Since it seems that other fizzy wines are being discussed, everyone in the world who likes big red wines needs to seek out a bottle of Rumball Sparking Shiraz. We can find it for between $28 and $40 a bottle depending on where we go. It’s an Austrailian sparkling red and it’s absolutely one of the most interesting wines I’ve ever tried. The base Shiraz is actually a really decent wine to start with (my rule of thumb on sparkling wine is that if it’s worth drinking at all you’ll still like the taste after it goes flat. This has passed that test) and the bubbles are tiny little delicate things floating in a sea of blow your head off strong red wine. Everyone we’ve offered it to absolutely loves it, and while some might think it a shame I’m working on a few cocktail ideas with it too.
Appropriately, Consumer Reports January 2008 edition rates Sparkling Wines…
“Our Ratings are based on blind tastings conducted by two outside experts who sampled authentic Champagnes and sparking white wines in the same style”
In the VERY GOOD section: (in order of overall quality)
Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut (CA) $16
Mumm Napa Brut Prestige (CA) 20
Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, Brut (France) 35
Scharffenberger, Brut Mendocino (CA) 18
Taittinger La Francaise Champagne, Brut (France) 42
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava (Spain) 10
G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne, Brut (France) 34
Piper-Sonoma Select Cuvee, Brut (CA) 16
Moet & Chandon White Star Champagne (France) 35
Domain Carneros by Taittinger, Brut 2003 (CA) 20
Yellow by Yellowglen (Australia) 11
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne, Brut (France) 41
Domaine Ste. Michelle, Brut Columbia Valley (WA) 12
Picked up a bottle of the Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee this morning. Good thing I called and reserved it on Saturday as it was the last one they had in stock.
Had to put my blinders on as there were many other choices mentioned above that were trying to jump in my cart 