Sparkling Wine Question...

[stevebody]

A buddy of mine who works at another big wine shop here in Seattle bugged me for months to try the Freixenet Carta Nevada. I've always looked askance at Freix for the tacky black bottles and frequwntly for what they contained. But one day last summer I was at the grocery store, wanted a quicky white and grabbed a bottle. Man! I've always known the Spanish have a way with chardonnay but this stuff was obviously made from some world-class grapes. It's light, citrusy, a touch bitter AND a touch sweet. What a great little bargain! I see it everywhere fror $6 and it's on sale for $4.99 a LOT.

If you like a little sweetness, try some of the Italian Moscatos that are made frizante or slightly fizzy. Spinetti makes a great one that sells for around $12.

Lastly, the Aussie Salenger Brut Vintage is an obscure gem, about $11 and elegant, with a nice mineral profile and tiny bead.