Bubbles

Veuve Clicquot “Rich”

The House of Clicquot kicked off the summer season with a swanky launch party at Toronto’s cool X Hotel for its “Rich” line of “mixable” luxury champagnes. Sure, using a $90 bottle of champers as a cocktail base may seem indulgent…but that’s kinda the point. Those with a bit of a sweet tooth can enjoy it on its own – the bubbles and natural acidity ensure the sweetness is balanced out.

Moët Impérial

Classic champers celebrating its 150th birthday. Bread dough, biscuit, baked apple, hazelnut, lemon custard aromatic nuances lead to ripe, toasty, apple crumble, slightly toasty/smoky flavours enhanced with a creamy mouthfeel and a long, crisp finale.

Authentic champagne might be a bit of an indulgence, but that shouldn’t stop you from indulging in bubbly on a (more or less) daily basis. Italy’s Prosecco, for example, can make an occasion a festive one.

Bottega Prosecco Gold

Sandro Bottega (whose personality is as effervescent as his wines) hosted a lunch earlier in the year to unveil his lineup of Proseccos including Bottega Gold, Bottega White Gold, and Bottega Rose Gold. The eye-catching packaging concealed wines that were every bit as bright on the palate. Each was poised, balanced and refreshing, with the Gold version (generally the most available in our market) offering up nuances of green apple, pear and herbs, with clean, crisp citrus flavours.

Fiol Prosecco

Another classy number (also in a classy package), the Fiol prosecco’s aromas jump out of the glass with acacia, white peach and a hint of almond/marzipan. In the mouth, it shows a fine, almost creamy mousse and a crisp, delicate, ethereal palate of peach/citrus/mineral. Fresh, and lively on the finish.