Europeans Think We’re Nuts!

Seriously, from France to Italy, to Spain, back to merry old England, and everywhere in between, they think we’re completely bonkers. No, it has nothing to do with Bachman & Palin, or the fact we elected W twice! (or not). OK, so maybe that has a little to do with it. But the main reason Europe thinks we’re nuts is because out of all the “First World” nations on the planet, we drink the least amount of Champagne and sparkling wine. And, get this, we make some pretty good examples right here in the good old U S of A! Seriously, no one gulps more fizzy sodas, but we are dead last when it comes to bubbly wines. They’re right, we are freaking nuts!

It seems we have gotten into our heads that bubbly is for the celebration of special occasions only. Weddings, New Years, new jobs, promotions or new births. And that’s it. Crazy. Seriously, isn’t any day you aren’t hit by a bus, laid off from your job, or missed that dog poop while jogging worth celebrating?

Granted, the French stuff can be spendy. In some cases stupid spendy. But there are lots of great bubblies that normal folks can afford. By the way, I do not mean any of that Cooks, Barefoot or Korbel shite! I’m talking lovely CA bubblers like Gloria Ferrer Brut & Blanc de Noirs for under $16, Domain Carneros under $20, Mum Napa or Domain Chandon under $16, Scharffenberger, Shramsburg  Roderer Estate and Iron Horse all under $30.These are wonderful wines that make any day a celebration. And for really special days, there are French wines under $40. I’m talking Champagne, the real McCoy. The stuff that my buddy Paul Giles perfectly described as, “Sunshine dancing on your tongue.” Look for Nicholas Feuillatte, Moet Chandon, Mumm, Tattengier, or Laurent Perrier. There are even more affordable bubblies from Italy & Spain called Prosecco & Cava.

Let me be blunt. Bubbly isn’t just for special occasions! It’s cold, delicious and tickles your nose. Plus it goes great with lots of food. Pop it for any reason at all. It’s my personal policy to have at least two bottles of it chilled in the fridge at all times. You know, just in case I have a day that doesn’t suck. Or one that really blows! Cheers.