DISCLAIMER: This photo was taken five years ago at my cousin’s birthday party in D.C. strictly for entertainment purposes.
(And yes, that is a bottle of Cook’s in my hand - mind your business!)
Now that we’ve got THAT out of the way, I have to admit: I am a bit of a snob when it comes to bubbly. I never like to yuck anyone else’s yum, but I do have my preferences.
For example, I prefer Cava to Champagne; Cremant and Cap Classique over (some) California sparkling wines; and Franciacorta over Prosecco (unless it is Prosecco DOCG, then in that case, pour it up.) Even when it comes to mimosas, I don’t add much orange juice to my glass – I drink the bubbles straight. And while there’s a time and place for sparkling wine cocktails, EYE believe winemakers who specialize in sparkling wine work TOO hard for their juice to be altered by additional sugary beverages.
There is something extremely satisfying about popping the cork on a bottle of sparkling wine, inhaling the aromas of brioche, green apple, and lemon curd, and watching the bubbles dance gingerly around the glass. The first time I had a real Champagne, I remember feeling like I had finally become an adult. I couldn’t tell you the producer or who I was with, but I remember how that glass of bubbly made me feel - and it was REGAL.
Grape varietals like Grillo, Albarino, Riesling, and Chenin Blanc can also be made into sparkling wine, showcasing their versatility and depth.
But whether you pour bubbles into a coupe, white wine glass, flute, or red Solo cup, nothing compares to the taste of lifting a bottle (preferably one you aren’t going to share with others) to your lips and taking a big swig.
Drinking wine straight from the bottle might be considered unladylike or inconsiderate, but I like to think of it as an act of boldness, defiance, and celebration.
And even if you don’t feel like you have much to celebrate, a quick gulp of some delicious bubbles (in moderation) might help to shift your perspective.
This weekend, I’m attending The Hue Society’s Wine + Culture Fest, and I’m so thrilled to reconnect with some of my favorite people in the wine industry. There will be panel discussions, live food demonstrations, masterclass tastings, fireside chats, and my favorite event, the Roses & Rosé Brunch.
To celebrate, here are ten of my favorite sparkling wines that are worthy of drinking straight up.
Juve & Camps Gran Reserva
Graham Beck 2017 Blanc de Blanc
Nicolas Feuillattee Champagne
Fitz Riesling Sekt
Banshee Ten of Cups Brut
Pares Balta Brut
Segura Viudas Heredad
2012 Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage
BiancaVigna Prosecco Superiore Extra Brut DOCG
J Vineyards Blanc de Blancs
Enjoy, and make sure to keep scrolling for more juice!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
July 11 (D.C.) – I’m pouring a few wines TODAY at Grand Cata in D.C. from 5 to 7 PM. This is a free event, so pull up and say hi!
July 12 (D.C.) - UnWine 101 is hosting its UnWine Kickback at Serenata. Get your tickets here.
July 14 (D.C.) – Super excited to pull up at the Roses & Rosé Brunch at Wine + Culture Fest in D.C.’s National Harbor! Get your tickets here.
July 20 (NYC) – UnWine 101 runs it back with another kickback at Rosa’s in The Bronx. Grab your tickets here.
July 28 (CHI) – My homie Derrick C. Westbrook is hosting Samples & Samples at City Winery in the West Loop. Grab tix before they’re gone!
July 31 (CHI) – The Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists is hosting a “Welcome Kick-Off” event you don’t want to miss! Break out your flyest kicks and get ready to party! Tickets here.
August 10 (CHI) – The Veraision Project presents “Beyond The Glass: Fete Gala” which will be a good time! The inaugural gala will benefit The Veraison Project, a non-profit of a passionate and diverse team of beverage professionals to make our industry more inclusive and equitable. Tickets are on sale now.
September 22 (Chicago) – CLINK Festival, a unique wine and spirits experience, returns for its third year! Grab your tickets here.
WINE-ish NEWS
A taste of Bronzeville will soon debut at the busiest airport in the world.
SPOILER ALERT:
made some very valid points regarding this season of The Bear.Speaking of The Bear, where’s the wine?!
If you’re looking for some N/A wine options, here are the best ones according to somms.
I love it when fellow wine writers get into their investigative journaling bags. This piece for PUNCH on wine pricing in New York City is good.
Fellow Franciacorta fan over here! Tried Nicola Gatta's "Quattrocento" Extra Brut not too long ago, and I swear it's better than a lot of NV Champagne I've tasted.