Author: Dirk Chan
It’s hard to believe summer took its sweet time arriving. I’ve hardly drank any reds the past month – instead whites, rosés and especially sparkling wines all seem to hit the spot for sitting out on the deck, or hosting a backyard party with friends and relatives. When the ambient temperature is hig, a big bold red can taste alcoholic, meanderingly big and overblown whereas a sparkling wine tastes refreshing and light, gentle and enticing. Not surprisingly, they can pair with any course of food you care to throw at it: certainly for appetizers, but amazing versatile with light meats like fish, chicken and even pork. While Champagne is getting very expensive and more and more left for major celebrations, there are many great values in sparkling wines from all over the world that allow us to enjoy a sparkler without breaking the bank. Here are a few recommendations:
- NV Seppelt Great Western Brut (Victoria, South Australia) – $13.49 – the undisputed quality for price ratio champ, this has long been a deVine best seller with its citrus notes, tangy mouthfeel and gentle bubbles. It’s very good for the price yet you won’t bleed if you blend it with orange juice for a mimosa.
- NV Celli Brut (Romagna, Italy) – $19.99. While proseccos have been front and center recently, this Trebbiano Chardonnay blend marches closer to the French Champagne style with its hints of bread notes. Lovely dry style.
- NV Chateau Langlois Cremant de Loire (Loire Valley, France) – $26.99. Made in the traditional methode style. From mostly Chenin Blanc with some Chardonnay and CabFranc, all chosen from the best terroirs in Saumaur. Creamy, fruity and stylish, this is intriguing and bone dry.
- NV Canella Mimosa Blood Orange Prosecco (Italy) – $15.99 – this latest entry in the fruit sparklers from Canella is this Blood Orange Mimosa. Not as sweet as the peach or the now defunct strawberry versions, this is refreshing will a wonderful taste of Sicilian oranges. Delicious.
- NV Zoemie de Sousa Merveille (Champagne, France) – $54.99. For the Champagne lover, this is an amazing wine from the most famous bubbles producing region in the world. Stellar value, honey, apples, grilled hazelnuts and toasty notes make this a great Champagne that doesn’t break the bank. Enjoy the summer while it lasts!