Can you believe it that we're already here at the end of 2009?! I'm looking forward to celebrating tonight with some excellent bubbly. Champagne is classic, but many regions around the world make sparkling wine. Here are 5 of my favourites:

Poema Cava Brut, DO Penedès, Traditional Method, Spain: Toasty, zesty goodness with bubbles galore! Aromas of green apples, lemon-buttered bread, and limes.  121152  11.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100.

Santa Margherita Prosecco, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: VC: Here’s a Prosecco with a surprisingly rich, toasted quality that translates into roasted almond, walnut and yellow fruit flavors. The toasted notes add unexpected complexity to a dry, crisp apéritif wine. ML. My note: A lovely summer day with bright notes of ripe white peach and toast. Toast your good fortune to be alive.  687582  11.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100.
 

Roederer Estate Sparkling Wine, Anderson Valley, California, United States: One of my long-term favorite bubblies from California: dependably delicious and reasonably priced. Peach and toasted bread.  294181  12.00%  D  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 88/100.

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Chardonnay Tribute, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes in honour of Canadian athletes who will compete at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympics Winter Games, this wine dances with zingy citrus notes and has a lovely toasty finish. Pair with: oysters, fresh shellfish, buttered popcorn.  988107  13.00%  D  750 mL  $30.00  Score: 91/100.

Bollinger Champagne Special Brut Cuvée, A.C., Champagne, France: Green apple, toasty bread and lovely white peach goodness. An extraordinary complex bubbly.  384529  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $79.95  Score: 93/100.
 

For hundreds of other bubblies in a range of styles and prices, all paired with various dishes and recipes, please search my wine reviews.

Happy New Year!

Natalie