Sparkling Wine Picks for 2012 (S-Z)

The first thing you should know is hostess gifts are not obligatory, nor is the host or hostess expecting you'll arrive bearing offerings but it doesn't mean they are not thoughtful or appreciated.

 

Wine is a highly appropriate hostess gift and it can certainly be tailored to the taste of your host. Over the years I have learned a few things about the hostess gift. It's a gift for the host not the people attending the party, so do not expect the host to open the wine you just gave them, in fact, you should insist they put it away to enjoy on a future occasion.

 

That said, hosts who suspect the wine they are receiving is particularly meaningful to the gift giver, may want to consider tagging the bottle with that information and sometime in the future sharing that same bottle with the gift giver.

 

Knowing what to bring is more of challenge especially if you are not familiar with the kind of wine your host prefers. In the contest of this review we offer the ultimate grape solution -- sparkling wine. Sparkling wine was made to be a hostess gift because it's something we seldom buy for ourselves. It is both festive and celebratory and best of all everyone should have a bottle of bubble in the house that they can quickly chill and serve, whenever required.

 

Finally, to make your offer sparkle, dress them festively in clear or coloured cellophane - perfect to see the bottle - and tie with ribbons of natural or coloured raffia.

 

Almost all of the our sparkling picks are made in the true champagne method, that is the second fermentation takes place in the bottle you are buying, thus ensuring a high quality, tiny-bubbles, sparkler. Here's a worldwide alphabetical look at some of the best.

 

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86/100Saurus Patagonia Extra Brut N/V

Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina

Mineral, apple skin, pear, light toasty, herbal, tobacco aromas. Round, foamy, fresh palate with some sweetness. Baked pear, honey, mineral, peach, tobacco, strawberry flavours. Finish is a bit sweet and bitter but solid.

Tasted: 2009-09-12 by AG-ST

Prices: AB $23.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $22.00 (750 ml) specialty listing

CSPC: 099523; UPC: 007798116190496

Producer: Familia Schroeder

Distributor: Excess Wines; Patagonia Imports Ltd.

 

85/100 Seaview Brut Sparkling Wine N/V

South Eastern Australia, Australia

Floral, baked apple, peach, earthy aromas. Fresh mousse, crisp entry in a somewhat sweeter brut style. Peach, candied apple, citrus, mineral flavours with a crisp, green apple skin finish. Solid, affordable fizz for large gatherings.

Tasted: 2007-04-22 by AG

Prices: AB $12.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $13.56 (750 ml) general listing; MB $13.99 (750 ml); NF $13.48 (750 ml); ON $11.60 (750 ml); SK $12.99 (750 ml)

CSPC: 216333; UPC: 012354043213

Producer: Seaview Winery

Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

 

90/100 See Ya Later Ranch SYL Brut N/V

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Look for a bright, floral, complex brioche nose with bits of fruit and nutty lees. The entry is clean a crisp with more baked pea and yeasty notes over a dried peach and pear finish. This bubble has jumped another notch up the sparkling scale. Very fine quality. Bravo BC.

Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST

Prices: BC $19.99 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops

CSPC: 075648; UPC: 624738011048

Producer: See You Later Ranch

Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

 

85/100 Seaview Brut Sparkling Wine N/V

South Eastern Australia, Australia

Floral, baked apple, peach, earthy aromas. Fresh mousse, crisp entry in a somewhat sweeter brut style. Peach, candied apple, citrus, mineral flavours with a crisp, green apple skin finish. Solid, affordable fizz for large gatherings.

Tasted: 2007-04-22 by AG

Prices: AB $12.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $13.56 (750 ml) general listing; MB $13.99 (750 ml); NF $13.48 (750 ml); ON $11.60 (750 ml); SK $12.99 (750 ml)

CSPC: 216333; UPC: 012354043213

Producer: Seaview Winery

Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

 

86/100 Seaview Sparkling Shiraz N/V

South Eastern Australia, Australia

It's easy to see why this style of sparkling is so popular in Australia at Christmas time. Look for black cherry fruit with bits of plums, liquorice and vanilla. The palate is fresh and rich and it should easily subdue a turkey and all the trimmings. Despite a sweetish entry it finishes reasonably clean and dry.

