The One in the Globe & Mail
Christopher Waters, Wine Writer for the Globe & Mail, recently featured The One in a column about sparkling wines for the festive season. Here is what he had to say:
Festive wines to please all your guests this holiday season
CHRISTOPHER WATERS
SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL
As holiday preparations approach fever pitch, it’s a good time to remember the guidelines for selecting wine for festive gatherings should incorporate who is attending as well as the style of gathering. A cocktail party calls for different beverage options than a seated dinner. Likewise, some dietary restrictions – notably, gluten-free or vegan diets – should be reflected in the drink selections you plan to serve as well as the food.
Holiday entertaining is ultimately about setting the conditions for everyone to have a good time, including the hosts. With that in mind, here are some sparkling-wine recommendations to add style to a cocktail party, a plea to lean into balanced and flavourful white wines for dinner and a shout out to the growing range of vegan-friendly wines that are truly delicious even if you’re a confirmed carnivore.
Cocktail Party
Sparkling wines aren’t only seen as being inherently festive, their fresh character works with a wide variety of flavours. Those bubbles help to refresh your palate between bites. Here are three traditional method (fermented in the bottle you’re pouring out of) sparkling wines to consider.
Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Extra Brut Rosé Champagne 2013 (France), PRICE: $106.95
RATING:93 /100
A product of a challenging growing season in Champagne, with grapes harvested in October as opposed to the common late August and September timeframe, this is a racy and flavourful rosé Champagne. It will age nicely, but I really enjoy the freshness and intensity right now. Drink now to 2029. Available in Ontario.
Noble Ridge The One Sparkling 2017 (Canada), PRICE: $39.99
RATING:91 /100
Noble Ridge continues to impress with the quality of the sparkling wines produced from its Okanagan Falls estate vineyard. A blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, this benefits from extended aging on the lees (the spent yeast cells left over after secondary fermentation) that impart rich nutty and bready aromas and flavours to the finished wine. Drink now to 2025. Available direct, nobleridge.com
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava (Spain), PRICE: $16.95
RATING:88 /100
Made in a consistently enjoyable style, this classic cava label offers a pleasingly fruity and refreshing character. The crisp finish will cleanse your palate between bites, making this a great wine to enjoy with appetizers or a meal. Drink now. Available in Ontario at the above price, $17.99 in British Columbia ($16.99 until Dec. 31), various prices in Alberta, $18.99 in Saskatchewan, $18.99 in Manitoba, $15.75 in Quebec, $20.49 in New Brunswick, $21 in Nova Scotia, $19.99 in Prince Edward Island, $20.83 in Newfoundland.
From the Globe and Mail: Festive wines to please all your guests this holiday season – Globe and Mail – paywall
