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Episode 10 is all about Sparkling Wine as New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. The show was broken into 4 segments. In each segment we speak to a category of sparkling wine starting with Champagne and ending with Budget or Value options.

What would a New Year’s show be without touching on famous hangover cures. I have added some bonus content here given that we were a little pressed for time on the show.

Episode 10 ~ Link to Podcast 

Direct links to each segment: Champagne,  BC Sparkling, Prosecco, Global Bubbles, Value, Hangover Cures, Best Buy

Segment 1 ~ Champagne

Sparkling wines are made all over the world often using the same methods as they do in Champagne, however unless the wine is made in the appellation (AOC) of Champagne the wine can not bear the most famous of sparkling names. Below is a list of recommended champagnes that can be found in most stores.

Veuve Clicquot ~ $62-$65

One of the first global businesses run by a woman, Madame Clicquot’s champagne is bright and crisp, filled with apple and citrus flavour along with the taste sensation of lightly buttered toast.

DYK – the orange/yellow colour of the label reflects the colour of yolks of the eggs laid by the wineries chickens. Each morning Madame Clicquot would have two eggs and found that the colour of the yolks were unique to her farm, thus the colour would clearly distinguish her champagne.

Bollinger ~ $70

Bollinger is made famous by being the champagne choice of James Bond.

Flavours leaning more to fresh pear, melon and citrus, this is a very clean and lively wine with a texture of velvet. The finish show hints of walnuts and baking spice.

Taittinger ~ $57 (currently on sale)

Delicious scents white peach, pear and acacia flowers greet the nose, while the palate is treating to refreshing, almost creamy, wash of fruit and brioche.

Moet and Chandon ~ $62-$65

Makers of the world famous Dom Perignon, the Moet and Chandon Champagne features apple, pear, white peach with floral tones and some delicious brioche on the finish.

Segment 2 ~ BC Sparkling Wine

Perseus Sparkling Chardonnay ~ $21-$22 (Private Stores Only)

Fresh, alive and an incredible value. Bright apple and citrus greet the nose while the palate is velvety and fresh with hints of honey and white flowers. I really loved this wine.

Cipes Brut ~ $23-24

A classic BC Sparkling wine that is aged with energy of a pyramid (if you haven’t visited the Summerhill Winery you really should). Baked apples and pears, hints of caramel and honey, with a wonderfully vibrant yet creamy mousse (bubble).

Stellar’s Jay Brut ~ $27-$29

Crafted originally by one of the true pioneers of the BC Wine industry, Harry McWatters, this wine is bright, lively and shows pear and white peach with just a hint of brioche.

Blue Mountain Brut ~ $30 (Private Stores Only)

Citrusy aromas and palate with a wonderfully elegant mousse. The finish is bright and citrusy with just a kiss of honey toast.

Segment 3 ~ Prosecco

Lamarca ~ $17 (currently on sale, Dec. 2015)

Sweet apples, grassy, pear are the hallmarks of this very approachable, straightforward Prosecco. In many ways this embodies the reason why Prosecco is so popular – it is simply about enjoyment and simple carefree lifestyle.

Nua Prosecco ~ $16-$18 (Private Stores Only)

Harder to find but a deliciously crafted Prosecco that should be on more shelves than it is.

Apple, pear, orange blossom with a whimsical, refreshing bubble that delights every time.

Terre Prosecco ~ $17-$19 (Private Stores Only)

Pear, citrus and acacia flower with a wonderful kiss of honey on the finish. The palate is lively and vibrant. This is a classic Prosecco that makes a great Aperol Spritz as well as a crowd pleasing pop for New Year’s Eve.

Segment 3a ~ Global Sparklers

Here are some brilliant Sparkling wines from all over the world.

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Sparkling Wine (Australia)~ $13 (On Sale Dec. 2015)

This is sunshine in the glass. Primarily Chardonnay this is bright and feels like a summer morning. Baked apple, bright pear and melon, with a honeyed finish. Perfect for a New Year’s Eve BBQ.

Zinck Cremant D’Alsace (France) ~ $21-$24

Made primarily with Pinot Blanc, then some Pinot Noir and Chardonnay this wine shows biscuits, apricots and white flowers. The palate shows an elegant mousse and a honey toast finish. Delish!

Mumm Napa Prestige Brut (California) ~ $21-$24

This wine is at the top of my list and I have to thank Roger Kershaw for that. If there is a man on the island that loves ‘champers’ and sparkling wines more, I don’t know who that is.

The wine shows baked apple, fresh pear and white peach with hints of acacia flowers. The palate is fresh and alive and the finish has toasty hints with a touch of baking spice.

Toso Brut (Argentina) ~ $16-$18

Did you know that Argentina is one of the world’s largest producers of sparkling wine? Well it is and only a few have the production necessary to be able to export. Toso is one.

Bright fresh apples, pear and melon, with a crisp palate of refreshing finish. This wine is all about vibrant expression.

Segment 4 ~ Value Bubbles

New Year’s is often associated with sparkling wine, but if all you need is a bottle pop for the sake of popping here are some great wines all under $15 that are delicious and great buys.

Henkell Trocken ~ $13 (On Sale December, 2015)

As much as people like to downgrade well known brands in terms of quality, Henkell Trocken has stood the test of time and is still one of the most enjoyable, affordable, bubbles on the market.

Bright pear and baked apple, a well balanced palate that finishes clean and alive.

Jean Louis ~ $12-$13 (Private Stores Only)

This little french bubble is ideal for mimosa’s and any time you need a toasting wine. I have literally recommended this wine to hundreds of wedding clients.

Baked apple and pear, delightful refreshing palate, with the kiss of honey on the finish.

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva ~ $13 (On Sale December, 2015)

A classic Cava from Spain. Baked pear, with melon and a hint of orange blossoms. Crisp, lively and very refreshing, this wine is be used to toast the New Year in more countries around the world than almost all others on this list.

Segment 4a ~ Hangover Cures

The fact is that there is not perfect hangover cure although one has been sought for thousands upon thousands of years.

What we do know is that hangovers are caused by 1) your body coming off of alcohol, 2) dehydration, 3) a significant reduction of Vitamin B in your system.

Some people swear by a greasy breakfast the next morning or what is called the hair of the dog (a Caesar like cocktail). Neither really do much more than make the symptoms a little less painful.

It used to be said that if you have a couple of spoonfuls of olive oil prior to drinking that you would slow the absorption of alcohol into the system. Partially true but the alcohol is still going to get in.

The best practices are preventative. First drink in moderation and make sure you eat and hydrate throughout the session. Second is to limit sugary drinks and foods as sugar causes inflammation and just makes a hangover a truly nasty experience. Third, and this is a tip from the pros, take a multivitamin prior to the session. Make sure it contains Vitamin B. Then take one the morning after. Doing all three of these things limits the pain and suffering of ringing in the New Year and anytime a session gets out of hand.

Best Buy of the Week ~ Perseus Sparkling Chardonnay

I trust you have a safe and wonderful New Year and please send us any comments or feedback you have.

Happy New Year

the Dork UnCorked