'Bubbly' status

Champagne, sparkling wine, Cava, Prosecco - and probably a few names I have missed - they are all fun and festive wines with varying degrees of sweetness, effervescence and alcohol. One thing we all know for sure, though, is they set a festive mood at this festive time of year. The status of the "bubbly" market has never been better here in North Idaho; we have access to many sparkling wines that span appellations and price points. We can literally meet all tastes with the selection we have from our distributors.

We as wine professionals are indeed enthusiastic about Champagne and related sparklers, we enjoy them year round. We have heard from friends and customers over that time, "you know, I really don't enjoy it very much," or "it is too sweet, it gives me a splitting headache." However, we have had the opportunity to pour some at events or gatherings at our home, and then we hear, "wow that is better than any I have tasted," and here is the punch line: it doesn't only happen with the expensive ones. Like all things wine-related, finding a sparkling wine you enjoy is about trying different ones and discovering the ones that appeal to your palate, and knowing just a bit about where they come from and how they are made, so you can consistently find the ones you like best.

Over the next couple of weeks, you will have two chances to do just that. On Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 4-7 p.m., the dinner party will be teaming up with Jigsaw Boutique in Spokane when we host a Champagne and sparkling wine tasting at their store, right downtown at 601 West Main. In addition to the lovely clothing and live music, you will have the chance to taste and learn about sparkling wine from three different regions that span price points from $11 up to $40.

Then on Saturday Dec. 13, join us here at the shop when we taste an even larger line up of "bubbly" priced from $11 up to $75 that again will include wines from the U.S. and Europe, and will cover true Champagne as well. The tasting will be held from 1-5 p.m., and we are located at 3520 North Government Way right by Costco.

The wine grapes used in the manufacturing of sparkling wines differ widely depending on where the wine originates. Many used in Spain and Italy are little-known and impossible to pronounce, but here in the states and in France, most times the wines are based on three main varietals; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The method for getting the bubbles in the wine can differ greatly too. Again, most times in France and the U.S., and sometimes in Italy and Spain, secondary fermentation is completed in the corked bottle, causing the bubbles to stay in the wine.

In other parts of the wine world, though, the secondary fermentation is completed in large tanks under pressure and then the wine is bottled, sometimes with additional effervescence added. The harvest of grapes destined to become sparkling wines is handled differently also. Grapes are typically picked when they are not quite as ripe, meaning the sugars are lower and acids higher. Consequently, these sparkling wines many times have lower alcohol, and the wines are dry, crisp and zippy, and not at all sweet.

Pink Champagne or Rose is frequently thought to be sweet. Like still wine though, when it is done in the Brut Rose style the color has nothing to do with sugar levels. Rather, the color is derived from the wine staying briefly in contact with the red grape skins of Pinot Noir or other varietals to give it the lovely pale pink color.

The differences between still and sparkling wines, and those among sparkling wines from different parts of the wine world go on and on. Whether you join us at Jigsaw this evening, or here at the shop on the 13th - or both - it will be your chance to try different wines and determine for yourself which you like best, the most important part. You will also have the chance to learn about all winemaking methods and see how they influence what you taste. We hope to see you then.

If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can email george@thedinnerpartyshop.com, or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party, a wine and tabletop decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George has also worked as a judge in many wine competitions. His articles are published around the country and he is the wine editor for Coeur d'Alene Magazine (www.cdamagazine.com).

You can learn more about the Dinner Party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. You can get all of these articles, as well as other great wine tips, by friending us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/#/dinnerpartyshop.