After reading Wine Spectator’s annual sparkling wine report and their tasting note, which rates this value-priced wine 87 points, I ran out to get it. And what a wonderful surprise it was: fresh and zingy with forward fruit flavors of green apple and sweet pear beautifully entwined with lemon and minerals. It’s quite a good deal at only $14.99 at Trader Joe’s, whether you’re serving it for Sunday brunch or for a cocktail party. Serve it with good cheese, iced shellfish, or chicken pasta salad. But no matter the reason you buy it, don’t wait for a holiday to pop the cork.
This article appears in Dec 18-25, 2008.