What was your first experience with sparkling wine or champagne? Do you recall moments of wild debauchery? Yep, I do because before I understood the nuances of bubbly I drank it like a sprite, quickly got drunk and you know the rest of the story…Since then I have of course realized how to sip bubbly and have even taken quite a liking to it – in its many forms. So, here goes my list (not in any kind of order) of what I love about sparkling wine. 

From Guest Author Coryn Briggs of Black Star Farms Winery 

1. Bubbly is always refreshing

You know that “aww” sensation the 7UP and Sprite commercials tout so much, well yeah, that’s it for me with bubbly. One sip and you plus your mouth are awake. It tingles, teases, and refreshes, what’s not to like about that? 

2. Mimosas

A classic Sunday morning treat and what would a Sunday brunch be without them? We have started a Christmas morning Mimosa tradition in our house that includes crème brulee French toast and mimosas. So good! 

3. What doesn’t go with sparkling wine?

The old adage would say that sparkling wine is best served with caviar as an aperitif, with seafood for dinner, or eggs for brunch. Being one to bend the rules I happen to think that sparkling wine tastes good with anything! “Did you ever dunk a potato chip in champagne? It’s really crazy. Here isn’t that crazy? “Yeah,” says Richard,” pretty crazy.” (from The Seven Year Itch) 

4. Makes family movie night that much better

As I mention above bubbly tastes good with everything even popcorn! Before having children my husband and I had a Sunday night movie ritual that involved a bottle of bubbly, popcorn, and a movie. Five years and two kids later we have incorporated our tradition into a family centered event where we still enjoy our bubbly and the kids get a special soda while we all get to enjoy a movie and a big buttery bowl of popcorn. 

5. There’s always an affordable bottle of a Spanish Cava

Sparkling wine or champagne doesn’t have to break the bank. There are so many great ones out there in the $10-15 range. Spanish Cavas are almost always a good bargain and they are wonderful. My favorite is Cristalino Brut Rosé Cava. 

6. It can make an ordinary day feel special

I don’t think I can say this any better than Josh already did his recent post Let’s Get it Poppin’ specifically quoted: “Why do we wait for the “special occasions” to break out a bottle of bubbly? Isn’t every day a miracle and an excuse to celebrate?” I agree 100%! 

7. It’s always a stylish choice

Like a classic set of pearls or a cashmere sweater a bottle of bubbly is always a good go to choice when hosting or attending a party. It will always be the right size and never the wrong color. 

8. Pure and simple,

There comes a time in every woman’s life when the only thing that helps is a glass of champagne. Bette Davis (from the movie Old Acquaintance) 

9. The sexual and romantic element

There is no way I could leave this out of my top ten. Not being one to jump on the band wagon of “sex sells” I was reluctant to include this in my top ten. However, it would be foolish of me to deny that a bottle of bubbly on many occasions has lead to one hedonistic act or another… 

10. Michigan makes great sparkling wines

Perhaps this is a shameless plug for the wine region I live in and represent but our cool climate is suited for growing the traditional champagne grapes of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir so it really is a natural fit for us. If you are curious about some of our sparkling wines please join us on Twitter (@bstar2009) on November 16 at 7:30 pm as we taste our 2009 Be Dazzled and our newly released 2010 Bubbly Nouveau. 

About the Author:

Coryn Briggs moved to Traverse City 6 years ago and quickly immersed herself into the Michigan wine industry. She is currently the Winery Promotions Coordinator for Black Star Farms. In this role she manages the many pieces of the marketing mix including, off-site events, website content, advertising, social media, as well as graphic design. Coryn enjoys local food, wine and the downtown Traverse City area where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. 

Black Star Farms is a unique agricultural entity that features two winery production facilities, their adjacent tasting rooms, a distillery, Inn, and equestrian facility.  The winery just celebrated its 10 year anniversary and is proud to represent the viticultural diversity of the Northwest Michigan region, and its proximity to the 45^th parallel – the same parallel that runs through so many of the great wine regions of the world.   

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