With Thanksgiving in Canada just around the corner, we’re thinking about some of our favourite things: Turkey and comfort foods, time spent with family, the fall colours and … sparkling wine!
Sparkling wine is a sommelier’s secret weapon, and if you’ve seen our recent live video with the LCBO, you’ll remember that we talked about the endless possibilities when it comes to pairing food with sparkling wine. It’s particularly great for Thanksgiving, given its naturally high acidity and bubbles, which help cleanse your palate of rich, fatty and decadent flavours associated with Thanksgiving (and pretty much most holidays). From Brut to Rosé, sparkling wine can stand up to almost anything: whether it’s a rich casserole dish, classic mashed potatoes, a savoury galette, a side dish in a creamy sauce or a main course of turkey!
In our video, we focussed on six exceptional VQA Ontario sparkling wines that are all under $20 in the LCBO. You can find the shopping list for these wines here, and we always encourage enjoying local where possible. There’s so much to explore in our own backyard, and these fruit forward, approachable sparkling wines are a great place to start this Thanksgiving! They are also on sale until October 11, 2020.
We know many of you are not in Ontario, and may not have access to Canadian wines, but we have you covered.
We’ve selected seven exceptional sparkling wines that deliver on quality and budget: they are all under $20! They won’t break the bank at Thanksgiving, whether you’re celebrating in October (as we are in Canada) or in November. Our selections come from the LCBO, and of course prices vary by location.
Crémant
These wines are made in the traditional method, like Champagne. The difference? They are not from Champagne but from other appellations in France. In addition, they will tend to be more youthful and less complex in profile, making them a wonderful aperitif or pairing for your Thanksgiving fare.
Louis Bouillot Perle Noire
$16.95
Founded in 1877, Louis Bouillot is known for making quality sparkling wine. This bubbly is a pale straw in colour with aromas of green apple, pear, honey and a touch of grapefruit. The palate is dry and medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and flavours of lemon, toasted almonds and biscuit. Finish is crisp and clean.
Patriarche Brut Rosé Crémant de Bourgogne
$19.95
Pours a peachy salmon color with a gently dissipating fizz. An enticing nose of summer red berry fruit and brioche gives way to wild strawberry, red currant, and white peach, with a gentle ginger prickle and hint of toast on the finish.
Prosecco
Made in the Charmat method, these wines will be youthful and fresh. Lots of fresh peach, pear and apricot on the nose and palate, with plenty of personality. Although, surely there will be plenty of those at Thanksgiving dinner!
Pitars Millesimato Extra Dry Prosecco 2018
$15.95
Fruity and dense Prosecco with lots of sliced pear and apple character. Flavorful finish.
Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Brut Rosé
$14.95
Medium pink colour with medium mousse; light floral, strawberry and raspberry aromas; dry, light to medium-bodied; soft ripe fruit flavours and a fresh citrus finish.
Lambrusco
This once unfashionable sparkling wine is making a comeback, shaking off memories of simple, syrupy sweet red bubbly and forging a path towards a dry, more complex style.
Labrusca Lini 910 Reggiano Lambrusco Rosso Secco
$19.95
Dry, complex and packed with black cherries and redcurrants. Refreshing on the palate with vibrant crunchy black fruit acidity, it will go well with rich Italian food… or a large piece of dark meat turkey!
Other Traditional Method Sparklers
We’ve selected two great value, high quality sparklers… a Cava from Spain and a traditional method rosé from Italy’s Trentodoc. Both punch above their weight, and won’t break the bank, especially if you’re hosting!
Vilarnau Barcelona Reserva Brut Cava
$15.95
Melon, peach and pear, hints of honey and succulent herbs on the nose and in the mouth. Fleshy and dry, showing good heft and a bracing suggestion of bitter lemon pith on the finish, which hangs on with good, gently spicy persistence.
Rotari Brut Rosé Sparkling 2014
$19.95
Orchard fruit, bread crust and a whiff of hay mingle together in the glass. The racy palate offers pink grapefruit, medicinal herb and bitter almond set against vibrant acidity and a vivacious perlage.
