Celebrations This Summer? I Have the Bubbles

By / Wine + Drinks / August 6th, 2014 / 2

I have a new niece … I’ve also heard of friends becoming grandparents, uncles and aunts for the very first time this summer, as well as other celebratory events.

It’s been awhile since I’ve pointed you in the direction of a good bubbly and there is never a shortage of them, so for all those with something to raise a glass to I have some recommendations.

But before I do let me stress I’m not advocating sparkling strictly for special occasions, it’s an everyday kinda wine, if you can find it at the right price … these ones are:

Cono Sur Sparkling Rosé, Chile ($13.90)

100% Pinot Noir made in the Charmat method. Four months in tank make it lively and fruity with a strawberry, raspberry nose which follows on the palate; delightfully playful on the tongue.

Segura Viudas Reserva, Spain ($14.95)

The neck tag proclaims “New look, same great taste”, but actually I think it tastes even better than it has in the past: fresh, clean, apple, lemon, big acidity, food friendly and very refreshing. In Spain sparkling wine is known as Cava.

Chateau des Charmes NV Brut, Ontario ($22.95)

For those of you looking for an everyday domestic sparkler this might be the bubbly you’re looking for. Lovely fruit driven aromas with bready and biscuity notes; palate is loaded with apple and lemon-citrus, but it’s the apple that has the most fun delivering a one-two punch of Granny-Smith and mac … delightful sweetness to acidity ratio on the long finish.

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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