Tiny Bubbles
Santa Barbara Wine Experts Give Tips on How to Uncork the New Year
A celebration in and of themselves, sparkling wines lend festive sophistication to any occasion, making them a particular favorite for welcoming in the New Year. The blissful bubbles are produced using the French methode Champenoise, a laborious feat of artistry and chemistry in which wines are painstakingly fermented twice: once in barrel and later in bottle. These wines are hand-turned each day, disgorged to eliminate sediment, and ultimately re-corked-all without letting any of the delicious bubbles escape.
Though sparkling wines pair well with just about any food, their elegant flavors and relatively low alcohol levels make them an ideal match for delicacies like oysters, caviar, and foie gras. They also, however, offer a refreshing counterpoint to savory holiday fare, such as sushi, rich cheeses, and spicy foods. When selecting a sparkling wine, consider the assertiveness of both the wine style and the foods you’ll be enjoying, and pair accordingly.
Here are a few favorites from Santa Barbara retailers:
