Bundle up.
Fall and Winter always feel like the most nostalgic of seasons, and the best way to reminisce is with a slight chill in the air, a misty afternoon, and a glass of wine surrounded by friends. Finding time to unwind while the nights get just a little longer will make you slow down and appreciate the season a bit more. Puffy coats? Check. Apple Picking? Check. Apple cider and stuffing? Check.
A brut style sparkling wine is sure to promote happy, vivacious chatter at any family or friend get-together. Glamorous and timeless, a brut style sparkling wine offers a crisp introduction to a dinner party, setting the stage for the joyful experiences to come. Want to impress your crowd even more? Offer a ‘champagne cocktail’ if you really want to see your guests ooh and ahh. For clarification you truly do not need an honest ‘champagne’ to make this experience work and most of the time the brut style sparkling wine compliments its mixers nicely. Some classic examples, easy to accomplish are below:
French ‘75’
https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/french-75-neal-bodenheimer
Cork County Bubbles
https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/cork-county-bubbles-cocktails-2011
Sparkling wine, however, does not need to be saved for a party or formal sit-down.
Pop a bottle open on any night you deem special enough.
Below are two of our suggestions that will make your gathering, whether large or small, a lasting memory.
Henkell Vintage Brut
$14
Germany
Well balanced with a rich taste and long finish. Great for ‘champagne’ cocktails.
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Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Blanc de Blancs
$16
California
https://www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com
Francis Coppola made his daughter a promise that he would someday make a sparkling wine and name it after her. Ta-Da. Sofia is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect blend of Pinot-Blanc, Muscat and Riesling. Forward flavors of crisp peach and lime lead to various levels of mango and honey.
Pairs perfectly with light hors d’oeuvres or finger foods.
Elegant and vibrant.
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Date & Dinner ideas include baked Brie, prosciutto, smoked salmon or shrimp. Shortbread cookies pair very well as the acidity of the sparkling wine cuts through rich butter of the cookie. Finally, any composed and lightly fried appetizers will be a win-win.
Try this:
Everyday_Vino 