You say Champagne, I say Sparkling!

 

Story by April Schlanger, owner of Sip…A Wine Store located in Preston Walk off Cary Parkway in Cary.

Bubbles can make us smile and laugh.  If you see bubbles in your glass it’s a sign that a great time lies ahead. With New Year’s Eve around the corner, we asked April for her take on some current favorites. Bubbles are diverse; some are stuck up, some are sexy, a few are sweet and many are dry.  Regardless of how you like them, bubbles are what you need to celebrate the season.

Here are three ranges in price and style for your consideration this holiday season.

The Sweet Ones For Less $

If sweet is what you crave consider a bottle of Moscato, but not one from Asti.  The Piedmont region in Italy is not the only place to buy rose scented bubbles of joy.  Spain has been growing this grape for generations and because it is less established, you will also save a few bucks.  My favorite is La Ardilla Moscato de Valencia, it’s organically farmed with low alcohol.  This wine is intensely fragrant with a rose scented nose.  The wine has lively flavors of apricots, orange and honey.  Sweet, lush and balanced bottle of bubbly that will make you feel sweet and sassy.
$12.00

Robust and Medium Priced

If you’re looking for something a little more voluptuous and full bodied, consider a Franck Besson, Rose Granit, Sparkling Gamay.  This organically grown lovely pink hued wine from hand harvested grapes is planted in pink granite near the village of Julienas in Beaujolais.  A lovely wine with aromas of fresh strawberry and raspberry. A sexy wine with refined bubbles that add to the refreshing character of the wine. The wine is perfectly balanced with a lusty dry finish.
$24.99

A True Champagne For More $

If you want to feel dapper and you desire true Champagne, try Duval Leroy.  A classic producer that blends Pinot Noir and Chardonnay makes this a Champagne of true quality.  This is a big Champagne with aromas and flavors of graphite, toast, lemon and hazelnuts. No one will be unimpressed by this wine.  It is available in 3 sizes.

187 ml $15.99

750ml’s $54.99

1.5L’s $109.00

For The Non-Wine Drinker

And if you’re not a wine drinker, consider a bottle of Mead.  Chatoe Rouge 19 Original Colonies Mead is made from only 5 ingredients, Rogue Hopyard Honey, Wild Flower Honey, Jasmine silver Tip Green Tea Leaves, Champagne Yeast and Free Range Coastal Water.  It is lovely and aromatic with subtle jasmine and floral notes.  A great alternative to Champagne.

Safety First!

Be sure to open all bottles of Bubbles safely, some corks have been known to disgorge at 40 MPH!

About Sip:

Sip’s motto “how green is your grape?” sums up their business: the store specializes in wines and craft beers that are grown sustainably and using organic methods. Owner April has extensive wine knowledge and is willing to assist customers pair wines with meals or occasions.