culture
Unwined: Now with More Bubbles
A few under-$20 reasons to keep you reaching for sparkling wine that doesn't suck.
Sparkling wine tends to fall into one of two categories in people’s minds: the expensive stuff we save for special occasions around Christmas or New Years, or the very cheap stuff that we mix with our orange juice for Sunday brunch. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Around my house, I’ve coined a new term: “Just-because sparkling.” In other words, sparkling wine is something we should all think about drinking a little more of just because it’s one of the most food-friendly wines on LCBO shelves.
Here’s why. The crisp acidity and bubbles work to cleanse your palate while drinking it, so it doesn’t interfere with what you’re eating. The other reason is that there are a lot of really good sparkling wines under the $25 mark. While these may not be Dom Perignon or Krug, they’re still totally decent and drinkable; there’s so much more out there than Spumante Bambino and Baby Duck. Here’s a list of very good bubblies under $20, including two that received medals at the Ontario Wine Awards this year.
Colio Methode Cuve Close Lily – LCBO 418657 – $16.95 – This wine took home the silver medal at the 2015 Ontario Wine Awards, and with good reason: its perfectly balanced acidity carries hints of vanilla that linger and fill your whole mouth. The nose is apple and lemon with nice yeasty notes of rising bread dough, grounded in Golden Delicious and tangerine. This wine is perfect to drink on its own, no food pairing necessary.
Konzelmann Rosé – LCBO 184176 – $16.20 – The nose is subtle on this dry rosé with light raspberry that, along with a touch of jammy strawberry, carries into the flavour. Try serving with a lightly seasoned steak to let the gentle flavours on this Ontario Wine Awards bronze winner really sing.
2013 Casa Dea Dea’s Cuvée – Vintages 261263 – $18.95 – There is apple and peach on the nose of this crisp and refreshing sparkling wine, with flavours that match. There is a bit of sweetness in this bottle but it does strike a perfect balance with acidity, making for an essential poultry wine. If you’re going to save it for a special occasion put this on to the table next to turkey; if you’re tossing it back on the patio, enjoy with fried chicken.
2013 Vieni Momenti – LCBO TBD – $13.95 – If you love the flavour of Granny Smith apples, this vidal and pinot grigio blend is definitely for you. This is a great wine to serve at brunch with our without orange juice, with its strong apple flavours pairing well with breakfast meats.