Sparkling Wine has its time!

Perhaps I’m not the only one to have had an unfortunate introduction to sparkling wine that left me insisting that I did not care for it.  My first few experiences with sparkling wine in my youth were ofa commercially successful, but not terribly sophisticated Canadian, sweet sparkling wine.  It tasted like sweet soda pop with an alcohol edge and it made me cringe.  This was followed by a not-quite-as-sweet sparkling wine that was heavily advertised on television with cheesy commercials.  It also had a bite that made me cringe.  I decided that sparkling wine was just not for me.

A few year ago, I was at a birthday lunch for a friend where sparkling wine was being served.  I took a reluctant first sip and was very pleasantly surprised.  It was a Prosecco and it was absolutely delicious!  So I’ve come to realize that a well-produced sparkling wine can be just as enjoyable as a quality dry white wine and I now look forward to a little sparkle in my glass.

Apparently I’m not the only one.  Over the last 10 years, production and sales of sparkling wine have increased dramatically, as higher-quality, dry sparkling wines have been developed.  These appeal to wine lovers of all levels of sophistication and have led to an explosion in popularity.  According to an OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) report, global production of sparkling wine has increased by over 40% in the last 10 years.

This increase is due in part to the fact that sparkling wine is much more affordable than champagne and is thus more accessible to all wine lovers.  In many cases, a good Prosecco is far superior to a mid-range Champagne, but it is a fraction of the price.  The higher quality available has made sparkling wine an acceptable, budget-friendly choice for celebrations that would usually call for champagne. 

Apart from celebrations, the increase in consumption of sparkling wine is also due to a new tendency to enjoy sparkling wine for everyday sipping and with meals, rather than reserving it for special occasions.  While it still adds a special sparkle to celebrations, it is also a delicious, everyday treat that complements many foods very well.

So, yes you should pop the cork on a bottle of sparkling wine on New Year’s Eve, or for your upcoming romantic Valentine’s Day, but don’t hesitate to enjoy a little bubbly any time it strikes your fancy.  You will certainly be in good company.