by Robert Giles

The holiday season is in full swing and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a bottle of sparkling wine. Whether it is Christmas, New Year's Eve, or just a gathering of friends old and new, a bottle of sparkling wine will keep spirits and conversation lively—just like the bubbles in your glass! These are wonderful sparklers to fit the occasion you’re celebrating.

For a fun weeknight gathering I would recommend Krone Borealis Brut or Toad Hollow Amplexus Cremant Brut. Both of these wines have light tiny bubbles to lighten any mood and have notes of apple and pear with hints of lemon zest. Hints of vanilla round out the Amplexus while the Borealis leads into flavors of lightly toasted bread.

When joining a nice dinner party, I think you can pique anyone's interest with a bottle of Clotilde Blanc de Blancs or Segura Viudas Brut Reserve. Excitable exuberance or subdued elegance are your choices here. The Segura Viudas will surprise you with light, bright acidity and plentiful citrus notes, while the Clotilde will impress with flowery aromas and flavors of apple and honey.

If your celebration is to be extravagant, Sea Smoke Blanc de Noirs or Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé are my choices. The Billecart-Salmon will tantalize with hints of lime zest and strawberries first, before finishing with silky bubbles and a light note of peach. The Sea Smoke, on the other hand, will open with wonderful notes of red cherry mixed with apple and pear before finishing with light bubbles and toasted bread. Both are sure to accentuate any celebration.

1. Chill the wine until it is around 45 degrees. 45 minutes to an hour in the fridge should do it.
   
   
2. Do NOT use a saber, scabbard, samurai sword, machete or deer knife to “cut” the bottle open, unless you’re ready for a mess and a possible visit to the ER.
   
   
3. Once the foil has been removed and the wire cage loosened, do not let go of the cork. Grab the cork firmly with one hand and slightly tilt the bottle while holding the cork. Twist the bottle and slowly let the cork push itself out. If done right, there will be a quiet pop and you are ready to serve.