This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Novelties and classics to revisit, events and ephemeral activities… Each week, the Plaisirs book informs you of gourmet news not to be missed. And since the holiday season is fast approaching, it’s time to think about the bubbles to offer or serve. Here are six safe bets to get to impress your loved ones!
1. Domaine Lafrance 2018
To surprise your guests, serve this rosé sparkling cider made from four varieties of apples. Slightly sweet, containing 9.5% grams of sugar per litre, it expresses freshness and explosive notes of juicy red apple on the palate. The originality of the product is that 15% ice cider has been added to it, which gives it a honeyed side and a beautiful aromatic intensity. Try it at brunch with eggs Benedict, for dessert with a fruit pie, at dinner with roast pork with apples or with aged cheeses. You will see, it is delicious!
Rosé sparkling cider, 750 ml, Canada, Quebec. SAQ code: 13258289. Price: $15.95.
2. Chandon Garden Spritz
You said Spritz ? Here is a derivative of the famous Venetian cocktail, made from a sparkling wine to which an extract of macerated oranges with the dehydrated skins, herbs and spices has been added. The result is a lighter and slightly less sweet bittersweet mixture than the traditional cocktail. No artificial flavors or colors have been added to the mix. To be enjoyed as an aperitif with ice cubes, with an orange zest and a small sprig of rosemary to flavor it.
Sparkling wine, 750 ml, Argentina, Mendoza. SAQ code: 15030616. Price: $34.50.
3. Santa Margherita Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
This year marks the 70e anniversary of this prosecco superiore, and that’s good because it’s the kind of festive cuvée we want to toast on festive evenings! Did you know that prosecco is the best-selling sparkling wine in the world? This popularity is explained by its light and digestible side. Prosecco superiore must contain at least 85% gléra, a very acidic grape variety. Its prize de mousse, unlike champagne, is made in closed vats and does not require a second fermentation in the bottle or aging on the lees. It is a wine made for pleasure, to be enjoyed fresh, as it is, or in a cocktail, spritz or kir, for example.
Sparkling wine, 750 ml. Italy, Veneto. SAQ code: 12509154. Price: $20.35.
4. Clos Des Demoiselles Head Of Cuvée Crémant de Limoux
Fans of Crémant de Limoux will be delighted to taste this vintage, which demonstrates how the appellation can produce excellent bubbles. Even more sophisticated than the last vintage, the 2020 has a straighter and more dashing side than the previous vintage, which was a little too creamy. At less than $25, this sparkling head of cuvée offers lovely notes of green apple, white flowers and white peach on the finish. Ideal with ceviche or white fish.
Sparkling wine, 750 ml. France, Languedoc-Roussillon. SAQ code: 10498973. Price: 24.25 $.
5. The Brut Orpailleur
This cuvée produced using the traditional method will impress both by its elegance and its substance. On the palate, notes of pastry, baked apple and a little toastiness blend together gracefully and stretch out on a lingering finish. Blend of Seyval and Vidal which gives a dry wine with a slightly oily side, but also a nice acidity in the mouth. Medium-bodied, it could be served with savory canapés, small cream cheese puffs, smoked salmon or even a nutty brie.
Sparkling wine, 750 ml. Canada, Quebec. SAQ code: 12685625. Price: $30.50.
6. Champagne Nominee-Renard Brut
Champagnes under $50, there aren’t many at the SAQ. This blend of Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (30%) and Pinot Meunier (30%) is a great success! A wine with a slightly vinous character, with body, but also finesse, which will be a hit as an aperitif. We love its fine bubbles, its notes of apricot, honey, brioche and its spicy touch which will go well with savory canapés or even a parmesan risotto.
Champagne, 750ml. France, Champagne. SAQ code: 14199647. Price: $43.50.
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the To have to, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of To have to did not take part.