It is not certain who came up with the idea, but sometime in the mid 1600’s the French started adding a bit of sugar to the wine before bottling to make it effervesce. A monk named Dom Perignon picked up the technique and set up production in his Abby. The idea caught on and the rest of the world followed. Stop by this Saturday when we will be pouring a line up of sparkling wine to enliven the holidays. Cory Van de Ven will be on hand to show off the wines. We will be pouring:

Paul Cheneau, Lady of Spain, Brut Cava $10

This crisp sparkler from Spain has lots of tropical fruit notes and a price that lets you pour it for the whole crowd.

Collalbrigo, Ti Amo, Rose Prosecco $15

95% Prosecco, 5% Pinot Noir
From Veneto this Italian bubbly has bright color, pink with orange shades, fine perlage, ripe small fruit perfumes (cherries, raspberries and strawberry) as well as citrus. It’s a different take on the popular Italian wine.

Lucien Albrecht Blanc de Blancs, Cremant d’Alsace, Brut $20

Made from 100% Pinot Blanc, the Albrecht Blanc de Blancs is vinified in the classic Champagne Method from free run juice. Recently The winery was awarded four gold medals at a comprehensive National I.N.A.O. tasting of all sparkling wines in France, giving the firm more gold medals than any other Crémant producer. The Blanc de Blancs has a fine and elegant bubbles, a beautiful straw color and a light, creamy palate.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillattte, Chouilly-Epernay, $34

40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay
The French are still the kings of sparkling wine and Champagne the king of France. Taste the difference. The Nicolas Feuillattte is pale straw gold in color with aromatic hints of grilled hazelnut, green apple, quince and fig. The wine is perfectly balanced, fruity yet dry.