Hubby and I decided to keep New Year’s Eve low-key this year because we both had to spend the day working.  Sure, we went into our respective offices a little late (I was later than he was), and we left a little early (he left earlier than I did).  But still, we were among the unfortunate group of people that spent the last full day of 2012 working.

Knowing that I would want to get the party started as soon as I walked in the door, I popped a bottle of bubbly into the refrigerator before leaving for work.  I figured it would be the perfect bottle to not only enjoy before heading out to our 10pm dinner reservations, but also to ring in 2013 with once we got home.  As it turned out, we lingered over our dinner for longer than we expected, reminiscing about the past year and making plans for the year to come.  So, we only made it back into the condo with 10 minutes to spare, but that was still enough time to pour a glass for a toast!

The Domaine Michel Sarrazin Crémant de Bourgogne (winery) was 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay grapes and is from the Burgundy region of France.  The sparkling wine was a very pale straw yellow with a lot of small, persistent bubbles.  On the nose, there was a hint of baking biscuits and lemons.  In the mouth, there was a subtle yeastiness mixed with hints of citrus and clotted cream.  The bubbly had bright acidity and a light body.

Is this worth a glass after work? It’s worth more than one!  What are you waiting for?  At $25, this sparkler is probably a little on the high end for an every day wine, but it’s worth it.  It’s fresh, smooth, and elegant.  It’s the type of bubbly that you could lose yourself into after a long day at work, when you just want to put your feet up and relax.  I didn’t have the chance to pair it with any food, but I imagine this sparkler would be great with some cheese, a mixed green salad, or a lighter fish dish.  It also would be a nice sparkling wine to bring to a dinner party and will almost certainly end up as one of my contributions the next time I get together with the Wine Ladies.  As for this bottle, though, I mostly enjoyed it as I unwound from work and got ready to head out for dinner…and of course, after my Happy New Year kiss from Hubby.

May your 2013 be filled with only good things and delicious wines.
I YOU A HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

Question of the Day: What did you drink on New Year’s Eve?   

Price: $25
Purchased at Whole Foods Market
Overall: 4.5 Corks