I’m a big fan of downtown’s eclectic wine shops that double as tasting rooms and tapas delights, including Wine Madonna, Hawthorne Bottle Shop, Winesmith and Lolita’s. When I want to know what to try, I always ask Jackie Eash, Sommelier@ Sea Salt St. Pete.
Here’s her holiday recommendations.
Bollinger R.D. 2004, Brut, Champagne:
This one is a beauty. Fermented entirely in oak & matured under natural cork. The RD, recently disgorged, is only released a few months out of the year. The maturation process lends the wine a beautiful mouthfeel & the recent disgorgement maintains freshness & vivacity. Brilliant!!
Gosset Grand Reserve, Brut NV, Champagne:
If a toasty biscuity Champagne is what you crave, then the Gosset Grand Reserve is right in your wheelhouse. This wine displays nice minerality & lovely notes of vanilla, almond, & brioche.
Schramsberg Vineyards, Blanc de Noir Brut, Napa Valley:
From one of the premier sparkling wine houses in the U.S., Schramsberg has been in the forefront in crafting this American style sparkler. Your palate will thrill with flavors of red apple, peach, & melon giving way to graham cracker, a touch of sourdough, & finally a beautiful zip of acidity & a whisper of honey.
Ca’ del Bosco, Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige NV, Italy:
Perhaps one of Italy’s best kept secrets. This fresh lovely version of Champagne made in the traditional method, boast aromas of fresh fruit, & honey dew. The palate is focused & mineral with elegant herbal tones.
Segura Viudas, Brut Heredad Reserva, Spain:
Presented in an iconic package that is easily one of the most recognizable bubblers on any wine shop shelf. This effervescent vino is all dressed up for the holidays & ready to grace your celebratory flutes with a whisper of toasty aromas, snippets of biscuit, & an abundant fruity palate.