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Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Bargain champagne for New Year’s Eve
As New Year’s Eve creeps up, it’s a good time to talk about bargain champagne. Last year, Twin Liquors wine specialist Ross Outon (above) gave us his recommendations.
Since we talked last December, Outon has been crowned the winner of the PBS reality show “The Winemakers.” That makes him even more wine specialistic, no? Here’s his list, revisited:
When it feels as if there’s less to celebrate, how can you celebrate for less? We gave Ross Outon the challenge of finding agreeable New Year’s Eve sparkling wines for around $10. Here are Outon’s choices and comments:
• Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra Dry, Brut and Blanc de Blanc (Washington): “One of the best in Washington state and the West Coast. A bubbly you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to use.”
• Cristalino Extra Dry, Brut and Rose Brut (Spain). Regarding rose: “Americans are afraid of pink wine, and with good reason.” But he said rose has gotten better and “it happens to go with anything Texans like to eat.”
• Segura Viudas Brut Reserve and Rose (Spain): On cheap bubbly in general: “It’s perfect for a day off and a bottle of orange juice.”
• Trocadero Blanc de Blanc Brut (France): “Crisp, light, citrusy and dry, with a little bit of that bready quality.”
But what if you’d like to splurge (albeit modestly) on something more interesting, say $15-$18?
• Gruet Brut, Rose Brut, Blanc de Noirs Brut and Demi-Sec (New Mexico): “Made by a true Champagne family.”
• Rocca Cerrino Brachetto (Italy): A sweet dessert sparkler “perfect for anything with berries.”
A year ago, all these wines were available at Twin Liquors Marketplace in Hancock Center, 1000 E. 41st St. 451-7400, www.twinliquors.com. Call ahead if you spot one you can’t live without.
(American-Statesman photo by Mike Sutter)
