As most of you know, next week we will be having a contest worthy of its own pay-per-view special in which one side will come out victorious and lord it over the losers for the next four years. Lest the Orient be blamed for a political bias, I will not say whom I want to win, but instead, this week, I am devoting my column to the proper drink for all celebratory occasions: champagne.
For those of you who don't remember Wayne's World, champagne only comes from the grapes grown in the Champagne region of France. However, champagne-like beverages are produced in other parts of the world, many of which are just as good to drink and are frequently much more economical. There are many who would say that these other bubbly wines are not worth drinking. I agree, but only as it applies to the "champagnes" that you find in cheesy motels. They are poorly made and leave you with the worst hangover ever. I, however, do not think that a sparkling wine from Champagne is the only one worth drinking.
1. Minetto Valdobbiadene Il Prosecco
This is a bubbly wine made obviously enough from the prosecco grape in the Veneto region of Italy. It tastes mildly sweet and fruity; however my tasters noted a slightly bitter but not displeasingly so aftertaste. Every one of my tasters liked this, including the parents of one of my regular tasters, who have very sophisticated palates. It was easily drank by itself but it also complimented a range of cheeses which some of us were eating. $13.99 at Downeast Beverage Co. (Downeast is located in the Old Port right opposite from the Hilton and Flatbread)
2. Canaletto Pinot Grigio
This is another sparkling wine from Italy, but slightly odd in that the grape is also used for a still wine. It is somewhat dry and has a crisp flavor enhanced by the bigger bubbles. We found it to be very light; one taster commented, "It's a fill-your-mouth kind of flavor." Again, it was highly drinkable either alone or with snacks. I would buy this sort of wine if I were going to use it for cooking. It is dry enough to keep the same flavor as a true champagne, yet is much more reasonable to work with. $14.99 at Downeast Beverage Co.
3. Veuve Cliquot Champagne (Yellow Label)
This is frequently thought to be one of the best available by the cognoscenti, and I have to say, this is quite possibly my favorite champagne in the whole world. I adore it. All of my tasters loved this despite the prohibitive cost. We found it to be dry, smooth, and highly refined. One taster described the taste as "totally tubular." You can't forget drinking this, which is good because it costs a lot. $23.99 for a split (half sized bottle). $43.99 for a full bottle at Downeast Beverage Co.
Note: If your party is unfortunately the losing one next week, please do not refer to this column. Instead, go out immediately, buy a large bottle of Ripple and drink heavily. Hopefully, you'll end up either in another country or in a coma until the next time around.