Whether they’re for gifting, toasting, or sacredly sipping, sparkling wines add a special touch to the holiday season. The demand for sparkling wine has grown (thanks to affordable Prosecco), and many are home grown in Ontario. With a vast selection to suit every taste and budget, these expert-recommended bottles will certainly add a little extra “sparkle” to your holiday events.
For a tasty and reliable everyday bubbly, try the Jackson Triggs Sparkling Reserve VQA ($16.95 at LCBO). Fresh in flavour with floral and fruity notes, it’s the perfect bubbly to pull out when friends drop by. To make a light and fun cocktail, mix in some juice.
For ultra-convenience, try the Outset sparkling wine in a 250ml can ($4.95 at the LCBO). This tiny bottle makes a great stocking stuffer or a cute addition to a charcuterie board. Since it’s only a single serving, it’s perfect on those nights when you don’t want to open a whole bottle.
For a traditional bottle, try the Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catherine Brut ($32.95 at the LCBO). This fermented sparkling wine uses classic champagne varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offering the same flavour of champagne for a much lower price.
If you are a Chardonnay fan, you’ll love the Cloudsley Twenty Mile Bench Chardonnay ($35 from the farm). Cloudsley is a small lot terroir-driven family-owned winery. Order straight from their website, and they’ll deliver a case to your door.
Domaine Queylus makes a beautiful Bordeaux-style blend called Droite ($44.95 from the farm). Aged in French oak barrels, this blend of Cabernet and Merlot is full of flavour. Try it with grilled steaks. Droite is available on the Domaine Queylus website.
Peller Family Vineyards Rose is a safe bet for most pallets and a real crowd-pleaser. It comes in a 1500ml size ($17.95) or a 1-litre tetra pack ($12.95) ( which is super convenient when you have a crowd). This off-dry bubbly is slightly sweet, with hints of rose petals and tropical fruit. Perfect with soda water if you enjoy a refreshing spritzer.
Pop a bottle and celebrate! The holidays are here!
By Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright
