6 bottles of bubbly that will put you at the top of Santa's nice list

Dec 19 2017, 9:08 pm

With the holiday season in full force, chances are you’ll either be entertaining guests at home or attending the hip gatherings of friends and coworkers. Regardless of which one, it can be daunting to figure out what to serve or bring.

Quite simply, sparkling wine is the answer to everything. Sadly, there’s a perception that bubbly is anchored to celebration only, and that’s a shame. Actual Champagne, perhaps. It’s important to remember that to be called Champagne, the wine has to come from the actual Champagne region of France. But when you look at bubbles around the globe, there are affordable bottles that can be enjoyed every day.

No matter the occasion, you can easily find fantastic sparkling wines from Australia, Spain, Argentina and British Columbia.

Here are six sparkling wines both from around the globe and here at home that will be a welcome addition to any soirée — and your palate!

1. Caves de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé – Burgundy, France – approx. $28

Caves de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé

Possibly the prettiest package to have in tote and it punches well above its weight. Dried, wild strawberry, focused rhubarb notes with a sliver of acidity. A wine that will land you right under the mistletoe! Available at Liberty Wine Merchants and selected private stores.

2. Jansz Premium Cuvée MV – Tasmania, Australia – $25.95

jansz rose

Nothing short of brilliant! This Australian bottle is loaded with roasted almond, nougat, honeysuckle and apricot blossoms. Creamy on the palate with versatility on the table. This is your “partridge in a pear tree” wine. Available at BCLDB Stores.

3. Segura Viudas Brut Rosé – Penedès, Spain – $16.99

Segura Viudas Brut Rosé

Always the perfect everyday, go-to wine. Cava (the official name for sparkling from Spain) offers some of the best value in bubbles around and this is proof in your pudding. Dry and refined with bright acidity, crushed strawberry and cranberry through a clean, purposeful finish. At this price, stock up! Available at BCLDB Stores.

4. Haywire ‘The Bub’ 2012 – Okanagan Valley, British Columbia – $25

Haywire 'The Bub' 2012

A blend of pinot noir and chardonnay from our back yard. It plays the perfect game of Shock and Awe. Power-charged with fresh, green apple madness and rewarding with supple, toasty, lemon yeast through a finish that delivers smiles and yuletides. Available online direct or at private wine shops.

5. Paul Bara Rosé – Champagne, France – $59.90

Paul Bara Rosé

This iconic Grower Champagne is for the sophisticated brat in you. Laced with rose hip, cherry and almond. Thoughtful, expressive, meaningful and immensely complex. A sleigh full of reward and perfect for curling up in front of the fire. Available at Marquis Wine Cellars.

6. Escorihuela Extra Brut 1884 – Mendoza, Argentina – $20.99

Escorihuela Extra Brut 1884

Argentina doesn’t just do Malbec! This wine was a huge surprise to me. It brings your palate the comfort of baked shortbread covered in lemon zest on pear compote. If you’re too exhausted to bake Christmas goodies, just drink this! Available at BCLDB Stores.

 

Happy Holidays and remember to drink responsibly!

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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