BUBBLE BRAIN

Marquis Wine Cellars’ Leah Bickford shares her fave cork-popping picks for New Year’s.

With New Year’s on the horizon, ’tis the season to sparkle. You already know Veuve, Dom and Perrier-Jouet, but what to do if your budget isn’t quite as high as your aspirations? With so many choices out there, ranging from Champagne to méthode champenoise to sparkling wine, it’s nice to get an expert opinion. So we tapped wine expert Leah Bickford of Marquis Wine Cellars (pictured) for her top bottles to ring in 2012.

Paul Bara Brut Reserve Champagne, France, $55.00
True Champagne can only come from a region East of Paris. Its centuries-old tradition of high quality often commands high prices. But Grower Champagnes can be a real bargain. They’re produced by the estate that owns the vineyards, whereas large Champagne houses (example Moët) source grapes from as many as 200 different growers. I love this Paul Bara – from a family-run vineyard established in Bouzyin 1833 — for its higher percentage of Pinot Noir, golden colour and good weight. Incidentally, Marquis Wine Cellars is the only place in Canada to find this amazing producer!

Colmant Cap Classique Brut Stellenbosch, South Africa, $33.00
Looking to spend a little less, but want a Champagne-esque style? Try this little gem from South Africa. Colmant Cap is a dry sparkling wine made in the méthode champenoise by Belgian expats Jean-Philippe & Isabelle Colmant  Another family-run establishment, their sole focus is sparkling wine using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Available at Marquis Wine Cellars.

Vouvray Brut Fines Bulles, Loire Valley, France, $25.00
Philippe Brisebarre is the third generation of his family to direct this estate located within the sub-region of Vouvray (in the Loire Valley). This lovely sparkling wine is made from the ever versatile and commonly grown Chenin Blanc grape using the traditional sparkling wine method. It displays a tremendous balance between power, freshness and elegance for an excellent price. Available at Marquis Wine Cellars.

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva, Spain, $17.90
Hailing from Spain and made using regional varietals, Cava is one of my favourite recommendations. Dry when compared to Prosecco  and benefiting from a second fermentation for finer bubbles, it is an exceptional value whether drunk on its own of in mimosas. Available at most liquor and wine stores.