'Tis the season, you must admit, for wine that sparkles. Zardetto Prosecco is my everyday choice, with Veuve Clicquot for special occasions, and now I'll add a stunning new favorite for the holidays: a sparkler from New Zealand, Lindauer Brut. It's fresh, balanced and elegant; best of all, it's only $10.
The Brut is mostly pinot noir and chardonnay, with a touch of chenin blanc, fermented in the bottle in the traditional Champagne method. This is only the second year it's been available in the U.S., thanks to a new marketing push by Lindauer's new owners, Allied Domecq, which assembled the base wines from vineyards in the Marlborough, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne growing regions. Ah, the glories of globalization!
My local wine shop, Seattle Cellars, also carries splits (quarter-bottles) of several French champagnes for $10 apiece. Novelty items. The tasting on Thursday, December 15th, 5 to 7 PM, will feature four sparklers, to be opened by a sabre-wielding specialist. Stand clear!
Seattle Cellars, 2505 2nd Ave, 206-256-0850
