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Sparkling wine is a universal symbol of celebration, whether you are in a restaurant, entertaining with friends (it’s Valentine’s Day, so hopefully not too many friends) or just a quiet dinner for two, it makes every moment seem more special. “There are now so many great sparkling wine options, from crisp aperitif styles, to softer food friendly wines, to luscious Rose sparkling wines,” says Jacob L. Briars, Martini & Rossi’s Global Advocacy Director. “Opening a bottle of sparkling wine, and pouring a glass for someone special, is a great way to show that you want this to be a celebration.”
So, whether you’re celebrating a year with your significant other or the pure bliss of being single, sparkling wine is always a safe bet. “Additionally, champagne pairs well with traditional romantic foods such as oysters, cheese, lobster, strawberries, and sushi,” says Brett Vankoski, Vice President and Co-Founder, Latitude Beverage Company.
Sparkling wine consumption is on the rise and this is mostly because it’s no longer just a beverage for the elite. You don’t need to be at a black tie soiree to enjoy a glass (or three). For years, I thought sparkling wine (specifically champagne) was a drink that was only appropriate for New Years Eve. It was my fault that I wasn’t enjoying this tasty beverage more than once per year. “Champagne is being purchased and drank so often due to the fact that it is an affordable luxury,” says Vankoski. “Many consumers associate the sound of champagne popping with special and celebratory occasions and in recent years, the younger millennial generation seek out champagne and other sparkling wine to drink more casually in popular drinks such as mimosas and bellinis.”
Choosing The Right Sparkling Wine For You
Keep an open mind when it comes to choosing your sparkling wine. There are many different styles and varieties at different price points that can speak to one’s palate and each individual type of sparkling wine has its own special flavor and nuance.
On the supply side, there are simply more great options. “A generation ago, most stores carried only Champagne, which is generally expensive and can be intimidating for many people,” says Briars. “The huge array of great options from around the world, now offer sparkling wines at every price point and with a wide variety of flavors and styles. Prosecco, which is ‘so hot right now’ is extremely good value, great wines at excellent prices, and especially good with food.”
Remember that expensive sparkling wine doesn’t always correlate with quality, so experiment with and try a variety of different Champagnes and settle on a brand or style that you enjoy the most and that makes you happy. “There’s nothing better than the sound of a cork pop,” says Vankoski.
Not all wine containing bubbles is called “Champagne” and this is a very common misconception among many consumers. “It’s only truly Champagne if it says so on the label, meaning that the grapes used to make the wine are grown in the Champagne region of France and the wine is made according to the specialized Champagne method,” says Vankoski. If you’re looking for a solid alternative sparkling wine, look for language like “Méthode Champenoise” or “Traditional Method” on the bottle and you’ll find a less expensive, but equally tasty counterpart to champagne.
There are so many different styles, from rich, full Champagnes, through to dry, lean cava. “Italian sparkling wines, such as prosecco, are a perfect introduction if you are trying sparkling wines for the first time,” says Briars. Don’t be too worried about opening the bottle. “Just keep your hand over the cork, and turn the bottle, rather than the cork, it makes it much easier.”
He says when pouring sparkling wine, keep the glasses on a 45 degree angle, to minimize spills. And if you have sparkling wine left over, you can get creative with cocktails. “Try Martini Prosecco with peach puree or nectar, to make the classic Bellini, or add a little St Germain, an elderflower liqueur, to your sparkling wine to make a delicious cocktail known as a ‘Twinkle’ that everyone is guaranteed to love.”
La Clé de la Femme
La Clé de la Femme is a carefully crafted Champagne harvested from grapes in the Marne Valley. Made from 80% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay, the wine expresses aromas of apple and white pear along with more subtle notes of almond, buttered toast and baking spices and is $35.99 for 750mL bottle.
Veuve Clicquot Rich
Designed for mixology, Clicquot Rich is best when served over ice with fresh and seasonal fruits, herbs and teas. Each ingredient mixed with Clicquot Rich transforms the flavors of the champagne, making it ideal to enjoy at any time of day, at any occasion, or alongside any meal. Additionally, the Clicquot Rich bottle is designed to glow in the dark, adding a festive flair to any occasion and is $63 for a 750ml bottle.
MARTINI Prosecco DOC
With the flavors of apples, pears and other crisp flavors, this prosecco is perfectly paired with cheddar cheese, grilled meats and seafood. Woo your Valentine by serving this great value prosecco on February 14th. It’s a very easy on the wallet price of $14.99 for a 750ml bottle.
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée NV
The “official champagne of James Bond” is well-known for using Pinot Noir grapes (60%). This creates a unique, memorable fizz that you won’t soon forget. This is also the only champagne that has appeared in the secret agent films since the first one in 1979. Bollinger even has special 375ml half bottles, 750ml regular bottles and 1.5 liter magnums (if you’re having that kind of Valentines Day).
Cupcake Vineyards Prosecco
The name Cupcake Vineyards might turn you off to this prosecco. But, just know that cupcakes are delicious and so is this prosecco. Enjoy a bottle of this delicious, fruit-filled, effervescent wine with that special someone or by yourself (if you’re celebrating your single status).
PIPER-HEIDSIECK Cuveé Brut
This is as classic as champagne gets. Like Bollinger, this champagne is made mostly from Pinot Noir. It’s also a blend of over one-hundred crus from the Champagne region in France.