 

90/100 Segura Viudas Heredad Brut Reserva N/V

Penedès, Catalunya, Spain

Good fine persistent mousse. Fresh nose with strawberry, floral, lime, lemon, nutty, melon, biscuit, peach skin aromas. Crisp, dry, round, elegant palate with very nutty, floral, slate, peach, baked pear, caramel, lemon and lime flavours. A bit fuller than most cava but very elegant and suave with a slightly sweet finish. Best served with seafood tapas and slightly salty light meats.

Tasted: 2008-12-04 by AG-ST

Prices: AB $35.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $32.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $38.00 (750 ml); ON $38.00 (750 ml) Vintages

CSPC: 094912; UPC: 33293650003

Producer: Segura Viudas

Distributor: Churchill Cellars; Freixenet Canada; International Cellars Inc.

 

89/100 Segura Viudas Aria Estate Brut N/V

Penedès, Catalunya, Spain

Ripe peach, floral, nutty, melon, quince and citrus aromas with a touch of toasty lees. Fine, elegant mousse and quite dry but fresh and crisp with just a hint of sweetness. Good lime, lemon, buttery, peach, honey, toasty, nutty, mineral flavours. Very attractive, delicate style with good intensity to drink with food and enjoy anytime.

Tasted: 2008-11-14 by AG-ST

Prices: BC $22.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; AB $17.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; NS $24.00 (750 ml); ON $18.00 (750 ml); QC $18.00 (750 ml)

CSPC: 311241; UPC: 00033293660002

Producer: Segura Viudas

Distributor: Churchill Cellars; Freixenet Canada; International Cellars Inc.

 

88/100 Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava N/V

Penedès, Catalunya, Spain 

Our annual appraisal of this bargain bubble seldom wavers. Fresh floral, nutty, lemon notes greet the nose. The palate is fresh, with a creamy mousse and more dried pears, citrus, apple, nutty honey almond flavours. The finish is dry but elegant and with plenty of flavour. A grade "A "sparkler made for appetizers or light meals. Good value.   

Tasted: 2011-11-21 by AG-ST

Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $15.00 (750 ml); NF $15.00 (750 ml); ON $15.00 (750 ml) LCBO; QC $14.00 (750 ml)

CSPC: 158493; UPC: 033293690009

Producer: Segura Viudas

Distributor: Churchill Cellars; Freixenet Canada; International Cellars Inc.     

 

88/100 Segura Viudas Cava Brut Rosado N/VPenedès, Catalunya, Spain

By now, this label should command your respect and attention for its consistent ability to over-deliver for the price. Look for a lively raspberry coloured sparkling rose with an attractive persistent creamy mousse. The palate is dry and fresh with nutty, cherry, baked pear and citrus flavours. The perfect tapas wine you can pour freely before dinner with apéritif-style bites.

Tasted: 2009-09-07 by AG

Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml); BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $16.00 (750 ml)

CSPC: 005835; UPC: 00033293640004

Producer: Segura Viudas

Distributor: Churchill Cellars; Freixenet Canada; International Cellars Inc.

 

87/100 Segura Viudas Lavit Rosado Brut Cava N/V

Penedès, Catalunya, Spain

Consistent year after year with an attractive coppery salmon colour. Fresh cherry, red apple, toasty, mineral fruit notes with nutty streak. On the palate it's fruity with creamy cherry, earthy, mineral, citrus, toasty flavours. Serve at most any occasion with or without food.

Tasted: 2007-11-04 by AG

Prices: AB $15.99 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $17.49 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $17.00 (750 ml); QC $20.12 (750 ml)

CSPC: 122796; UPC: 033293653004

Producer: Segura Viudas

Distributor: Freixenet Canada; International Cellars Inc.

