I am not an expert, just a discerning wine lover or amateur de vin (as the French say), but everyone has a different palate, likes and dislikes so it must be understood that any of my recommendations are personal. I just hope that you find them useful or at the very least - interesting. I also hope you enjoy my photos. It is more fun sharing then keeping them backed up on a hard drive.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Versatile sparkling a match for many foods.


I realize that I spend a disproportionate amount of time on my blog talking about sparkling wine but it is just so versatile, so yummy and makes one smile while drinking it (or at least that is my experience). One of its great attributes is its ease to pair with food. Bubbles stimulate the palate and the fresh acidity cleanses. Sparklers have a nice creamy mouth-feel but are both light in body and alcohol (comparatively) so match easily with a variety of foods without over-powering. Sparkling wines often have a faint sweetness which pairs beautifully with salty foods. Cheese is a great match because sparkling can stand up to tangy goat cheeses as well as creamy cheeses like brie. And don’t forget that bubbles are great for brunch because they are one of the few wines that pair well with eggs and because a splash of orange juice or cassis adds a festive flare! Not all bubbles have to cost as much as Champagne. Every wine-producing country has a more accessible alternative. Even here, right in our own backyard – Ontario makes some high quality Traditional Method sparkling wine at prices that won’t break the bank.

A quick search of "sparkling" on my blog will turn up many of my go-to bubbles but there is a lot of fine choices out there and my list is long so here are some more:

CODORNÍU PINOT NOIR BRUT ROSÉ CAVA 
VINTAGES 665372 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 17.95 

FREIXENET CORDON NEGRO BRUT 
LCBO 216945 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 13.95 

ROEDERER ESTATE BRUT SPARKLING 
VINTAGES 294181 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 24.90 

FEATHERSTONE JOY PREMIUM CUVÉE SPARKLING WINE 2008 
VINTAGES 310334 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 34.95 

HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE BRUT SPARKLING WINE 
LCBO 217521 | 750 mL bottle  Price $ 29.95 

13TH STREET PREMIER CUVÉE 2008 
VINTAGES 142679 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 34.95 

FLAT ROCK CELLARS RIDDLED SPARKLING WINE 2008 
VINTAGES 187377 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 24.95 

PROSECCO CONEG VALDOBBIA VENET(LA MARCA) 
VINTAGES 927004 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 19.95