April showers bring May flowers

April showers bring May flowers. Ok, we know that the statement isn’t always true; it all depends on the whims and fancies of the gods of weather. What is sure is the month of June always brings weddings and weddings always bring celebrations and celebrations always bring celebratory toasts and those celebratory toasts are usually performed with Champagne or Sparkling wines. Now wasn’t that a sneaky way to get to this
week’s wine topic.

To be very honest, when the wedding celebration is over, the guests will probably be commenting on the beauty of the bride, the handsome groom, the magnificent wedding cake and the quality of the wine to toast the newlyweds. Let’s do some simple math; Beautiful bride plus a handsome groom plus a superb cake followed by a lousy wine equal a wedding celebration flop.

We know that the bigger the celebration, the higher the cost, but it is not necessary to skimp on the libation. There are many good sparkling wines that will not break the bank and still come up to muster. That’s our job, to guide our readers in the right direction.
More math; each Champagne flute (glass) holds 4 ounces of wine and each bottle of wine holds 750 ML or 25.36 ounces which equals 6 flutes per bottle with just a bit left over for spillage. Now you can calculate exactly how much wine will be needed. There is just a bit more math but we will do that for you.

Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut ($23/bottle – $3.83/glass). Made in the traditional manner from pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, this wine makes no attempt to emulate any other sparkling wine style. It is crisp, with a toast-like aroma and hints of cherry, citrus and oak in the flavor.

Mumm Cuveé M ($19/bottle- $3.17/glass). Two things are immediately noticeable when the wine is poured, its pale pink color and the constant stream of very fine bubbles, both signs of a better wine. The aromas are impressive, displaying a compendium of summer fruits and a modest hint of strawberry. The flavor is an obvious combination of peach, pear and vanilla. A chardonnay element contributes to an elegant creamy finish, a sure sign of a better wine.

Korbel California Brut Rose Champagne ($13.99/ bottle-$2.33/glass). This beautiful, crystal clear pink offering from Korbel is an absolute delight that can hold its place with wines selling for many times more than its very affordable price. Everything about this wine is exceptional. The flavor is rich and fruity with a soft, creamy finish that lingers in the mouth for a very long time.

Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Brut Cuveé Champagne ($11.99- $2.00/glass). This wine is a beautiful blend of the two classical grape varieties used in making all fine champagne; pinot noir and chardonnay. The Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Brut Cuveé displays a rich and fresh nature. The pinot noir imparts a cherry-like element while the chardonnay contributes depth and character as well as a hint of tropical fruits. The fruits of the flavor linger in the mouth for an incredibly long time. For the price, this wine is a sure winner.

Pommery Brut Royal Champagne ($30/bottle – $5/glass). This wine carries a positive yeast and bread aroma with hints of citrus, while the flavor displays a cherry element which is both noticeable and enjoyable. What impressed us about this wine is the finish. This wine finishes in ways similar to most Champagne, toasty and bread-like with hints of fruit. A few seconds after the wine has been swallowed, the mouth seems to fill with the flavor of the finest cherries that you have ever eaten.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Grand Cuvée Palmas d’Or ($100). We put this in as our suggestion for the toast to the bride and groom by their parents to give the newlyweds an incredible start. Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Grand Cuvée Palmas d’Or is among the finest of the finest and a great start for a marriage.