In The New Year
Happy, happy almost 2013!
I hope all of your favorite wishes come true in the new year.
When it comes to celebrating the countdown, there are so many interesting sparkling wines to choose from. With or without food, to sip them is revitalizing and helpful in the endurance required during this highly social season.
Fortunately, we always have Champagne, which is fabulous (dahhhling). I recommend trying bottles from producers you’ve never heard of before.
Beyond Champagne, here are 3 suggestions to keep your 12/31 bright:
Etoile Brut NV Domaine Chandon
Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Approx. $29
California sunshine and San Francisco sourdough. Fell in love with this wine when I worked at Domaine Chandon, in Yountville, CA, where it is paired with unimaginably exquisite dishes everyday. Sustainably produced.
England Cavendish 2009 Ridgeview Estates
Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Approx: $32
Yes, England! A delightful surprise from an “Island Wine” themed blind tasting this past fall. I haven’t forgotten it. Was struck by its full yet elegant character. And the way that I was almost certain it was Champagne, even though, of course, Champagne is not an island.
Pelaverga Metodo Classico Brut Rose S-ciopet 2009 Castello di Verduno
Grape: Pelaverga
Approx $47
Pelaverga is a variety native to Piedmont’s village of Verduno. 11 producers work with pelaverga. In S-ciopet, Mario Andrion of Castello di Verduno crafts the grape into a metodo classico style rose. META-PRETTY and sustainably produced.
Bubbles!
-For more ideas, here are 2 posts from last year:
Bubbles to Love and Auld Lang Syne.
-Also, Grapes of Cath’s “Things That Sparkle” category to poke through.
And a few more links…
-Meg Houston Maker’s Palate Press Piece: Drinking Stars: Sparkling Wines for Holiday Celebrations
-Eric Asimov for the NYT: Deft Hands Behind the Bubbles
-And if you want get all scientific about it, Champagne Physics- or What Science Can Tell You About Drinking Your Bubbly by Erika Szymanski for Palate Press.
“In The New Year” by The Walkmen.
*Hover over photos for source info.
