the dish > Recipes

"Wine Moment" by the Wine Guy

O’Hara Wines & Liquors 405 West Boylston St...Wine Tips: When breaking out the bubbly for any celebration or special occasion, try an affordable variation on Champagne. Raise a glass of Prosecco (a fizzy wine from Italy) or Cava (from Spain), both available at most liquor stores starting around $10 a bottle. “They’re sexy and good and don’t cost an arm and a leg,” Xarello, Macabeo, and Parellada — but it is produced with the same painstaking techniques used for Champagne, and the quality is high. Then there is Italy's signature bubbly, Prosecco, made from the grape of the same name and available in a variety of styles from lightly sparkling to spumante (fully sparkling) and from dry to slightly sweet. American sparkling wines are also a great option. The best examples are made in the style of French Champagne using the same grapes — Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Most producers of bubbly make several styles. Look for the word "brut" on the label if you want a totally dry style, and to get the best value, find a nonvintage version, which means the winery blends vintages for better consistency.
Mont Marcal Cava Brut, Spain NV ($12)
A subtle, chalky earthiness in the scent, pear fruit, and racy acidity make this a great choice to pair with food — especially strong or funky cheeses.

Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico, Italy NV ($16)
This wine's a refresher with a soft, creamy bubble and lively Golden Delicious apple fruit.

Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley NV ($19)
This estate owned by the French Champagne house Roederer makes the most Champagne-like California sparkler. This one's a stunner, with rich, layered flavors of apple compote and brioche

Cooks is good for Champagne punch.