Countdown To Bubbly; Are YOU Ready?

…I’m sure you’ve all checked out our latest episode (if not, just click on the EPISODES tab and give it a look-see), where Vertical Wine Bistro sommelier Scott Teruya shares some ideas for sparkling wine. This of course is timely with New Years Eve just days away.

As usual, I’ve dedicated a sizable chunk of my brain to carrying out complex calculations utilizing algebra and quantum physics in order to reach a decision on which bottle I will be opening for this once-a-year occasion. I’m trying to find something special, but at the same time, I’m trying to adhere to a budget. Here are the finalists.

As discussed in the Vertical webisode, the Markus Altenburger Sekt is an intriguing option from an not-obvious region. It’s reasonably priced, with lovely color, cherry flavors and plenty o’ bubbles.

Scott mentions the Roederer Estate in the webisode as well, and they have a nice Brut from California that’s under $20.

A bottle of true Champagne that I’ve enjoyed in the past is the Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve. A sparkling glass of peaches, it is a tasty one, in the $50-60 range.

A gem that’s in my cellar is a bottle of 1993 Dom Perignon champagne. It was a gift from long ago, not even sure if it’s past it’s prime, but a bottle of Dom is always a special bottle, and not an inexpensive bottle. The question I always find myself asking is: Do I open it now? Or do I save it for an even more special occasion?

J Vineyards in Sonoma has a nice Sparkling Rose that I’ve had in their tasting room; a tasty wine made from Pinot Noir grapes, around $35.

Finally, a bottle that caught my eye is from another unlikely place (or at least not oft-though of for sparkling): Oregon. My lovely Thanksgiving Pinot came from Soter Vineyards, and his sparkling offering sounds very nice. (Tony Soter, founder of Etude now runs Soter Vineyards in the Willamette Valley region.) Tony’s Brut Rosé is a sparkling wine made with chardonnay and pinot noir, and the flavors sound divine (you had me at strawberry and créme brulée). It’s in the $45-$50 range.

I spotted the last bottle in a list of New Years Sparkling reccommends at Forbes.com. Between my list, their list and Scott’s suggestions in the webisode, you’ve got 20 suggestions to choose from. What are you waiting for!!

Which will be the bottle that I choose? It’s anyone’s guess (I have no idea, and I’m the one that’s going to open it…) As usual, I can’t promise that I wont’ go off the list and pick something entirely different. Any thoughts, suggestions or mentions of bottles that you’ve opened/are going to open/want to open are always welcome. But hurry… New Years Eve is Wednesday night!