MAKING THE CASE
A toast! By TOM FIRTH
It always seems like we have high hopes for the year ahead, and the last few years have been rougher than most would have expected. Our lives in many ways have been upended, and might still be far from the norm. Many of our friends and neighbours might be out of work, their businesses might be struggling, and others might be missing spending as much time with friends and family as they would have liked. We might not feel much like toasting with a glass of bubbly, but I think this is the perfect time to do it – even virtually, as the very act of raising a glass and sharing a moment with someone that matters, is a pretty powerful thing. This month, I’ve chosen a number of sparkling wines (plus a few ports for the sweet tooth crowd) from around the world, that above all else, are exceptionally well-priced yet still tasty, that I sincerely hope that you get to enjoy with someone special. Farewell to 2021, and all the best in the year ahead! Find these wines by searching the CSPC code at Liquorconnect.com; your local liquor store can also use this code to order it for you. Prices are approximate.
Undurraga NV Rosé Royal, Leyda, Chile
The Best in Class for our Sparkling Rosé category at the 2021 Alberta Beverage Awards, is a super pale pink in the glass, and the aromas too are a little closed at first. Gentle berry fruits with a touch of rock candy and mineral on the nose become plump summer berry on the palate with a creamy mousse and some fantastic complexity on the finish. CSPC +836096 $23-26
JP Chenet Alcohol Free Sparkling Pinot Noir, France
Whatever the reason is for abstaining from alcohol doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Claiming zero percent alcohol by volume, it shows off the grape’s flavours well with plenty of berry notes, a touch of spice and a mildly jammy, but not sweet palate. A surprisingly well balanced sparkling wine alternative, that’s a touch more grown up than sparkling apple juice - I’d have no problems drinking this instead of soda in the afternoon. CSPC +849643 $15-17
Segura Viudas NV Brut Reserva Cava Spain
One of the best-known cava producers for Albertans, Segura Viudas was also one of the best-marketed wines for a long time with ground-breaking packaging. Cava of course is the Spanish version of sparkling wine, and the Reserva here is chockablock with green apple and melon fruits, limestone minerality and big, juicy citrus on the palate. A clean and refreshing sparkling wine – what else do you need? CSPC +746962 $17-20
Tom is a freelance wine writer, wine consultant, and wine judge. He is the Managing Editor for Culinaire Magazine, and the Competition Director for the Alberta Beverage Awards. Follow him on twitter @cowtownwine, email tom@culinairemagazine.ca.
38 Culinaire | December 2021
Graham’s 2015 Late Bottled Vintage Port, Douro, Portugal
Late Bottled Vintage Ports were the answer when consumers weren’t quite willing to age port before drinking. These LBV ports spend a few extra years in the barrel, softening and opening up, and are filtered, bottled, and released ready to enjoy. Deep and unctuous on the palate with herb and dense berry flavours, rather silky tannins, and balanced sweetness. Perfect for that charcuterie board. CSPC +191239 $25-27
