Bubbles and the Bird

If it has bubbles, I want to drink it; prosecco, cava, Champagne and/or sparkling wine. And since bubbles are great with birds, consider serving them this Thanksgiving.

Just returning from a trip to France, I admit to being partial to Champagne, however, I DO enjoy a good prosecco....Italian sparkling wine made from a grape also known as glera.

Prosecco has become wildly popular not just in the US but around the world, because of its low cost and good quality. Just two of several reasons to consider this wine for this weeks Thanksgiving celebrations.

I took the difficult challenge of trying a couple of selections prior to the big day and want to pass on my observations for consideration.

I have to admit I was a little taken aback by the packaging of the of Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero, as the cork was one typically found in a still wine; no wire cage, no twisting until the pressure forced the cork out. I had to use a standard wine key to pop this cork.

A bit fruity, citrusy and slightly sweet, this wine would be a great aperitif or good with any spicy dish you may be serving.

For something with a bit more body and acidity, try the Astoria "Lounge" Prosecco. It has the most beautiful, fine bubbles, a bit of apple, pear and would go well with anything salty or creamy.

Even better, after dinner, make a palate cleansing Sgroppino with the prosecco; fill your flute with about 3 oz of prosecco,  1 oz of vodka and a third a cup of lemon sorbet for a light and refreshing finisher.

Find both wines for under $15. For that price buy a couple.

Rose Everyday- Wine Wednesday

Tasting in the world's rose' capital: Tavel

While spending time in France this autumn, my friends and I adopted a fabulous mantra "Rose' Everyday." When I finally made it back to the states, the first lunch date I had was at a small kabob place that only served fountain drinks and bottled water. I got a little fidgety, like an addict I whimpered to my friends....."No rose'? We might have to go somewhere else."

I've always liked this beautiful, dry, pink wine but I learned to LOVE it in France. It was hard not to after drinking it in the rose' capital of the world, Tavel. In fact, the only wine produced in this small village is rose'.

One of our many stops in Tavel was at Domaine Lafond, the winery also had some delicious reds, grown in neighboring villages, but the rose's were on our radar. Lafond Domaine Tavel (made mostly from grenache grapes) was a rich wine, spicy yet floral and one that would stand up nicely to food. It is exported to the US and you can find it for under $20.

Another good rose' for Wine Wednesday is Notorious Pink, from the neighboring region of Provence. This one is 100% grenache, with a little more fruit, a nice blend of citrus, berries, gentle acidity and a crisp finish. A great sipper, also in the $20 range.

Are you afraid of pink wine? Still judging it as that sweet, white zinfandel? It's time to move on my lovelies! In France, the pink stuff is revered. It is standard operating procedure to have it for lunch, and in the Rhone Valley where it is done so well, it is even considered appropriate to buy it in a box. I won't tell you how many we went through....boxes or bottles.

Think about adding rose' to your Thanksgiving shopping list. Not only is it a good starter, it also plays well with turkey.