 Champagnes and sparkling wines get a bad rap for being snobby and pretentious (Be Better Guys thinks it's because the French invented it -- pretension is just part of the territory). In actuality, Champagnes and sparklings are not only great to drink as a starter to the evening's festivities, but many complement a meal as good or better than any still wine could. Sparklings go down cool and easy and finish with a snap, and the bubbles make the wine have that light, pillowy effect in your mouth. What could be more friendly and approchable than pillows?Two points about Champagne and Sparkling Wines: 1. Methodé Champagne is a style of winemaking from the Champagne region of France where, as the wine ages, it takes on a bubbly consistency. Other winemakers around the world have adopted the method, but the name Champagne is reserved only for those from the region in France.
2. You should drink more Champagnes and sparkling wines. Champagnes start around $25; sparkling wines are frequently one-third to one-half that price. It's not just for holidays; have one on a Wednesday night, just because. 
Not only do sparkling wines make a good gift, but they also are a very cool alternative to serve when you're having a party (especially a party of two). Sure, people serve wine, beer, and liquor at parties, but not all folks serve bubbly. And with so many affordable, quality sparklings (under $10) available from Italy, Spain, Australia, and the U.S., you should try some out yourself and turn others on to what you've found. Suddenly, everyone you know is popping bottles in their living rooms like it's New Year's with Ludacris. |
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