This month, our Wine Pairing Weekend group, comprised of food and wine bloggers, is delving into the effervescent world of American sparkling wines. Timely and fittingly themed, our exploration aligns perfectly with the season’s spirit of celebration!

In My Glass

“Our simple yet unique premise is to make California sparkling wines based on an individual vineyard in an individual year. Inspired in part by the grower Champagne movement, we aim to prove that California can produce unique, delicious and terroir-driven sparkling wine.” – Under The Wire website

Co-founded by friends Chris Cottrell and Morgan Twain-Peterson MW, Under the Wire derives its name from the muselet—the wire cage that snugly encases the cork of a sparkling wine bottle. This artisanal venture meticulously crafts bespoke grapes from vineyards spanning the diverse regions of California.

The Brosseau Vineyard was  first vineyard Under The Wire worked with. “Our foundling idea started after tasting the still wines that Bedrock Wine Co. made in 2009 and 2010 from the vineyard” according to their website.  

Nestled above the the Salinas Valley in the silhouette of the Pinnacles National Park, the Brosseau Vineyard lies in the remote Chalone AVA. Owned and founded by Jan and Jon Brosseau and organically farmed by their son Bill, the vineyard stands as a testament to viticultural excellence, cultivating exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that constantly rank among the finest in California.

Tasting Note: Golden yellow color with baguette, lime zest, baked apple, raspberry, strawberry and subtle spice aromas. On the palate it’s medium bodied and very fresh with a creamy mousse, with red apple, raspberry, strawberry, mixed citrus flavors and a very satisfying finish! An outstanding sparkling wine!

We paired this wine with our Thanksgiving meal, where it proved to be an exquisite companion not only to the appetizers but also to the diverse array of dishes we served.

How Sparkling Wines Can Elevate Holiday Meals Beyond The Aperitif

When planning your holiday meal, don’t overlook the transformative power of sparkling wines beyond their traditional role as an aperitif. Here are some compelling reasons to consider incorporating sparkling wines throughout your holiday meals:

1. Versatility: Sparkling wines exhibit a remarkable versatility that extends beyond pre-dinner toasts. Their lively acidity and effervescence make them excellent companions to a wide range of dishes, from appetizers to desserts.
2. Palate Cleansing: The effervescence of sparkling wines serves as a palate cleanser, refreshing your taste buds between bites. This makes them an ideal partner for rich and flavorful holiday dishes.
3. Pairing Power: Sparkling wines can complement a variety of flavors, enhancing the dining experience. Whether you’re serving seafood, poultry, roasted meats, or even vegetarian fare, there’s a sparkling wine style to elevate each dish.
4. Celebratory Atmosphere: The festive and celebratory nature of sparkling wines adds an extra layer of joy to your holiday gathering. Elevate the mood and create lasting memories with the pop of a cork and the effervescent sparkle in your glass.
5. Dessert Harmony: Sparkling wines, especially those with a touch of sweetness, can harmonize beautifully with desserts. From fruity to creamy confections, there’s a sparkling wine pairing that can elevate your dessert course.
6. Culinary Adventure: Expand your culinary horizons by exploring sparkling wines from different regions and grape varieties. Sparkling wines offer a diverse and exciting world of flavors to discover.

As you plan your holiday menu, consider the various styles of sparkling wines available, from crisp and dry Brut to slightly sweet Sec or Demi-Sec. By embracing the versatility of sparkling wines, you’ll add a touch of effervescence to every course, making your holiday meal a truly sparkling occasion.

Hopefully, I whetted your appetite to consider sparkling wines beyond toasts and appetizers. I invite you to explore other great ideas for pairing sparkling wines with food this holiday season below:

• A Russian River Valley Pét-Nat with Veggie Tempura from Culinary Cam
• All American Sparklers from Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula by Grape Experiences
• Cheers, It is Christmastime in Michigan by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Christmas Cookie Swap and a Cooper’s Hawk Blanc de Blanc by Our Good Life
• Sparkling Picpoul with Fettuccine by Cooking Chat
• The Bubbles of Bel Lago by The Quirky Cork
• Troon wine: Farm-fresh flavor in every glass by My Full Wine Glass
• 4 US Sparkling Surprises: Sonoma’s SEPPI, Paso’s Halter Ranch, WA Gorge + Fav Festive Finger Foods by Wine Predator…Gwendolyn Alley