Wine Talk by Art of the Table
December 28 , 2010
|
|
|
|
 Traditionally for New Years' Eve people get together, eat a little better food than we would on a daily basis,
laugh and toast to the new year with a good bottle of bubbles. Sometimes Champagne, but we've got other choices for your crowd or intimate group.
The tradition is to serve true Champagne though,
and we wonder why?
Franciacorta, Prosecco and Cava are certainly delicious bubbly options too...
Sparkling wine was invented in France's Languedoc region in 1535 and wasn't even brought to Champagne until the early 1700s. So why Champagne? The answer is unfortunately more folklore than fact, but elements do certainly make sense.
Before Champagne was known for sparkling wines, it was well regarded for centuries for still wines as they were used for royal coronations and the French aristocracy and its tribute to foreign kings, as this is still in practice today.
During the industrial revolution, particularly at the start of World War I, Champagne revitalized itself into the splendor it once enjoyed in the mid 19th century. With expensive advertising and the image of decadence and indulgence, it was impossible to see yourself feeling sad with a bottle of amazing bubbly in the perfect glass. Though it was during a time of destruction and terror, passion and bubbles and good food remained. Even Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister during World War II, said:
"Remember, gentlemen, it's not just
France we are fighting for,
it's Champagne!"
Whatever the reason is for sparkling wine being a festive pleasure, I'm happy it is. Every time I taste good bubbles, I have a reason to be happy. The cork popped, the bubbles filling the glass and the satisfaction of flavor on the palate is true pleasure.
Remember Mark Twain's wise words,
"Too much of anything is bad, but too much
Champagne is just right."
|
Champagne
| |
Roger Coulon Grand Tradition Premier Cru ~ Champagne
A wonderful grower-producer (think real farmer!) from Givrny. One of the most full bodied Champagnes we have, and certainly a cult favorite among wine lovers and those who work in the wine industry. It's simply outstanding with its notes of orange blossom, lemon, terroir driven chalk and even hints of butterscotch!
The 'Grand Tradition' is a cepage of 50% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. The Chardonnay sees at least 7 months in oak, giving the wine complexity while still being vibrant and structured. The best part is it's light years better than the likes of Dom Perignon or Cristal, at a fraction of the price.
$61
Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Special Club Premier Cru $89
Pierre Peters Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs $49
Guy Larmandier Premier Cru a Vertus $48
Marc Hebrart Premier Cru Brut $56.75
Gaston Chiquet Premier Cru Tradition $54
Heidsieck & Co Monopole Blue Top $45
(not a grower/producer Champagne, but still amazing)
Also available, large bottles of Champagne in a Magnum (1.5liters) at $100 and Jeroboam (3liters!) at $200 of Montaudon Champagne! These make the perfect centerpiece for the party!
|
|
|
Other Sparkling Wines
| Brutell Franciacorta Brut ~ Italy DOCG
100% Chardonnay, this is intensely delicious. Showing off its Chardonnay characters it highlights of apple, pear and mineral with ample mousse. It spends a whopping 24 months on yeast, and the bubbles are fine and consistent. The packaging is beautiful with hand written bottle numbers and batch numbers. Only 3,246 bottles were made...this right here makes it truly special...
$30.75
Canals Nadal, Brut Cava
Really full-bodied Cava with tones of lemongrass, peach, light notes of chalk and a bone dry, big poppy bubble finish. Cava is very under appreciated and certainly worth a taste.
$19
Kila Cava
Our newest cava choice for inexpensive bubble sippiing or for blending with your favorite peach, mango, orange juices for a morning after treat. And have you tried it with the Pama for a joyous pomegranate bubbly treat?
$9
Other non-Champagne bubblies we are in love with:
Progetti Divini Prosecco $19
Olivini Lugana Brut $24
Il Follo Prosecco $13.50
Lelle Prosecco $12.50
Gerard Bertrand Brut Rose Cremant de Limoux $19.50
Zinck Cremant d'Alsace $20.50
Marques de Gelida Cava $15.50
|
And now for something
completely different!
| |  If you're not into the dry stuff but still want to have some bubbly to toast in the new year with, get a bottle of Moscato d'Asti to satisfy both your sweet tooth, and your desire to celebrate.
Also if you are a Michigan wine fan, we stock multiple offerings from
L. Mawby including his wonderful Blanc de Blancs, his Brut Rose-Sex, and a few other great sparkling wines.
Ever had sparkling red wine? You should.
The Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz ~ Australia
Not sweet, but dessert friendly. Actually, I'm a big fan of this stuff with spicy roasted pork tenderloin. Plum and cherry hit the palate with force from the bubbles, and a spice characteristic won't back down all the way through the wine. Also, look for a hint of oak barrel on the palate. So try it with a big rich chocolate cake
or just pair it with the eve. $21
|
Remember our case discounts apply on bubbly too!
6 bottles = 5%
12 mixed bottles = 10%
12 straight case = 15%
Hours this holiday week:
Open until 8pm through Thursday
Friday - 9am until 5pm
Saturday & Sunday - closed
|
|
|
|
|
|
