Seeing Stars, Bubbles and Sparks

No sex in the Champagne room. Or is it no Champagne in the sex room?

Whatever your pleasures may be this New Year’s Eve, let’s make it a Champagne alternative bubbly festivity. I say that not because I don’t like the real thing (I really do), but because it’s cheaper and we’re all a little downmarket this year, aren’t we?

So bring in the auxiliary! Cava and Prosecco and Cremant glore!

That’s right, the glass you’re handed at midnight on Thursday at some swanky joint most likely will not be legitimate Champagne, but a MUCH more affordable sparkler in its place that you, contently intoxicated at 11:55pm, will surely and wholeheartedly consume in entirety, fully believing you downed Dom Perignon (a vintage Brut, of course), Vegas-style.

And why shouldn’t you? This shit is good. And duly noted as an affordable option.

Here they are, my strategically mapped out “consumer-friendly” options for your NYE extravaganza. Be it you are supplying these wines for party guests or you are fusing it into a flask hidden in your belt/pocket/flashy undies to drink under the table at a should-be-illegally exorbitant Belltown partay.

Capitello Wines WIllamette Valley Brut: What an awesome hidden gem from Oregon, former King Estates winemaker branches off on his own to create a label boasting Oregon’s finest of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. He throws out an oddball sparkling wine, produced of 100% Pinot Noir and consists of a solidly consistent creaminess of pear and citrus, backed by the effervescence of the wine. You can find it around $22 at The Local Vine or Sixth Avenue Wine Sellers in Pacific Place.

Lucien Albrecht Cremant NV Brut Rose: Yes, it’s French. No, it’s not Champagne. It’s from Alsace instead, is 100% Pinot Noir and prepared in the finest of traditional Champagne methods. This wine will always be the courage that allowed me to walk down the aisle. No, not my aisle, my first college girlfriends’ wedding – us bridemaids were overwhelmed and decided to throw back a couple glasses of this Brut Rose. Made the walk down that aisle a lot slicker… Light floral notes with bashful fruit come out in the aromatics while crisp, dry spice tones and cranberries are on display on the palate. A classic. Can be found at most wine shops (almost guaranteed) for around $18.

Poema NV Brut Cava: This was one of my first intro Cavas. Suggested by Jack himself at Jack Cellars, this sparkler is straight from the Penedes region of Spain, with bright aromas of peach, spice and some toastiness from the double barrel-fermentation that the back label proudly announces. Dry but still a mouthful of texture, orange and citrus flavors. Buy from Jack for $15ish.

Riondo Veneto Prosecco: When in Venice? Venetians consider Prosecco to be the perfect “ombrette” aka pick-me-up and why not – it’s bubbly, mostly dry and when consumed quickly, can promise a buzz! This particular guy has been endorsed by Good Morning America and THAT is street cred. Light, delicate and zippy, this steal of a deal is typically under a dime and a party pleaser.

What have we learned here today? There ARE efficient ways to be cheap and still get your crunk on for NYE, just like Lil’ John. What, is he not hip anymore? Is that 2000-and late?

See you in 2010, dear readers, hopefully with a little more bubbles.

Hugs and kisses,
Erin