Champagne for the new years

One of the greatest culinary accidents in history occurred when the Champenoos wine makers in northern France discovered that the cold weather in their region caused a delayed fermentation in wine. The result of this happy accident was an effervescent libation that we know today as champagne. Despite the wonder of this miraculous beverage, the drink was not held in high regard until early in the 1700s when Philippe II Duke of Orleans began serving the wine at his parties. This cemented champagne into French culture and created the idea that bubbly wine was meant for celebration. Though champagne was the first carbonated wine, there are now hundreds of varieties of sparkling wine. As we approach the new year I thought it would be appropriate to suggest a few of the best available on the kosher market.

Kedem Champagne: Since Kedem makes their champagne in New York state, technically it is actually a sparkling wine. However Kedem uses yeast cultures from the Champagne region to aid in the fermentation of their wine. This gives the wine a dry yeasty finish that is very nice. It is mildly sweet with just a hint of bitterness that helps to balance the wine’s sweeter notes. This wine works exceptionally well with tart fruit like pomegranate and starfruit and salty food likes olives. It is also makes an excellent base for punches and mixed drinks.

Bartenura Asti:

Light and sweet, Barenura’s Asti has a distinctly peachy undertone that pairs perfectly with deserts and salty cheeses. It also has a much more gentile carbonation then most other sparkling wines and a nice clean finish. This is a kosher wine favorite for many and it’s not hard to understand why. This wine is perfect for both wine lovers and first-time drinkers. However, if you prefer a less sweet alternative, Bartenura also makes a Prosecco that is equally as fantastic and pairs a little more easily with main courses.

Teal Lake Sparkling Muscat: This sparkling wine produced in southeastern Australia is one of my wife’s favorite. It is mildly fruity with notes of citrus and melon. It has a dry, clean finish and pairs amazingly with chicken and fish. What I love most about Teal Lakes Sparkling Muscat is that it is sweet without being cloyingly so. This helps satisfy both people who only like sweet wines and others that prefer dryer wine.

These three options make excellent celebratory wines and will hopefully be heavily featured in your New Years festivities.

Zechariah Mehler is a widely published food writer and expert in Internet and Social Media Marketing. Follow him on Twitter @thekoshercritic