I saw a famous wine writer being interviewed several years back, and she was  asked if she was trapped on a dessert island what kind of wine would she bring. She said, “Champagne. It goes with everything.” Sparkling wine has been relegated to just a holiday or celebratory thing, but it really goes so well with food.  Here are five great sparkling wines from around the world and the foods they love.

To be called Champagne, a Sparkling wine must be made in the namesake region of France, made in the traditional method sparkling (method champanoise) and be made with classic Champagne grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.The first sparkling meets all those criteria except one: It’s from Australia.

Parri Estate Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Salmon Brut Sparkling

• Brut- Dry. This is the typical style of Champagne, with no sweetness
• The color of this wine has the contact of the pressed juice with the skins of the Pinot Noir grapes, hence the name Salmon.
• Aromas of strawberries and bread like character. Smooth, creamy, with dry finish.
• Excellent with hors d’oeuvres like Caramelized Onion Apple Bites.

 Emile’s Extra Dry Sparkling (California)

• Contrary to the name, this Extra Dry has just a touch of sweetness.
• An example of Charmat process, a less costly process of making Sparking wine and making it affordable on a regular basis,
• Made with French Colombard and Chardonnay grapes.
• Try this one with potato chips. Yes, potato chips. We suggest Deep River Maui Onion. 

 Italia Prosecco- Extra Dry (Italy)

• Also made in the Charmat process.
• This Prosecco is delicate and well-balanced with a combination of baked apple, lemon curd and grapefruit, with a lightly creamy mint mineral texture in the mouth. Lively with a lemon & mineral finish.
• Prosecco is traditionally used to make Bellini Cocktails.
• Pairing:  Concorde Pears and Crave Brothers Petite Frere or a Fritatta.

 Soljans Fusion Sparkling Rose NV (non vintage)(New Zealand)

•  Made with Muscat and Pinotage with Charmat process.
• It’s juicy and nicely sweet on the palate with refreshing acidity and a clean fruity finish.  The wine is so easy on the palate with full of luscious fruit flavors, cherry, strawberry and raspberry
• Pair with Salmon, salad and antipasto platter.

 Italia Moscato d’Asti (Italy)

•  While technically not a sparkling wine, Moscato d’Asti has effervescence that sweet wine lovers truly enjoy. This is an incredibly popular wine. Full of tropical aromas and flavors.
• Fresh fruit, fruit-based desserts like fruit tarts.
• Pair with American Grana Parmesan.

 So, don’t wait for the holiday to try sparkling wine. Start enjoying the world of Sparkling wine and food today.