Starting 2008 with a Pop

Filed in archive Spanish Wines on January 2, 2008

So just like pretty much everyone else, my husband and I enjoyed champagne on New Year's Eve. As I'd written, I had a bottle or Korbel Natural chilling, though as the day wore on I found myself staring at the bottles of Nicolas Feuillatte and starting to reconsider my choice. We took a bottle home but were so tired by the time we'd settled in that we decided to save the Nicolas Feuillatte for New Year's Day and give the Korbel Natural a try as planned.

For a $15 bottle of sparkling wine it wasn't bad, though it's kind of "in your face" as far as bubbly goes. The bubbles were on the larger side and it was very flavorful. The finish was crisp Granny Smith apple. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, but I'm going to try a few other sparkling wines in that price range to compare. I'm not sure if I'd buy it in the future. I think that for the price there are better sparkling wine values out there (particularly Proseccos and Cavas). I also wouldn't recommend using the Korbel Natural for any champagne cocktails. After my first glass I made a Chambord and champagne cocktail and the fruit in the champagne completely overwhelmed the raspberry Liqueur.

Yesterday after shovelling out from yet another snowstorm, we decided to treat ourselves to the Nicolas Feuillatte. My goodness! I was glad we'd saved it so I could truly enjoy this delicious brut champagne. The bubbles were tiny in the glass and yet seemed to explode in your mouth. The champagne had very subtle flavors of bread dough and apple and was just an all-around delight to drink. I know many people who consider the Nicolas Feuillatte to be their favorite champagne and I can understand why. It retails for around $30. I can see this becoming my standard celebratory bottle of champagne. Just delicious!