12/22/06 Champagne Pt 5

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and today we are completing our series about Champagne and Sparkling wines with a few recommendations. There are so many really good sparkling wines in the world and so much great Champagne from France that it often makes it difficult to narrow things down. However, I will do my best to make some recommendations that just might be available in your area. Let's begin with Champagne. My all time favorites are spendy and difficult to find but at least give it a shot. Salon is a small French producer making classic Champagne with the most unique yeasty toasty quality I have ever had. The bubbles are miniscule and the wine feels creamy on the palate. Next, I adore a Brut Rose made By Billecart Salmon and I have found it via the internet. What a spectacular fragrance of berries and a texture that so refreshing. I am also a fan of a spectacular Italian sparkling wine  yes I said Italian  it Ca del Bosco and if you can track a bottle down just take my word  if you love Champagne you will love this Italian version! Next let's go domestic where I think most of the Champagne producers now operating in California are doing a splendid job. Try Domaine Carneros or Mumm Napa. Both are reasonably priced and as some of you know the Domain Carneros Brut Rose is my new favorite wine and will be served at my Holiday Open House. Happy Holidays to all of you and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.