“Come quickly, I’m drinking stars!” exclaimed Dom Perignon when he first discovered the bubbles in his wine some 300 years ago. And ever since, Champagne (or sparkling wine as it is called outside of the Champagne region of France) has been a staple of New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations everywhere.
Champagne comes in choices of sweet or dry, indicating sugar content. “Brut” is very dry with less than 1.5 percent sugar. “Extra dry” (not as dry as brut despite the name) has 1.2 to 2 percent sugar, which results in a softer and smoother champagne without being too sweet. Asti Spumante, Sweet Cuvee and Sweet Rose are sweet, with up to 5 percent sugar.
Korbel Champagnes offer a variety of styles and affordable prices. Best sellers are the Brut, the Blanc de Noirs and Extra Dry (both the Blanc De Noirs and Extra Dry are not as dry as the Brut and have just a hint of sweetness) and the Sweet Rose and Sweet Cuvee (sweet). These are found at Safeway, Nob Hill, BevMo, Charlie’s Liquors and CVS for $10.
Domaine Chandon ($12.99) is another popular sparkling wine among my friends – offering the dry Brut and the smoother Extra Dry and Blanc de Noirs.
Allure Moscato, a carbonated sparkler and the best-selling pink moscato on the market, is found at Charlie’s Liquors, Windmill Market (San Juan Bautista) and Morgan Hill Foods and Fast Stop for $9.99.
Frenchy from Trader Joe’s recommends an affordable French sparkler, Blason de Bourgogne Crement, in Brut and Blanc de Noirs. This sparkling wine has elegant pinpoint bubbles with pear and apple flavors for $9.99. Or try Trader Joe’s Almond Champagne ($5.99) which is always a crowd pleaser.
Local Winery Buzz
A job transfer in 2007 brought Sheldon and Jane Haynie from New Hampshire to California. They settled in San Martin where they found the space, peace and quiet that they were looking for. Thinking only to become hobby-scale winemakers, Sheldon and Jane planted their first grape vines in 2008 and made their first wines in 2009.
Their hobby quickly turned serious and Sheldon and Jane credit Teri and Greg Peterson, owners of Creekview Vineyards. Through Creekview’s memorable wine-tasting events and the Peterson’s friendly encouragement, Sheldon and Jane were inspired to start their own residential winery, Lightheart Cellars.
Before and after work as a semiconductor development engineer, Sheldon is responsible for Lightheart’s vineyard management. One look at Sheldon’s calloused and cracked hands confirms his hard work in the four vineyards they own and manage. Sheldon takes his industrial experience and puts it to practical use in the winery improving quality, efficiency and safety, and in marketing and developing a brand for Lightheart Cellars.
Jane, a registered nurse, works just as hard. Not only did she hand-plant every vine on their estate, but Jane is involved in every aspect of the wine-making process. In May, she will begin oenology studies through a 17-month program at the University of Washington.
Sheldon and Jane chose the name Lightheart for their winery to reflect their philosophy that “wine should ease your cares and lighten your heart.” Their vision is to provide an environment where people feel comfortable and welcomed while enjoying superior wines.
Lightheart produces many premium grape varietals, including French Columbard (dry-farmed from old vines), which gives it the distinction of being the only winery in Santa Clara County to produce this wine.
Sheldon was recently elected vice president of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley for 2012 and will work on the common issues that our wineries face – helping to revise regulations which will allow wineries to better serve their customers.
