12/30/05 Champagne recommendations

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and today I thought I would give you my recommendations for Champaign and sparkling wine. Okay so it is New Years Eve or New Years Day so no skimping! Buy good to great Champaign and sparkling wines to suit the occasion. But before I make my recommendations I want to give you a few pointers that may enhance your enjoyment of these spectacular wines. First if you don't use them very often then wash and air dry your Champaign flutes ahead of time. Chill your Champaign but don't let it get icy cold. As with any wine, if it is served too cold, you will miss most of the delicacies and special flavors of the wine. Savor it and take your time enjoying it. Now my favorites are the following - in no particular order. I really enjoy Ca del Bosco from Italy and from California hands down it is nothing but Iron Horse for me. Iron Horse is not only delicious but it is also affordable. From France my first choice is Brut Rose either Billecart Salmon or Dom Ruinart. Brut Rose is dry and complex enough to enjoy with food - or alone it is quite satisfying. I am a fan of Bollinger Veuve Cliquot and Salon. Several French producers have invested in property in California and I think that Roderer is doing a very good job with the Roderer L'Hermitage from Anderson Valley. If you are at a total loss then find a wine merchant and ask for recommendations! After all that is what they are there for. Thank you all for listening and helping to make 2005 a fabulous year for Vine to Wine. I myself am looking oh so forward to vintage 2006! Happy New Year to all of our listeners and as always thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.