Ok. You may be able to intuit that this subject touches a nerve in me. You are correct! One of my biggest annoyances in life (I know that is a hefty statement, but true) is the perception that champagne and other sparkling wines are only appropriate for special occasions worthy of a ticker tape parade, a television interview, or a large diamond ring. FALSE!
You probably already know this, but you can only call sparkling wine "Champagne" if it is made in Champagne, France. Anything else is referred to as sparkling wine, even if it is made using the methode champenoise (which is a rigorous process set by the wine governing body in Champagne, France). There are perfectly amazing sparkling wines out there that do not come from Champagne (or anywhere in France, for that matter-see my favorites below). For more on sparkling wine production, click here.
Back to the case I'm presenting. Sparkling wines:
1) are affordable (many great bottles under $15)
2) are easy to find anywhere in the world (even in the Midwest!)
3) have a wide variety of flavor profiles that make them ultra-sippable with food
4) do not have to be sweet, girly, or pretentious! (I feel strongly that they are NOT the chick-flick of the wine world, despite how they have been portrayed in the media.)
4) do not have to be sweet, girly, or pretentious! (I feel strongly that they are NOT the chick-flick of the wine world, despite how they have been portrayed in the media.)
Now that the pragmatism is out of the way, here are the real reasons. Sparkling wine (besides being the inspiration behind "fizz" in the name of this blog) is fun! It is crisp, refreshing, and celebratory. It makes everyone feel a little bit more sophisticated (it might actually make them act more sophisticated too...). It has that satisfying "pop!" when you open the bottle, and every now and then it explodes or runs over which makes for a funny story- or at least a laughable moment. (It can also double as a weapon, but that's another article.) Sparkling wine is fun to mix with juices, herb-infused syrups, St. Germain, or flavored vodka (see below). It's appropriate for breakfast. Need I say more? It is truly a beverage after my heart, and that is why it is my beverage of choice. Cheers!
Favorite bottles:
- Gruet Blanc de Noirs ($13)- Methode Champenoise from New Mexico. Amazingly good, a dead ringer for the pricey stuff.
- Charles de Fere Cuvee Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs ($10). My favorite budget French sparkler (not champagne). I've tried most by now. (If you know of others, please post!)
- Desiderio Jeio Prosecco ($13) Italian, light, and very dry. Prosecco is my drink of choice with salty, spicy Asian food.
- Carbo Cava ($15) Spanish and very European tasting. Not as dry as most of my favorites, and very earthy. Fantastic with seafood!
- Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz ($17) Sparkling red wine actually stands up nicely to meat dishes.
- Duval Leroy Vintage 1996 ($55) This is the splurge Champagne in our house. Puts Dom Perignon to shame at half the cost. This champagne is no joke.
Favorite Mixers:
- St. Germain (sooo delicious!)
- Pama Liqueur + squeeze of lime
- X-rated Vodka Fusion + Pamplemousse LaCroix
- Lavender syrup
- Peach or Mango Puree
