Everything's Better with Bubbles!

By Christopher Chan

'Tis the season to be jolly…and after the catastrophe that was 2020 and 2021 we certainly need more than a reason and season to break-on-through into 2022! So, when you reflect back (or maybe NOT) on the past 11.5 months and size up your resolutions or perhaps solutions for the New Year take a moment and pop open some bubbly!

As a sommelier we're "taught" never to let the "popping of the cork" make a sound, and heaven forbid, shoot it over the table next to you… but maybe we need to look at making life a little more effervescent and at least add some sparkle in these Washington grey skies.

Whether you like Cava from Spain; Crémant from France; Prosecco from Italy; Sekt from Germany; Method Cap Classique from South Africa; American Method Traditional from California, Washington, or even New Mexico; English Fizz from - well England; and of course the Grandma of Them All - Champagne from France; as NIke once said, JUST DO IT! Pour it on! Celebrate like you Won a Grand Prix Race and spray it everywhere, guzzle it straight from the bottle until it shoots out your… okay, maybe not that, or make like the Widow Veuve Clicquot and "chin chin" in a tall flute (or better yet - a Tulip glass!).

With all the time we've had to figure out our purpose, passion, and/or profession these past 20 some months, make one thing certain and be more bubbly! Think about any and every time you hear that cork POP! You just heard it in your mind - J - didn't you?!? When we hear that sound our ears perk up and our eyes and head start searching for the smiles, the laughter, the joy, and the lucky ones who are celebrating that special occasion. We deserve more special and ordinary occasions to celebrate life! We made it - we are alive - and hopefully happy and healthy. Regardless of your position or disposition, find a friend, make a new friend, and share some sparkles this season and for any reason. Drink it until you are bored and it becomes passé.

Sommelier Tips for Achieving Maximum Pleasure from… okay, got distracted, but although I may approach "spumante" in somewhat of a cavalier fashion, bubbles are typically a passionate and patient process and "product." Cold to the touch, but not too much. Don't overchill your wine! Just like a pizza, wine has its optimum flavor window where all things are harmonized and presented - so don't drink it too cold!

Next - be sure to have a clean glass and start with a modest 3oz pour for the wine will relax and open-up, revealing its delicate nuances, terroir, and provenance.

Finally - it's about your senses and vocabulary! Most brut bubbles around the world are comprised of chardonnay, chenin blanc, glera, macabeo, meunier, pinot noir, cabernet franc, and a host of other vinifera - and those with muscat are typically sweet to super sweet! Smell - citrus, bread dough, white flowers, almonds, chalk, berries, orchard fruits, nuts, and shortbread, etc. Palate - will have at least medium-plus to high-high acidity so, again, taste wine at the appropriate temps. Flavors - should match the palate, as in you should taste ripe to "just-ripe" citrus fruits, apples, almonds, chalk, berries, biscuit, pie crust, stone fruit, and white flowers. Ideally - the wine is not astringent, bitter, searing, or too sweet. Lastly - seek a long finish, a friendly flavor, and something that makes you want another glass!

My favorites bottles of bubbles are: Gruet Rosé, Treveri Rosé, Graham-Beck Rosé, Mont-Marçal Cava Brut, Domaine Carneros, Karma Vineyards, Simmonet-Febvre Rosé Crémant, Delamotte Brut Champagne, Bollinger Brut, Nicky Feuillate, Louis Roederer Cristal, and of course the one and only Krug Grand Cuvée! I promise you will feel amazing, younger, happier, healthier, and certainly distracted from the mundane. Oh, and try turning off the evening news while you're at it!

Cheers to You & Yours! Happy New Vintage! Merry Merry!

December 2021

Christopher Chan is an Advanced Sommelier, Founder & Executive Director of the Washington State Wine Awards and current Director of Food & Beverage at Seattle's historic Women's University Club where he continues his 40 year career in hospitality. As an entrepreneur, special events producer, and wine/spirits educator, Christopher's reach includes Seattle International Cider Awards, Oregon Wine Awards, Idaho Wine Awards, Seattle International Spirits Awards, SommSummit, Holiday Wine Fest, Coral Wines, HappyHourRadio.net, and his latest launch: TikTokTasting.