Life is short…Drink the bubbles
Hello friends!
First, I want to give a special shout out to our newest members of the Sip with Nikki community who have joined us since the last newsletter came out. Welcome new friends!!! And thank you to everyone reading this for continuing to look to me for some wine guidance. I got you. Here is today’s intricate and complicated lesson… Ready???
DRINK. MORE. BUBBLES.
That’s all.
In all seriousness, New Year’s Eve is traditionally a time when many of us pop the cork on a bottle of Champagne or Sparkling Wine…. But why do we feel like there has to be a special occasion to do that? There are many super-affordable and delicious ones that you don’t need to feel guilty about popping on a regular old Thursday. And if it’s a headache you’re worried about, moderation and hydration, friend. They even sell these great (and inexpensive) stoppers that will preserve your bubbles if you don’t finish the bottle for at least another 3-5 days! So you really can have just one glass.
I like these Champagne Stoppers
What I love about Sparkling wines (whether it’s true Champagne from that region in France, Prosecco from Italy, Sekt from Germany, Cava from Spain or one of the many fantastic California sparkling wines) is that it’s extremely food friendly and versatile.The traditional pairings of oysters and bubbles or caviar and bubbles exist for a reason- they are brilliant! I enjoyed both on Christmas Eve last week with my sister Amanda and our NJ family on Zoom. Seriously delicious.
But would you believe, that sparkling wine (especially if it’s DRY aka “Brut”) is awesome with Pizza? Nachos? A loaded Burger with a side of truffle fries… or even Brussels sprouts? ( I had to put some veggies in there…) But Why?
Between the bright acidity of the wine (that can make it feel “lively” on your tongue) and the tiny bubbles making their way to the surface, the sensation of sipping sparkling wines is so pleasing and almost exciting. There’s also no oak influence to overpower delicate flavors. I love when it just feels fresh and clean on the palate- and if there are rich and fatty or briny foods (think oysters and caviar)in the mix- wow… the food and wine just come together like perfect partners; elevating each other and bringing out the best in one another.
Here are some of my favorites. Many (if not all) of these can be found in your local wine shop or purchased online directly through the winery, especially for the California Producers.
Frank Family (California) $55
Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé (Champagne) $48
Taittinger La Française Brut (Champagne) $35
Roderer Estate (California) $20
Mumm Napa Brut Rosé (California) $15-16
Banfi Rosa Regale (Piedmont, Italy) $15-16
La Marca Prosecco (Veneto Italy) $12-13
So promise me this: Enjoy the heck out of some bubbles tonight as we say farewell to a bizarre and heartbreaking year for so many… But please don’t wait until next New Year's Eve to re-visit a bottle of bubs.Your homework assignment is to buy some great affordable ones from the list above and open on ANY night of the year when you just need a little magic in your glass and choreography on your palate. Life is short. You deserve it. Drink the Bubbles.
Sip Well,
Nikki