by Mike Stolese

With New Years Eve rapidly approaching, we thought it was time to tackle the world of sparkling wine.

Some look at sparkling wine as a “special occasion” beverage. Now, me? I’m a believer that bubbles are a 365-day-a year beverage. Just one man’s opinion.

There are many versions of sparkling wine. Everyone is familiar with Champagne, which only comes from the Champagne region of France and sits atop the price scale, with good reason. Champagne can be a single varietal…for example, 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs), 100% Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier, or a blend of the two (Blanc de Noirs). Or, it may be the traditional blend of white and red grapes.

Champagne is labor intensive: fermented and aged in bottle, with each bottle needing to be riddled (a turning of the bottles to collect sediment in the neck of the bottle). The cork is then disgorged to remove the sediment, and a mix of sugar and wine (“dosage”) is then added to balance the wine and aid in the aging process. Champagnes offer tight bubbles, hints of yeast and toast. The white wine-driven versions offer citrus and apple flavors, while the red grape-dominant bubblies show more berry and spice.

Now, we move on to some other wonderful sparkling wines such as Cava from Spain, made in the same method as Champagne (“méthode champenoise”). Cavas are less expensive, using indigenous grapes, but don’t have the aging potential that Champagne has. With that said, it’s a very refreshing bubbly…some incredible value can be found in Cavas.

As there are many sparking wines and I have limited space, we will finish with Prosecco from Italy. Proseccos are fermented in a tank, as opposed to the bottle. This method is called “Charmat.” Charmat offers a less expensive and faster way of getting wines to market, and they are priced accordingly. On the lower end, you may pick up a hint of sweetness, but Prosecco is crisp and fresh, with bright fruit.

For your handy reference, we’ve provided a list of some of my favorites from each category…be sure to check this out as you shop for your New Year’s Eve celebration!