SAUCE MAGAZINE
Posted On: 01/01/2009
Another New Year’s Eve has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you should banish the bubbly. Sauce wine columnist Glenn Bardgett, who admits to rarely meeting a sparkling wine he doesn’t like, offers three suggestions for starting 2009 with a pop.
Cristalino Brut Cava, Penedès, Spain
I had not tasted this amazing value for several years. Duh! This is a true bottle-fermented, traditional method sparkling wine and, at about $10, may be the best deal going for people who like a bit o’ bubbly. It’s a very classy buy, but don’t wait for an occasion. Drink this tonight with David Letterman.
Iron Horse Wedding Cuvée 2005, Sonoma County, Calif.
Produced for the vintner’s daughter’s wedding, this Pinot Noir-dominated blend has become an icon of West Coast sparklers. While many of the California bubblies are French-owned, this is truly the ultimate expression of Sonoma wines with carbonation. Great for pairing with goat cheeses or beautiful grilled seafood.
Paringa Sparkling Shiraz 2004, South Australia, Australia
Red wine and bubbles might seem odd at first, but I am a huge fan of red sparkling wines. During warmer months, they’re perfect with grilled foods. When pairing in the wintertime, think inside the box for this sparkler from Down Under: pizza. Really.
