Like so many other wine bloggers, I have identified my preferred wines of 2013…yes, all over the internet are the proverbial “favorites” of wine lovers so please forgive me! I have had plenty of beautiful bubbles this year when celebrating special occasions, at a luncheon with “the girls”, enjoying a glass (or two) during dinner parties, or simply sipping after a long day of work! However, I reviewed all of my articles from the year and felt that the sparklers I have chosen as my favorites expressed something unique and interesting which may entice you to try them for yourself! I have linked my already published article about each wine so that you can get a bit more information along with photographs so please go back and read more. All of these delicious sparkling wines from around the world were either sent to me as a sample or tasted at a winemaker’s dinner to which I was invited.
Happy New Year 2014!!
**Ferrari Perle Rose 2006 – 80% Pinot Noir was blended with 20% Chardonnay to “increase the character” of this sparkler. And with the Chardonnay, the Rose “will remain fresh, lush, drinkable”. These words from Marcello Lunelli described this wine perfectly. The stunning pink and copper colors in the glass were beautiful and light aromas of cherries, earth, and ginger then tastes of minerality and rose petals burst from the glass. Powerful and complex, this wine was brilliantly paired with squab, kaffir, green strawberry and sorrel. The cost is around $35. Perfection and Prestige ~ The Elegance of Grace and Ferrari Wines
**Bocelli Family Wines Prosecco DOC – Paired with fresh shrimp, I absolutely enjoyed these Italian bubbles from 100% Prosecco (or some may say Glera) grapes . The vineyard from which these grapes were sourced is in Valdobbiadene, Veneto, an area where Prosecco grapes call “home”! The unoaked sparkler itself was light with subtle floral aromas and tastes of stone fruits such as peaches and apricots. The finish was lingering with the scant minerality which I have grown to love. At a price tag of around $15.00, you will find Bocelli’s Prosecco a gift to swirl, sip, and savor. The Gifts of Andrea Bocelli – Happy Valentine’s Day
**Gustave Lorentz Cremant d’Alsace Brut, NV – Another sparkling winner from France was this dry wine from 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Blanc, and 33% Pinot Noir. More bubbles, fresh aromas, and subtle tastes of citrus with the high acidity I love make this Cremant d’Alsace a wonderful choice for any occasion! Cost is $24.99. (This post was from December 24, 2012, but I had to include it!! Cremant d’Alsace Continues the Holiday Sparkle!
**Anna de Codorniu Brut, NV – It’s high time you try Cava from Spain! This sparkler sent to me as a sample was the first Cava to incorporate Chardonnay in its blend and the result is a lovely fresh quality with soft aromas and character. The Chardonnay grapes were cultivated in the D.O. Cava region with a continental climate which provides the grapes with concentration, lower acidity, and greater body and intensity. The Parellada variety comes from the Penedes area. With its hot, Mediterranean climate the grapes open earlier which guarantees higher acidity coupled with citrus and floral aromas. I love this wine’s clean pale yellow color and continuous bubbles just dancing away in the glass! Aromas of tropical fruit led to soft tastes of refreshing fruit. Just wonderful! Cost is $18. Wine for Your Weekend – November 15-17, 2013
Perhaps you’ll choose one (or more!) of my favorite sparkling wines for New Year’s Eve. But just remember that you don’t need a reason to enjoy a bottle of bubbles – make any moment a time to sparkle!
Cheers to a fantastic 2014! ~ Cindy
