When it comes to celebrating, champagne seems to be our favourite go-to drink. Whether it’s for New Year’s Eve, an engagement or a sporting victory, we shake the bottle and pour a glass for everyone around us.
Champagne, can be classy, regal, sexy and perfectly universal when it comes to celebrating. To many who don't drink or haven't really tried champagne, using the term to mean “sparkling” is quite common. The word ‘champagne’ has been synonymous with celebrating just about anything and everything, but the fact is, champagne isn’t always the star of the show.
Other sparkling wines can be substituted, at a much lesser expense, to get the same joy and satisfaction that champagne brings. There are some outstanding options out there for the savvy party planner who’s searching for the perfect bubbly that will give the sexy, classy and equally universal taste of champagne— but for much much less.
Sparkling wines can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere, whether it be with breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, with a book on the poolside, curled up by the fireplace or relaxed on the patio. It’s a perfect match for hors d’oeuvres and mingling, with the styles ranging from dry to full body and acidity. With the traditional method, the key to the perfect sparkling wine is within the body and acidity ratio. This works best as a wine that pairs with a lighter fare, yet cuts the richness of a heavier option.
We've chosen three bottles that are truly impressive and worthy of their price, and are sure to impress anyone and everyone.
Location: Penedes, Spain
Price: $22.49
Cava is Spain's version of sparkling wine modeled in the traditional "Champagne Method,” however, it uses traditional Spanish grape varietals. Most Cava is produced in the Penedes region (north east near Barcelona).
Taste Profile: This wine delivers lemon, honeysuckle, almond and mineral aromas with a creamy layered palate. The honeysuckle and mineral will linger in the dry refreshing finish.
Best Place to Enjoy: In a bubble bath with a book!
Food Pairing: Spanish/Portuguese tapas, sardines, or grilled Octopus.
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Price: $49.69
Nova Scotia is getting the world's attention as Canada's home of the best sparkling wines as the micro-climate is so similar to Champagne, France.
Taste Profile: The 2008 vintage has aromas of white peach and lemon, with toast and mineral undertones. Accompanied with that is the taste leading you into an elegant and creamy palate reminiscent of brioche, citrus and slate.
Best Place to Enjoy: Brown bagged at a blind Champagne tasting.
Food Pairing: Oysters, smoked salmon, caviar and chicken liver pate.
Location: Jura, France
Price: $42.99
Tissot is considered the best producer in the region, and the wines speak for themselves.
Taste Profile: Bright cranberry, with toasty notes in the nose that move into a mouthwatering balanced palate. Beautifully dry and crisp with a mineral finish that lingers.
Best Place to Enjoy: Perfect for a picnic lunch.
Food Pairing: Cold, poached salmon, soft cheese and eggs benedict.
Come by Cask & Barrel to check out our great selections of sparkling wines!
Tapped with Cask & Barrel brings you monthly recommendations to help you choose from their large selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Enjoy the Cask & Barrel experts' favourite picks and please drink responsibly!
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