 

88/100 Sperling Vineyards Sper...itz 2009

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Light spritz on pouring. Floral, green apple, lime, matchstick burn, honey, pear aromas. Elegant, fresh, light palate with a lively spritz. Clean green apple, floral, grapefruit, honey, spicy, nectarine flavours. Finish is juicy and crisp with a bit of sweetness. Light, fun, fresh summer wine. Bravo.

Tasted: 2011-01-04 by AG-ST

Prices: BC $13.00 (375 ml) speculative listing - Liquid Art

CSPC: 254573;   UPC: 0094922094896

Producer: Sperling Vineyards

Distributor: Trialto Wine Group Ltd.

 

87/100 Sumac Ridge Pinnacle Méthode Classique 2001

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Pale yellow with a hint of pink. Small, fine continuous mousse and bead. Toasty, lemon, nutty, buttery, cherry, baked apple aromas. Crisp, fresh, dry and zippy palate with moderate mousse. Lemon, toasty, nutty, mineral, sour cherry, earthy, citrus flavours. More like a Cava in style but solid.

Tasted: 2008-05-15 by AG-ST

Prices: BC $35.00 (750 ml) winery direct

CSPC: 925990; UPC: 778876013966

Producer: Sumac Ridge Estate Winery

Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

 

87/100 Sumac Ridge Steller's Jay Brut Méthode Classique 2007

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Medium fine mousse. Honey, baked pear, baked apple, toasty, citrus, peach, floral aromas. Foamy, round, sweeter style palate but lacks mid-palate. Baked apple, citrus, baked peach, spicy, toasty flavours. A fruitier, easy style that is ready to drink.

Tasted: 2011-12-23 by AG-ST

Prices: AB $28.00 (750 ml); BC $27.00 (750 ml); ON $20.00 (750 ml) Vintages

CSPC: 264879;   UPC: 778876848797

Producer: Sumac Ridge Estate Winery

Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

 

87/100 Sumac Ridge Tribute Private Reserve Méthode Classique N/V

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Lots of fine, foamy mousse. Light nutty, green apple, floral, citrus, melon aromas. Crisp, slightly sweet entry with some good but foamy mousse. Baked pear, apple skin, honey, butter, toasty, citrus flavours. Finish is a bit bitter but quite nutty with decent persistence. Solid effort

Tasted: 2010-04-04 by AG-ST

Prices: AB $30.00 (750 ml); BC $30.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $30.00 (750 ml)

UPC: 0063657020111

Producer: Sumac Ridge Estate Winery

Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

 

88/100 Sumac Ridge Tribute Gold Méthode Classique N/V

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Excellent refined mousse, quite continuous. Floral, pear, baked apple, grapefruit, lemon, spicy nose with light toast. Rich, round, off dry palate with citrus rind, baked apple skin, ripe pear, mineral, buttery, nutty flavours. A full bodied style that is slightly drier and richer than the normal Tribute.

Tasted: 2010-04-04 by AG-ST

Prices: AB $50.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $50.00 (750 ml) specialty listing

UPC: 0063657022443

Producer: Sumac Ridge Estate Winery

Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

 

84/100 Summerhill Cipes Rosé N/V

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Light mousse. Pear, biscuit, floral, earthy, citrus aromas. Fresh, crisp, very slightly sweet entry with light, foamy mousse. Red apple, pear, citrus, honey, floral flavours with a touch of bitter citrus rind on the finish. Simple, fresh, easy style. Solid value here. Certified organic.

Tasted: 2010-04-04 by AG

Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Renaissance Wine Merchants

CSPC: 978064; UPC: 779000138685

Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

 

80/100 Summerhill Cipes Pinot Noir Brut N/V

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Beautiful pale, salmon rose colour with lots of mousse. Earthy strawberry nose with a hint of rhubarb and paper. Dry, lean, leafy, stemmy flavours with soupy green rhubarb and earth on the bitter finish. Not much in common with good sparkling wine.

