Long ago, we decided that we weren't waiting for New Years Eve to raise a glass of sparkling wine and toast a happy ending and new beginning. So we've started each month with a bottle of bubbles since 2007! And, we've been sharing our bubbly selections with BostonZest readers since New Years Eve 2009.
That means we have amassed quite a collection of wine recommendations. They are all available any time you want them from the "Sparkling Wine & More" tab at the top of each page.
With a month of gift buying, parties, and holidays in front of us, we'll say "Happy New Month," sip a glass of Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco, and link you to a few bottles you might add to your holiday shopping list.
A Case of Sparkle
Ordering a case of a good, inexpensive, sparkling wine can be a great idea this time of year. Many shops will give you a case discount. If the store does not promote it, ask. You can also call ahead and have the wine merchant bring in the extra case of the wine you want.
We can suggest Dibon Cava, Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs, or the Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco we're opening this month.
Pre-wrap a few bottles and you will be prepared for hostess gifts, thank you gifts, client gifts, or something special to hand out with a holiday cash tip.
Gift Wines For Wine Lovers
For someone who loves wine and would like to try something that will expand their wine life list or add a new category of taste to their holdiay, we would splurge on a "Grower Champagne."
Central Bottle in Central Square Cambridge always seems to have a supply of these special bottles on hand. We recommend both the Champagne Chartogne-Taillet and Pierre Peters shown from ledgendary importer and wine educator Terry Theise. His annual catalogs are available online and provide a champagne education.
Pink for Romance!
Wrap up a romantic evening with the gift of a pink sparkler. It can be a value priced Louis Bouillot Rosé cremant. Or a splurge with a bottle of Delamotte Brut Rose from the maker of Salon Champagne.
Other pinks that tickle our fancy are Argyle Brut Rosé from Oregon, 3B Sparkling Rosé from Portuguese winemaker Filipa Pato, and for the utlimate fun evening try opening a bottle of Puro Rosé! (We had to make a video to show you how to open this one.)
Please add to our list by telling us about your favorite sparkling wine for the holidays. You can add a comment at the bottom of this post, sent it to @bostonzest on twitter or send us an email.
Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon
The Food Lover's Guide to Wine
The New Wine Lover's Companion
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2009-2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino
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