Put a Sparkle in Your Holiday The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years are prime time for entertaining friends, family, and business associates. For this time of year, a sparkling wine or unique Hors D'ouevre will add a special touch to your gala.
Below we have a few sparkling suggestions to spice up your gatherings.
Sparkling Wines Around the World
So often we ask for Champagne when we're simply looking for a wine with
bubbles. So, what is the difference between a Champagne and a Sparkling
wine?
Champagne
Champagne must come from the region of Champagne in France. Champagne is
the area that developed the standards for producing the delicate bubbles that add
such fun and excitement to any event.
Then terroir of Champagne is different than any other wine growing region in the world. The soil is layered over thick deposits of chalk. This chalky soil translates onto the
palate as a bone-dry, mineral rich solid flavor.
While many wines that sparkle are produced around the world, only Champagne holds
all of the elements to produce such a dry, elegant and refreshing wine. A perennial
favorite is Veuve Clicquot, because it is consistently sublime in the delivery of teeny
tiny bubbles. Vueve Cliquot also uses more Pinot Noir than most Champagne Houses, which helps create a bigger body and more of a structure than many wines from Champagne.
Also from France
Not All Sparkling Wines from France are Champagne. While they may look as prestigious, French sparkling wines offer a more moderate price-tag. One of our value French sparkling wines is the Charles LaFitte Rose Prestige at a bargain price of around $14.99 (current State-Minimum pricing.)
Closer to Home
Throughout the world, many wine producers use the Method Champanoise, or Champagne Method, to produce a beautiful sparkling wine. While these wines don't possess the super dry, mineral palate of Champagne, they are still excellent wines.
One such wine is Chandon.
Chandon is made in the Carneros region of California by the Champagne House
of Moet and Chandon. What you'll find in this wine is a much more forward fruit than is found in Champagne. The brightness of the fruit shines through in this wine, and creates
a palate that is pure California.
Sparkling Sweetness
Other sparkling wines to consider are Moscatos. Produced from the Moscato grape,
this grape has a tendency to retain its sweetness, and it is an excellent addition to the dessert table.
Opera Prima Moscato is a classic dessert wine at a bargain price of $6.99.*
*(current State Minimum pricing)
Let's Get The Party Started!
Caprese Bite
Place a cube of fresh mozzarella in the shell
Bake for 8 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Top with Robert Rothschild Farm Roasted Red Pepper & Onion Dip & Relish and minced basil.
Your guests will love it.
Check out the Robert Rothschild Farm website for more easy to prepare recipes.
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