It's December and the holiday season is in full swing. I'm sure you've seen sparkling wine advertised at your favorite wine shop, but how do you really know what to buy if you haven't tasted a lot of them? And, do you really need to go to a bunch of wine tastings to find out? Well, I'm always a proponent of drinking what you like whether it's a $5 or $50 bottle doesn't matter if your taste buds are happy.
I don't think you need to go to a bunch of tastings either unless you're looking for something fun to do or haven't experienced the characteristics of the different styles. So, if you're at the wine shop and looking at the bubbly options available here's a few things to look for.•If a bottle is labeled Champagne, it should be from the Northern region of Champagne France. If it's from another area, it's not a true champagne. True champagnes should have scents of nuts, breads and apples. Champagnes are generally more expensive than sparkling wines produced elsewhere.
•California, Australia and New Zealand producers make sparkling wine that's made in the same way as champagne but they're usually not as expensive.
•Italian sparkling producers create Prosecco that's a bit more creamy and light than Champagne. They also make Asti and Lambrusco, both are a bit more sweet.
To learn more read the book Introducing Wine by Oz Clarke.
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