Sparkling Wine in the U.S.

  During the holiday season you find more writers and consumers talking about champagne / sparkling wine / Prosecco because this is when most of the bubbles are consumed in many countries, including the U.S. These wine are tied to celebrations (New Years, weddings, etc.). That's great, but it's also too bad as sparkling wines are much more versatile than just being used for a celebratory toast.

  Part of the problem has to do with confusing terms like methode champenoise, brut, demi sec and so on. This is perhaps a main reason for Proseccos popularity as it's easy to buy. The other factor is its relatively low price compared to most French Champagnes.

  Younger drinkers in the U.S. are leading the way with drinking more sparkling wines and they are drinking something besides Moet & Chandon or Korbel. There are many styles out there to experiment with from dry to sweet to white, pink and even red sparklers. We are the fourth largest market for sparkling wines, but per capita lag way behind most of Western Europe.

  Some of my favorite North Coast California producers of sparkling wines that you may also find on your local retail shelf are from Domaine Carneros, Gloria Ferrer, Iron Horse, J Vineyards, Mumm Napa, Roederer, Scharffenberger and Schramsberg. Get a bottle and have it with a meal. You don't even need special Champagne glasses as regular wine glasses will do. Enjoy!