Christmas rolls past and we're still digesting the rich food and the Beaujolais Noveau that we've gorged ourselves with since Thanksgiving. Did we pick up any bubbly? That is the question for that awkward stretch of time between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.
Our first instinct is to check the wine racks in our homes and most certainly, as in my case, panic because Two Buck Chuck hardly counts as a New Year's elixir. Champagne? Sparkling wine? Let's just classify it as "bubbly" before we get all technical and start talking about how Champagne ONLY comes from the Champagne region in France. Or better yet, let's boycott French wines for our New Year's celebrations altogether. Maybe revisit them on Bastille Day.
Virginia seems like the last place that would produce a suitable sparkling wine. But there are a number of them and any one of these would be welcome additions to my New Year's Eve celebrations or wine rack for 2013.
Barboursville Brut, Barboursville Vineyards: I haven't seen this in stores but it is quite nice. Great soft mouthfeel. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with moderate acidity. If you live in the vicinity of beautiful Barboursville (lucky you, by the way), pick some up for your celebrations. At $17.99 a bottle you might even want to pick up a couple more for 2013.
NV Sparkling Viognier, Horton Vineyards: Nicknamed "Dom Virginion" this bubbly is made Méthode Champenoise (like they do it in France). This dry white sparkler has personality – as if Voignier from Virginia doesn't already. At $25 a bottle, this will certainly be a crowd-pleaser.
Tête de Cuvée, Afton Mountain Vineyards: We are still in Virginia, I promise. With a name like that there is sure to be a story with this one, and there is. A blend of Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and bottle aged on lees for 2 years. This citrusy one is also made Méthode Champenoise. Tête de Cuvée means produced from the first pressing of the grapes giving it a superior quality.
Prince Michel Sparking Wine, Prince Michel Vineyard: This one is sold out for the rest of the year but you may come across a lone ranger before 2013 in wine specialty shop or your neighbor's wine rack. This one too utilizes Méthode Champenoise to give it crisp dry, but delicate, feel.
Other wineries that have sparklings/sparklers that I have yet to taste: Trump Winery: I personally choose to not shop or drink Trump's products so I cannot attest to the quality of its Sparkling Rosé. But it's there.
Aprés Sparkling Viognier, Paradise Springs Winery
Thibaut-Jannison
Old House Vineyards
Here's to Virginia and 2013! Happy New Year!
