No matter what your political preference might be, rabid Republican or fanatical Democrat, you can find solace in the Korbel California Champagnes. These are the California sparkling wines that have been chosen to celebrate the inaugurations of six presidents at both ends of the political spectrum: Ronald Reagan in 1985, George H.W. Bush in 1989, Bill Clinton in 1993 and 1997, George W. Bush in 2001 and 2005 and Barack Obama in 2009. Now let’s be very honest, for an event as important as an inauguration dinner, where price is no object, to pick a relatively inexpensive wine for the celebratory toast to someone who has attained the position of President of the United States, must speak volumes about that wine.
The secrets of success for Korbel California Champagne is simple, design a wine for the American palate and that is exactly what they have successfully done since the winery was founded in 1882.

Korbel Natural California Champagne ($15.99). Drink with the Presidents. This is the bipartisan wine that was chosen as the exclusive “Champagne of Choice” for all of the presidential inaugurals since 1989. It is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in the true Champagne style and is light straw in color with small long lasting bubbles. This sparkler is endowed with a creamy melon, citrus and pineapple flavor. The aroma, which ends with a yeast and toasted bread aftertaste, lingers in the mouth for a very long time and, by the way, it’s delicious.

Korbel Brut Rose California Champagne ($13.99). There is no question about it; we have a warm place in our hearts for pink sparkling wines. This beautiful crystal clear pink offering from Korbel is an absolute delight that can hold its place with wines selling for much more than its very low price. Everything about this wine is exceptional. The flavor is rich and fruity with a soft, creamy finish that lingers in the mouth. This is a wine we can ask you to try, knowing that you will be delighted with it as much as we are.

Korbel Brut California Champagne ($13.99). The stalwart pillar of the Korbel line. The Korbel Brut California Champagne is the most popular wine they make and the first sip will show you why. It is a dry wine with a lot of fruit flavors to choose from. There is no strong, predominant flavor but a fruity sensation that seems to capture the flavor of summer fruits. There is also a yeasty element to the wine, but it is very subdued and does not overpower the other flavors. The bubbles are small and persistent, a sure sign of a quality sparkling wine.

Korbel Extra Dry California Champagne ($13.99).Hold on now, we are going to play the name game. In France, the home of Champagne, Brut is the driest (least residual sugar) and Sec, French for dry, is sweet. It doesn’t make much sense, but that’s the way it has been done for years and has carried over to our domestic wines. The Korbel Extra Dry is on the sweet side. It is not overly sweet nor is it sugary or syrupy. The sweetness comes mostly from the use of the Chenin Blanc grape, which produces a fruity, sweeter style of wine. To mitigate the sweetness, the winemakers add some French Colombard grapes. Together they produce what could best be called a “happy wine,” which is sure to bring a smile to the faces of one and all.

Korbel Blanc de Noirs California Champagne ($13.99). A delicate salmon color marks this wine as a product of the Pinot Noir grape. The cherry flavored character of the grape carries over to this wine, making it a sparkling, fruity delight. The wine is not totally dry but has a hint of sweetness in the background. It is a great all around wine that fits well with any of the lighter dishes and most especially with fruit dishes, as well as being affordable.