Sparking wine is for any occasion
One of the great pities of the wine world is that some how, some way, sparkling wines have gotten the reputation of being associated only with celebrations. Stuff and nonsense! The most probable reason is that in the past, sparkling wines were expensive and presenting them at an important event indicated the extreme in luxury.
That was then, this is now and there are many sparkling wines on the market that are of excellent quality and are extremely affordable. Sparkling wines are the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal, from filet mignon to meat loaf. Where wine can add elegance to a meal, sparkling wines will add opulence.
Our friends in Australia have perfected the manufacture of sparkling wines and are now producing them at very reasonable prices, making them readily available to one and all. These are wines that should be considered in place of "the usual suspects" to grace your table during the upcoming holiday season.
Yellowglen Yellow, Non-Vintage Australian Sparkling Wine ($11.99). To the eye Yellowglen looks like any typical sparkling wine, light straw in color with small long lasting bubbles. It is in the aroma and flavor area where this wine really shines.
This sparkler is endowed with a creamy melon, citrus and pineapple flavor. The aroma, which ends with a yeast and toasted bread aftertaste, lingers in the mouth for a very long time. This is the perfect wine to accompany our winter holiday dinners because it can stand up to the ham or turkey as well as the assorted side dishes, sweet or not.
Yellowglen Pink, Non-Vintage Australian Sparkling Wine ($11.99). We have said it before and will say it again, we are unabashed pinot noir lovers and that is exactly the grape used to make this sparkling wine with a bit of chardonnay thrown in for added depth of flavor and aroma. The color is an inviting pale pink and the aroma very distinctly pinot noir.
As with the Yellowglen Yellow, the bubbles are small and long lasting. The aroma displays strawberries with hints of lemon and lime. The fruits of the aroma carry through to the flavor where they mingle with a hint of yeast and bread. .This wine will elicit smiles and praise for your choice.
Jacob's Creek Non-Vintage Rosé ($11.99). Here is a treat for sparkling wine lovers. It is a wine of great flavor and character displaying a beautiful and inviting salmon-pink color. This wine has been fermented in the bottle so there is no chance of it being a cheap, artificially carbonated wine. The aroma of black cherries combined with raspberries and strawberries invite the first sip. On the palate, the wine displays a medium body which supports the fruit flavors of berries and peaches.
There is also a very positive and excellent bread-like flavor that weaves in and out of the fruit. This is an exceptional sparkling wine worth far more than its very affordable price tag indicates
Jacob's Creek Non-Vintage Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Brut Cuvée ($11.99). This is the most popular style of sparkling wine from Jacob's Creek and the first sip will show you why. This wine is a beautiful blend of the two classical grape varieties used in making all fine champagne; pinot noir and chardonnay. The Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Brut Cuvée displays a rich and fresh nature. The pinot noir imparts a cherry-like element while the chardonnay contributes depth and character as well as a hint of tropical fruits. The fruits of the flavor linger in the mouth long after the wine has been swallowed. This delightful wine is a must for all sparkling wine lovers, celebrations or not.