Bubbly: My Top 10 of 2011

By Nikki Berglund
Staff Writer

“My only regret in life is that I did not drink more Champagne” -John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946)

I am definitely not a person who needs a reason to celebrate with some bubbly. Whether I am getting my hair done or toasting my brand new gorgeous nephew, I like to do it with bubbles.  Even if you don’t drink sparkling wine at any other time of the year though, for the next two weeks we are in prime bubbly drinking season.  This time of year is much too special to just pick up a crappy bottle of Andre Cold Duck but it doesn’t mean you need to break the bank either. Keep in mind that bubbly generally pairs well with a variety of food courses making it an ideal holiday wine choice. Below is a list of sparkling wines in a variety of price ranges to suit most every budget.  These are some of my personal favorites for 2011.  Cheers and Happy Holidays!

1. Secco Pink: This is my every day, go-to bottle of bubbly but will also make a fabulous addition to all of your holiday festivities! This little Italian number is made with 60% Glero(also called Prosecco) and 40% Pinot Noir grapes.  This style of wine used to be considered “Prosecco” but can’t be called that any more due to some changes in the wine laws of Italy(long story and not important at this juncture.)I am partial to the pink version but they do also make an equally tasty Secco White. $13.99

2. Nivole Moscato d’Asti: I mentioned this in my last article about Moscato, but I think it deserves a shout out in this particular article as well.  This is considered a semi sparkling wine and is definitely on the sweeter side of things.  If your everyday wine is a Moscato, why not indulge yourself in one that is just a little more expensive.  Keep in mind though, it is only a half bottle(375ML) so if your family gathering requires a bit more alcohol this might not be your wine.  On the other hand, this is a great dessert wine, so serve it after everyone is sufficiently soused and your problem is solved. $15.99

3. Zardetto Prosecco : The great thing about Italian Prosecco is that you get a lot of bang for your buck. This was my old go-to sparkling wine before I discovered the Secco Pink which means it’s still one of my top sparkling wine choices.  The women in my family have toasted with many a glass of this in hand.  $16.99  

4. Coppola Sophia: This California sparkling wine is made from 82% Pinot Blanc, 10% Riesling, and 8% Muscat.  The addition of the Riesling and Muscat give these bubbles a subtle sweetness without it being too over the top. You can also buy this in these cute little single serving cans although your holiday gathering may not be the classiest time to break these out! $18.99

5. Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui D.O.C.G : Although I am not a huge lover of really sweet sparkling wines, if I am looking for a wine of that style, I most often will drink this one. Made from 100% Brachetto grapes in the Piedmont region of Italy, you don’t find too many of these relatively unique wines around.  The low alcohol content makes this wine ideal for drinking throughout your entire meal making it a very versatile wine choice for holiday meals. The gorgeous packaging makes this a perfect host/hostess gift as well.$22.99

6. Segura Viudas Cava: This Spanish offering is not only delicious but the bottle is absolutely decadent looking.  It also makes it appear a lot more expensive than it actually is, if you are into that type of thing. Cava is the sparkling wine of Spain and you can find some pretty fantastic stuff for not a lot of money. These wines are made in the same style as French Champagne although the grapes used are not always the same. $23.99

7. Roederer Estate NV Brut: This is a California sparkling wine created by the famous Champagne producer Louis Roederer and it is deeeelicious!  Talk about a great value- this 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir blend is by far one of my favorite California sparklers. $23.99

8. Nicholas Feuillante Brut Champagne: This consistently highly rated wine is a great French Champagne that, although not cheap is considered relatively affordable by Champagne standards. Again, they have an amazing pink version as well, but how boring would this article be if I only wrote about my own personal favorite style of bubbly?    $38.99

9. Piper Heidsieck Rose: If I personally had to pick one sparking to drink over the holidays or maybe say, while stranded on a desert island, it would be this French Champagne. Yum, yum, and more yum is pretty much all I need to say about this little darling!  Despite the price this wine is worth every penny! $49.99

10. Veuve Cliquot Brut: I don’t necessarily buy into many of the so called “luxury” Champagnes out there. It is well known that often times you are paying for the name rather than what is in the bottle,  but this French Champagne is an exception for me.  It is so worth the $59.99 price tag! So if you really want an extra special splurge this holiday season that is still way under the $100 mark, I highly suggest picking up one of these sassy little ladies.  Even your Grandma will thank you!

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[Editor’s Note: Nikki Berglund is the Wine Manager and third generation owner of Bernie’s Wines and Liquors.  Before moving back to Fargo and coming to work for her family business five years ago, she spent many years as a Wine Sales Representative in Denver, CO working for two of the largest liquor wholesalers in the country.]