Tasted: 2007-11-15 by AG

Prices: BC $29.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops

CSPC: 978064;UPC: 779000138685

Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

 

84/100 Summerhill Cipes Brut N/V

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Floral, green apple skin, herbal, citrus peel, mineral nose. Very foamy but tart, dry, crisp entry with some warmth and bitterness. Granny smith apple and citrus peel flavours with a slightly bitter, nutty finish. Not much here.

Tasted: 2007-11-15 by AG

Prices: BC $24.99 (750 ml) specialty listing

CSPC: 314419; UPC: 779000100101

Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

 

87/100 Summerhill Estate Winery Cipes Brut 2008

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Lots of fine, foamy mousse. The nose is a mix of bruised green apple, mineral, spice, light garlic, pear, and citrus rind aromas. Fresh, crisp, off-dry style with green apple skin, nutty, citrus, honey, bitter grapefruit, floral flavours. Solid but finishes a touch skinny and bitter.

Tasted: 2010-11-21 by AG

Prices: BC $29.00 (750 ml)

CSPC: 097295; UPC: 00779000138623

Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

83/100 Summerhill Cipes Ice Rosé N/V

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Fine mousse. The nose is a touch on the tired side offering baked apple and raspberry fruit with a spicy undercurrent. The winery uses organic ice wine in the dosage to sweeten the palate and subdue the acidity. The finish is dry and warm. Like last time it is an off-dry version of BC bubble with an alcoholic finish.

Tasted: 2009-02-15 by AG

Prices: BC $45.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Renaissance Wine Merchants

CSPC: 812065; UPC: 779000138661

Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

 

83/100 Toso Brut N/V

Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina

Medium fine continuous mousse. Minty, green apple, floral, candied pear, almond aromas. Soft, dry, foamy palate with light garlic, herbal, apple skin, grapefruit skin, almond, bitter flavours. Simple, basic bubble.

Tasted: 2010-11-21 by AG-ST

Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $15.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Authentic Wines & Spirits

CSPC: 299487; UPC: 718742000065

Producer: Pascual Toso

Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

 

89/100 Tranchero Casot Moscato d'Asti 2010

Piedmont, Italy

It's back to back winners for this little moscato with its lightly frizzante sparkle. So fresh and floral on the on the nose with an orange peel, nectarine skin, honey nose. This is a slightly fresher edition with more acidity but plenty of green apple, nectarine and spicy, peach fruit. Great value and a fun wine to pull out after dinner to lighten palates and finish off the evening.     

Tasted: 2011-06-04 by AG-ST

Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing

CSPC: 001214; UPC: 00335096910378

Producer: Tranchero Osvaldo

Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc. 

 

88/100 Trivento Brut Nature N/VMendoza, Argentina

Medium fine mousse with floral, honey, mineral, cream, cherry aromas. Fresh, round, elegant palate with medium acidity. Nice creamy, baked apple, honey, nutty, cherry, peach flavours with a toasty finish. Good overall balance in a slightly more fruity style. Well done.

Tasted: 2006-07-30 by AG

Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) estimated B.C. retail

UPC: 7798039591127

Producer: Trivento Bodegas y Vinedos S.A

Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

 

82/100 Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc Brut 2008

Western Cape, South Africa

Quiet nose with hints of sauvignon-like fruit and grassy notes. On the palate, the mousse is quite coarse and the flavours are bitter. Not at all in the usual approachable Two Oceans style. Not my favourite.

Tasted: 2009-08-16 by AG-ST

Prices: BC $12.99 (750 ml) specialty listing

CSPC: 382614; UPC: 006001108044655

Producer: Bergkelder, The (Distillers Corporation)

Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

 

86/100 Valdivieso Extra Brut N/V

Chile

Almond, nutty, toasty, baked pear, marzipan aromas with a touch of peach. Medium mousse with lots of acidity. Lemon, nutty, toasty, baked apple, earthy, sour cherry flavours. More of a food/tapas-style sparkler with the elevated acidity.

