Bubbles!

Just in the nick of time we bring you the results from our latest wine tasting of the year...bubbles!  We upped the ante this time and splurged on a more expensive selection than our previous tastings. Instead of tasting different types of bubbles (e.g., Prosecco, Cava, Spumante, Sekt), we adhered to ones made in the traditional French champagne method (méthode champenoise)--specifically, non-vintage bruts. We tasted three from France and one from California.  Again, a blind tasting, although now that I'm reading Eric Asimov's latest book How to Love Wine: A Memoir and Manifesto, we might have to switch that up (a great Christmas gift from my lovely husband). Asimov argues, quite convincingly, against blind tastings.

Nevertheless, we drank our bubbles blind. The first three listed below (and left to right in the picture above) are from France, the last in order is from Anderson Valley, California.

1. Nicholas Feuillatte, Brut Reserve - $39.99
2. Heidsieck & Co., Monopole, Premier Cru - $49.99
3. Louis Roederer, Brut Premier - $49.99
4. Roederer Estate, Brut - $22.99

Not surprisingly, we loved all of them and would drink any of them if served. I found the Nicholas Feuillatte had a sweet nose and lovely taste, but it was a little sweet for most.  The Heidsieck & Co. had a nice nuttiness to it and seemed to most closely resemble what a few of us think of when we imagine champagne. However, it had a short finish. The bubbliest was the Roederer Estate and was the top pick for most. However, there were several of us that had the Louis Roederer as our top pick. When I first tasted the Louis Roederer I thought it smelled of mushrooms and was a little worried, but second, third and many more tastes proved to me that it had a delightful quality and beautiful small bubbles.

What we missed in the event was a saber opening of the bottles. Just didn't have one handy - nor the skill to pull it off. I've seen it done - by a British Cavalry officer at a "beat the millennium ball" that friends put together in Baltimore to ring in 1999. Now that makes an impression!

So, go out, get your bubbles and saber ready (and a handsome British Cavalry officer, if handy) and enjoy the New Year's celebrations! Happy New Year to you and yours.