Elite Wine Reviews Eve’s Wine 101 

It’s All About the Bubbly!

by Eve Bushman

It’s that time of the year when you can’t find a good California Champagne.  Want to know why?  Because there is no such thing as a California Champagne.  We haven’t been allowed to use the word Champagne since 2006 when we formally adopted a law, already in place in France, that doesn’t allow any winery outside of the Champagne region to use the name.  We can call our Champagne-like wines Sparkling.  
The method, and even the grapes used, may be the same.  Impress your friends by knowing that Champagne is made from Pinot Noir (Noir means black) and Chardonnay (Known as a Chablis in France) and Pinot Meunier (Another black grape).
Okay, enough lessons, onto some bubbly choices for you:
For an aperitif (before a meal) or digestif (after a meal) you can use inexpensive Champagnes, sparkling wines, or the Italian version called “Prosecco”, in these cocktails:
Aperol Spritz: On several hot days last summer while strolling in Venice, Italy, at every twist and turn of the canals I caught site of someone with…and orange-colored wine.  Of course I sought it out and found that the drink was just as refreshing as it looked.  Two ounces Prosecco sparkling wine, 1 1/3 ounce Aperol (orange-flavored liquor less bitter than Compari), a splash of soda, garnish with a slice of orange.
Domaine de Canton Royale: Domaine de Canton is a ginger liqueur that reminds me of candied ginger.  The ginger, a natural digestif, makes this drink enjoyable before or after dinner.  Start with ½ to ¾ oz. Domaine de Canton, splash of Amaretto (optional) and top with Champagne or sparkling wine. Serve in a Champagne flute.  
Chambord Royale or Kir Royale: This is an old standby for Champagnes or sparkling wines.  One part Chambord Raspberry liqueur –  or crème de cassis for a traditional blackcurrant Kir Royale –  to 5 parts Champagne or sparkling wine.
Classic Champagnes and Remarkable Sparklings
I was lucky enough, once, to enjoy a 1995 Bollinger RD Extra Brut Champagne.  I think everyone should try a vintage Champagne at least once as they only make them in exceptional years.  Another, and a lot less expensive, is Dampierre Brut Family Reserve 2002 or 2004.  You can also look for a Dampierre Rosé NV. (Non vintage means it can be a blend from several years, ensuring the taste you are used to.)
A few others that I’ve had and reviewed highly include Domaine du Vissoux Cremant de Bourgogne NV Sparkling, Joyez-Jacquemart Brut, Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee 2001, Abbazia Prosecco NV, Mumm Napa Brut NV, Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne NV and Codorniu Cava Brut from Spain.
How to Safely Pop a Cork
Hold the cork end of the chilled bottle away from your face and your guests.  Remove only the foil from the cork.  Place your thumb over the cork and slowly loosen, but do not remove, the wire cage.  Still protecting the cork with your thumb, slowly begin to turn the bottle – not the cork.  Remove both cage and cork slowly as if you are “burping” it open.

Yours, in wine and out,
Eve

You may contact Eve at ebushman@earthlink.net for questions and comments. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, evewine101.blogspot.com and westranchbeacon.com.