Three Sparkling Wines

     When I was asked by my guests what they should bring to a holiday dinner, I requested an inexpensive sparkling wine for the pre-dinner hors d'oevres. Dinner was going to be heavy and the red wine would be flowing later so I wanted a light wine to go with small snacks while we waited for everyone to arrive. It was great fun tasting and comparing the different bubbles. 

• Riondo Pink Spago Argento-Veneto Italy This vino frizzante blend of Prosecco and Raboso grapes made via the Charmat method was an easy drinker. It was a clear pale pink with medium intense aromas of strawberries with a hint of roses. The crisp, fresh berry fruitiness was rounded out with tart acidity and 10.5% abv. I think it would be fabulous very-chilled by the pool in the summer or for an all-girl wedding shower on a weekend afternoon. $12
• Louis Perdrier Brut Excellence-French Sparkling Wine or Vin Mousseux. This was a well-balanced pale yellow wine with small fizzy bubbles. It had very light citris aromas with even lighter hints of yeast, good acid and 11% abv with a bit of minerality in the dry finish. A fun, budget bubbly. $12
• Chandon-California Brut Classic- A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir made bubbly in the traditional method. Bright, fresh aromas of apple and lime with flavors of apple and subtle hints of toast and vanilla ending in a crisp, dry finish. A bit more complex than the Louis Perdrier and more elegant than the Riondo. The group favorite. $17