|  December
2005 - Settling down for a long cool glass of sparkling
wine might be what most of you have in mind as you survey
the wrapped presents- But how to choose from the dozens in
the stores? We asked Hawaii's only master sommelier Chuck
Furuya to help us choose some sparkling good deals this holiday
season.
GREAT VALUE: Ruggeri Prosecco ́Gold Labelî
Off-dry, amazingly delicate and superbly nuanced and incredibly
and effortlessly light in body, this Italian bubbly, especially
at less thanƯ $15 a bottle, is a must to try. There is no
other sparkling wine like it in the world. Not only does this
wine go down easy and liven the spirits, it is also remarkably
well suited for a wide range of foods, from smoked salmon
to poke to sushi. We recommend it served well chilled, and
think you will be absolutely thrilled with this new discovery!
READILY AVAILABLE: Roederer Estate Brut
Here is a yeasty, layered, creamy Californian bubbly which
is usually available in most supermarkets. Grown and produced
in the cool confines of California's Anderson Valley, (1 1/2
hours of winding road above Sonoma), this is generally regarded
as the best from the Golden Bear state.
LOCALLY GROWN
We just have to put in a word or 2 for Maui's Winery, Tedeschi,
and their Rose Ranch bubbly. Paula Hegele and her team work
passionately to make this fresh, refreshing, lively pink sparkler,
from the Carnelian grape grown high up in the hillsides of
Ulupalakua. They've come along way since their start and we
think their pink sparkler is now more than a novelty. It is
wonderfully delicious and ideal for our warm weather climate.
BOUTIQUE & FRENCH
Most wine enthusiasts will understand the concept small, artisan,
"boutique" wineries ...the concept of quality oriented
versus same-ness oriented (which most refer to as consistency,
or "house" style). We attended a tasting/ seminar
recently conducted by Kevin Pike (from New York) and were
quite impressed with his portfolio of high quality, hand crafted,
small production Champagnes. Of these, one of the best values
for your dollar proved to be Blanc de Blancs, Pierre
Gimmonet, 1er Cru, nonvintage. This Champagne is
100% Chardonnay from the 1er Cru village of Cuis, a north
facing site, which is the coolest of the Cote des Blancs.
The wine has fine, tiny bubbles, a refined, intricate palate
and a long finish. At under $35 a bottle, this is Champagne
well worth searching out.
SHEER ELEGANCE
"Sheer elegance" aptly describes the Rose Champagne
of Billecart-Salmon. Yes, the color is very
pretty and inviting, but taste this silky, elegant, highly
sophisticated French bubbly and you will be hooked forever.
If you want something extra special to kick off the New Year,
here it is!
SOMETHING SLIGHTLY SWEET: Elio Perrone Moscato d'Asti
It seems more and more people are ordering Moscato d'Asti
in our restaurants. Why not? Good renditions are refreshingly
fruit driven ... full of lychee like fruit ... amazingly light
on the palate ... and completely refreshing and uplifting.
Serve this one ice cold.
THE BIG KAHUNA
This is your chance to try Krug Champagne. (NO, NOT Charles
Krug). If you want power and complexity, then try Krug. There
are several different bottlings, but the most easily accessible
is called the Grande Cuvee. It is a blend of many different
vintages and is as dramatic and complex of a Champagne as
there is. Yes, it is expensive ... BUT so are Dom Perignon
and Cristal. Krug gets my vote as the Big Kahuna. |
The
Amex Insider: An exclusive interview with celebrity chef D.K.
Kodama.