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SouthwestBlend.com presents The Case for Sparklers. |
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by Michael Shelhamer of Old Town Wine Cellar, Yuma AZ As in sparkling wine, that is. They may be the most underappreciated and overlooked wines in America today. The term “sparkling wine” encompasses a great variety of wines from all over the world, wines made from fermented grape juice just like most other wines. What makes them different from so-called “still wines” is that after the fermentation process, a wine destined to become a sparkler is bottled along with some additional yeast in order to induce a second fermentation. The resulting carbon dioxide that is produced can’t escape the sealed bottle. After extended aging, lots of additional handling and re-bottling (making sparkling wine is a long and very labor-intensive process), the end result is a unique beverage – always effervescent and usually possessing both an ethereal lightness and an often amazing complexity of flavors. The most famous sparkling wine is of course Champagne, a term applied to wines made from the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varietals in the Champagne region of northern France. Sparkling wines were first developed there several hundred years ago, and the term “Champagne” has since become a somewhat generic term for Americans to describe all sparkling wines, to the everlasting aggravation of the French. More correctly, only sparkling wines from Champagne may be truthfully called “Champagne”. All others are simply sparkling wine, even though they’re often made from the same grapes in the exact same way (known as the “Méthode Champenoise”). It’s generally accepted by most folks knowledgeable about wine that Champagnes deserves their reputation as the finest (and most expensive) sparkling wines in the world. I’m not here to argue with that assessment – in my opinion, Champagnes are unquestionably expensive but are usually worth every penny. However, today there are innumerable alternatives at much lower price points for wine lovers who are willing to step outside the box – by which, I mean venture beyond the unfortunately widespread prejudice that sparkling wines are only suitable for special occasions. In fact, sparklers may just be the most easygoing, food friendly and just plain enjoyable wines out there. Some excellent sparkling wines are made right here in the U.S. From California, among the top names to look for are Iron Horse, Domaine Carneros, Pacific Echo, Gloria Ferrer, Schramsberg and Mumm Cuvee Napa. Another from the unlikely environs of New Mexico is Gruet. The quality of the sparklers produced by these wineries consistently approach the level of their counterparts in Champagne, usually at about half the price. Among the terms to be know are “Brut”, “Blanc de Noirs” and “Blanc de Blancs”. Brut, the most common type of sparkler, signifies that the wine is the driest (least sweet) type. Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs simply mean that the wine is produced from 100% Pinot Noir grapes or 100% Chardonnay grapes, respectively. Both are usually made in the Brut style. If you prefer a sweeter wine, look for wines labeled “Extra Dry” (yes, I know it doesn’t make sense) or even “Sec” or “Demi-Sec”, which signify sparklers with more pronounced sweetness. Other enjoyable sparklers are available from all around the world. Prosecco, made from the Prosecco grape of northern Italy, is becoming more and more popular these days. A bargain priced, relatively dry sparkling wine (good ones can be found for $10-$12), it’s highly enjoyable as an aperitif and matches superbly with lighter foods. The same can be said for Cava, the sparkling wine of Spain. Made from a blend of three indigenous grapes, it’s likewise very affordable and equally enjoyable either by itself or with a meal. You prefer red wine? Try a sparkling Shiraz from Australia – a unique creation that is both dry and flavorful. Delightful on its own, it can stand up perfectly well to a juicy steak. The point is, if you like wine, you’re bound to enjoy sparkling wine if you’ll just give it a chance. So get past this “special occasion” nonsense, and pop the cork on a sparkler tonight! Old Town Wine Cellar: Yuma's Wine Connection. Fine selection of wines from all over the world. Located in the heart of historic downtown. Open Tues.-Friday 11am-7pm; Sat. 10am-6pm.Tel: (928) 373-0405, Fax: (928) 373-0412. 265 Main St., Suite E, Yuma, AZ 85364. Web: www.YumaWine.com, Email: proprietor@yumawine.com
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