The 12 Essential Wines of Christmas - Bubbles for the Holidays!

Bubbles, bubbles - I love bubbles. Why? Because ​bubbles can be served on their own or with food. In fact, bubbles go with everything. My favourite champagne pairings are: hot buttered truffle salt popcorn; Miss Vicky’s Sea Salt kettle chips; Pringles Plain; Juke fried chicken; Rodney’s oysters on the half shell, Provence seared scallops, Café  St. Thomas lobster benny – and so much more!

Christmas Morning Bubbles should pop with the first present. A great choice for sparkling wine in the morning is something light, somewhat fruity, low alcohol and aromatically pretty that brings a smile. Another option is something refreshing with persistent bubbles that won’t be offended by a splash of orange juice (Mimosa). Pre-breakfast bubbles can easily turn into Brunch Bubbles so an extra bottle might come in handy.

BUBBLES, BUBBLES – I LOVE BUBBLES.

Christmas Dinner Bubbles are the most important sip of the celebration and the best way to start the evening. Here you want something that provides the perfect refreshing sip when toasting and pair-ability when noshing on the appies. It’s also a time to saber. Grab your flutes (or white wine glasses), a kitchen knife, chill the bottle down in the freezer for 10 minutes and then step out on the deck. If you don’t know how, message me and I’ll be happy to help!

New Year’s Eve bubbles really save the best for the last. This year is no exception. Grab a bottle of something pink, something vintage and spend a few bucks. Good bye 2020! And what better way to say “Hello 2021” than with France’s finest. Champagne is preferred. This is also your second chance to saber!

Ashli Komaryk from Beyond the Wine and I had a conversation about bubbles and options for the holidays. What’s important to remember is: there are lots of options. This makes it easy to respect your budget and still enjoy fabulous bubbles

Don’t forget that there are many styles of bubbles and price points as well as sweetness levels. Reading the label is one of the best ways to get information. Indication of sweetness is determined by words like Brut (dry), Brut Nature (Dry), Extra Brut (Very dry), Extra dry (off dry), Demi-sec (half sweet), Doux (Sweet). When in doubt ask the wine shop associate or text me.

Here’s a little chart to help.

• Champagne – France’s traditional method from non-vintage to vintage with prices from $70 +
• Grower Champagne – Grape growers are making their own fantastic bubbles from $50 +
• Cremant – Champagne method from the rest of France – from $15 +
• Franciacorta – Italian champagne method and delicious – from $40
• Prosecco – everyone’s favorite off dry, fruity bubbles – from $15
• Frizzante – special category with delicate fizz that can disappear quickly – wide range
• Lambrusco – red wine bubbles that suit salami & cheese appies – dry to sweet - $20 +
• Cava – Champagne method from San Sidurni d’Anoia on the back label and start at $20
• Sparkling Wine – new world bubbles can include Australia, New Zealand, California and right here at home in BC. There are a wide range of prices and styles. I prefer fine bubbles so I look for “traditional method” sparkling.

"The 12 Essential Wines of Christmas" eBook is a celebratory “order guide” designed to make picking wines for the holidays fun, easy and convenient. This order guide will inspire you and “amp up” your celebrations, whether within your social bubble or just for yourself. 55 recommended bottles, two retail partners, 10% off, free delivery in the Vancouver area...and great food pairing recommendations. It's priceless.