Tasted: 2008-04-25 by AG-ST

Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vinterra Wine Merchants

CSPC: 28523;UPC: 7802180088938

Producer: Viña Valdivieso

Distributor: Vinterra Wine Merchants

 

87/100 Valdo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Marca Oro N/V

Treviso, Verona, Veneto, Italy   

Dependable fresh nose of mineral, apple pear aromas with a touch of almonds in the background. The attack is fresh with more green apple pear and spicy nutty notes and a slightly sweet edge to the finish. Best suited to accompany appetizers before dinner. 

Tasted: 2011-11-21 by AG-ST

Prices: AB $20.00 (750 ml); BC $21.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; SK $21.00 (750 ml)

CSPC: 550111; UPC: 8002335104066

Producer: Spumanti Valdo srl

Distributor: International Cellars Inc.     

 

85/100 Veuve du Vernay Brut Blanc de Blancs N/V

France

A unique blend of chardonnay, chenin blanc, folle blanche and ugni blanc that for whatever reason hits the mark. Very floral, perfumy quince nose with pear, mineral, almond flavours with a clean, crisp finish streaked with citrus. It works as a fine stand-alone aperitif with salty, spicy, or even smoked foods or mix with orange juice at breakfast or a dash of crème de cassis...and party on. Also available in 1.5 litre format.

Tasted: 2004-03-02 by AG

Prices: BC $12.99 (750 ml) General; ON $9.95 (750 ml)

CSPC: 209023; UPC: 3245592970011

Producer: Veuve du Vernay

Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

 

83/100 Veuve du Vernay Brut Rosé N/V

France

Lots of mousse if a bit foamy with pale orange salmon colour. Cherry, citrus, earthy, orange peel aromas with a floral note. Round, fresh, slightly sweet entry with candied rhubarb, earthy, leafy, bitter citrus rind flavours.

Tasted: 2007-11-15 by AG

Prices: BC $13.99 (750 ml) specialty listing

CSPC: 610048; UPC: 877862002004

Producer: Sorevi

Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

 

87/100 Villa Teresa Prosecco Veneto N/V

Veneto, Italy

Each vintage of this Prosecco sparkler gets cleaner and fresher although it appears the vintage label has given way to a non-vintage designation. The nose is bright and fresh with plenty of green apple fruit and pear flavoured fruit with a dusting of almonds. Similar flavours with a creamy, orange note. A classic, patio party sipper with an organic twist. Green never tasted so good. Now under a ceramic/metal closure you might see on high end beers to ensure freshness.

Tasted: 2008-12-09 by AG-ST

Prices: BC $15.95 (750 ml) specialty listing

CSPC: 268714; UPC: 08007615000694

Producer: Vini Tonon s.r.l.

Distributor: The Delf Group

 

85/100 Voga Pinot Grigio Vino Spumante Extra Dry N/V

Veneto, Italy

I often wonder why we are so lucky here in Canada to experience every commercial wine made in the world. The Voga sparkler is as you might expect sweet with bits of caramel and baked apple throughout. It finishes with a tangy citrus note. Inoffensive at best. Sure to be a hit in singles bars.

Tasted: 2009-02-15 by AG-ST

Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $15.00 (750 ml); NS $16.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); QC $16.00 (750 ml)

UPC: 008003625091714

Producer: Enoitalia Spa

Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

 

86/100 Wolf Blass Yellow Label Sparkling Brut 2005

South Australia, Australia

Tasted several times I must say at this point five years down the road this sparkler is beginning to lose its edge. The nose is nutty and somewhat oxidative slightly but once on the palate the fruit is lively cran-cherry orange flavours with just a bit of the oxidative notes in the back end. The texture is fine with creamy bread dough notes. The blend is 70/30 pinot noir and chardonnay. Drink up.

Tasted: 2010-03-20 by AG-ST