are plenty more sparklers from Ontario that are wonderful, but none match a cutesy name with the seriousness of the wine in bottle.  Nice lemon, lime and apple match beautifully with the toastiness.

For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael is an award-winning journalist: Promoting the Promoters Award Cuvée 2010 and Ontario Wine Awards Journalist of the Year 2012.  He is also a national and international wine judge - Ontario Wine Awards, All Canadian Wine Championships; Best of Riesling — Germany; Essencia do Vinho — "Top Wines of Portugal".  He is currently the President of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada and the wine columnist for Ottawa Life and Grand magazine as well as regular contributor to Tidings, and Grapevine ... his reviews have also appeared in the LCBO Vintages magazine. Michael has also added a YouTube channel to his activities where he reviews bottles of great Ontario wine on a weekly basis. In whatever he does, it is Michael’s desire to educate, inspire and encourage others to grow their own love and enthusiasm for wine – and to realize that it is their palate that ultimately makes the decision.

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