Close Out the Year With a Versatile Champagne or Sparkling Wine

Many of us seem to restrict our buying of Champagne and sparkling wines to the last couple of weeks in December. That’s a shame, really, because the versatility and compatibility of these wines with a wide variety of foods makes them an ideal beverage virtually any time of year.

Prices can run the gamut from downright cheap sparkling wine (with quality to match) to borderline ridiculously expensive French Champagne; while styles and flavors can vary from fruity to sweet to bone dry. That’s reassuring news for infrequent buyers, who can be relatively confident of having their needs fulfilled – no matter what their taste preferences or budgetary constraints might be.

Italy’s Banfi Vintners has a couple of excellent sparkling wine choices. The 2007 Rosa Regale (about $22) displays a lovely, light ruby color with aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries and a slightly sweet finish. The Non-Vintage Brut (about $24), available in scant quantities, is full of toasted apple flavors that melt into granny smith apple as the dry, crisp finish kicks in.

Mumm Napa Valley always seems to consistently produce a nice variety of delicious, well-priced sparkling wines. The Brut Prestige (about $20 – $24) has generous melon, citrus and lemon cream flavors, while the Brut Rosé (pictured at left, about $24 – $28) is a bit headier, with a beautiful, pale pink hue and touches of berry flavors. These wines can be paired with virtually everything on your hors d’oeuvres menu, from fried foods to creamy dips to paté.

If you’re a stickler for serving true Champagne and don’t want to break the bank, the Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve (about $36 – $45) makes a great choice. Delicate floral aromas, flavors of pear and hazelnut, and a clean, dry finish combine to make this a wonderfully complex, yet elegant Champagne.