Tuesday, December 30, 2014

New Years Eve Sparkles


The holidays are coming to an end, as is 2014, but there is still New Years Eve to plan for and it's one of my favorites. Why? Because it's an evening for celebration, anticipation and most importantly sparkling wine and Champagne! What will you be sipping? I invite you to explore my favorite go-tos from Champagne to sparklers from all over the world to help you better ring in the New Year!

Champagne....the real thing....

NV Perrier-Jouet, Grand Brut: It's a classic beauty, elegant with beautiful packaging and is composed of  all three of the classic Champagne grapes...Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier

2004 Bollinger, le Grand Annee Brut: Ring in the New Year as James Bond would, powerful, yet refined with notes of toasted almonds, honey and a smokey minerality.

NV Ruinart Rose: Celebrate with a pretty little piece of history, Ruinart celebrated it's 250th anniversary in 2014 of Rose Champagne making and it doesn't hurt that is deliciously gorgeous with strawberries, red currants, and roses, be sure to guard your glass!

NV Chartogne-Taillet, le Rose: Perhaps a little lesser known but divine none the less. It's a crowd pleaser bursting with ripe cherries, red currants and pastry dough.

Sparkling From Around the World:

NV Lucien Albrecht, Blanc de Blancs, Cremant d'Alsace, France: 100% Pinot Blanc, one of the best sparklers for under $20... Rich, baked apple, spice and almonds

2010 Schramsberg, Blanc de Blancs, North Coast, CA: A regal 100% Chardonnay sparkler that has been a constant at The White House with crisp green apple, white flowers and brioche.

2009 Domaine Carneros, Brut, Carneros, CA: Taittinger's domestic sparkler; sleek and balanced...pears, vanilla and baked bread

NV Ca'del Bosco, Cuvée Prestige, Franciacorta, Italy: I can't get enough of this wine that reigns from what some say is Italy's answer to France's Champagne... Comprised of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Nero with notes of golden delicious apples, lemon curd and brioche. Bring a real conversation piece to the party!

Happy New Year and Cheers to 2015!