A Time For Champagne

The holidays are officially here and that means toasting them with a good bottle of champagne. The problem is which one? What sparkling wine best signifies the holidays? let;'s face ti there are so many choices that it;s hard to decide.

Luckily there is Eric Asimov' Wines Of The Times column in yesterday;s Wednesday's Dining section. There he described the different sparkling wines He mentions the unique Puet Petillant which is not fermented int eh usual way. Champagnes are made from a second fermentation in which carbon dioxide is trapped inside the vat , carbonating the wine.With this particular brand it's done during the first fermenting in which the grapes ferment into wine. A smaller amount of CO2 is released, creating a less fizzier sparkling wine. It's a smoother , more subtler taste.

Mr. Asimov also mentions a Langlois Chateau Cremant de Loire from France. This is a type of champagne with less carbon dioxide than a regular champagne. This was from Burgundy and had a fresh taste. He also tried Domaine Agape which was a bubbly Chardonnay . This had a spicy taste different from the usual sec or brut flavors the drink is known for. Of course there are also the Italian champagnes from the light crisp Prosecco to the very sweet and frothy Asti Spumante. For luxury of course, there is Angel Champagne, one of the world's most expensive.

Any champagne will do for the holidays. Use this as a guide or simply follow your own tastes. Whatever you choose it'll be the best glass of bubbly to celebrate this festive season!