Enjoy a Sparkling *Fourth of July*

Fireworks in the sky help celebrate the independence of our country, but so does a traditional American cookout with juicy burgers on the grill, corn on the cob, potato salad, deviled eggs, and sticky s’mores or Mom’s homemade apple crisp.  Is your neighborhood planning a big party?  Perhaps your children will decorate their bikes with flags and lead the parade or you’ll orchestrate the water balloon fight, egg toss, or good ‘ole three legged race before everyone heads to the fairgrounds for the Fourth of July fireworks show.  But something else can (safely) sparkle on your palate while all of this is happening…a few bottles of bubbles!  And trust me, sips of the wines reviewed below will make the entire day much more fun!

Recently, I was sent three bottles of sparkling wine from Banfi Vintners to sample.  Each will pair wonderfully with appetizers, your main dish, and dessert and I thought that they would be terrific suggestions for your red, white, and blue (or rosé) festivities.  I suggest saving a glass or two for the fireworks themselves so that your Fourth of July will sparkle in more ways than one!

*Bolla Prosecco (sample) – Bright and pale gold in the flute, the gentle citrus aromas of pears and stone fruit made me want to have the first sip.  Fruity and refreshing, this Prosecco from the Glera grape will pair with anything you serve – from the first bite of cheese to the spicy bratwurst to the chocolate chip cookies.  You may want to purchase a few bottles of this!  Cost is $11.

*Bolla Sparkling Rosé (sample) – As soon as I poured this pale pink wine in the glass, the bubbles were persistent and well, happy!  From the hillside vineyards of Trevigiano in the region of Veneto, this sparkler is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Raboso.  I loved the floral, raspberry, and citrus aromas and well as the crisp, extra dry, citrus tastes.  This is a light, summery wine which will pair beautifully with your appetizers or when your little girls says, “Mommy, this is the funnest day ever!”.  Cost is $11.

*Rosa Regale (sample) – Now this is one lovely sparkling wine and if you’ve never tried the Banfi Piemonte Rosa Regale from the Brachetto grape, you must.  The dark cherry red color and aromas of rose petals, ripe red berries, and a hint of minerality led to tastes of the same with some juicy apple on the clean finish.  If you’re having grilled seafood or tangy burgers this will be delicious.  And it will be a fantastic pairing with those s’mores!  Cost is $18.

Cheers to a sparkling Fourth of July! ~ Cindy