Well, another Christmas has come and gone. I always get a little sad once it’s over – we have to wait a whole other year to absent ourselves from regular life and soak up the slower pace that comes with Christmas Day. I know there are often other opportunities to take a break or go on vacation, but it’s not the same as feeling the world slow down in unison like on December 25th. Even if you don’t celebrate the day, the slowness and the pause is a nice offshoot of our Christian-established society.
So, now that it’s over, what do we do?
We celebrate the coming year, of course!
I know I’m not alone in feeling like 2016 was a tough, difficult year. On the macro level we were faced with Brexit, the election of Donald Trump, Orlando, Syria, and the loss of a hurtful number of artistic icons. On the micro level I personally felt incredibly challenged by career-related and mental health issues and while I’m taking action to (hopefully!) make some positive changes, I find myself feeling a bit raw as 2016 draws to a close. So I’ve decided I’ll be celebrating the new year with open arms and using the evening of the 31st to give 2016 a swift kick in the butt. Good riddance to this awful year! It’s served its purpose I guess, and I’m ready for better things.
If there is one night all year that truly deserves the specialness and magic of bubbly, it is New Year’s Eve. Here are some suggestions for your NYE accompaniment if, like me, you are ready to kick 2016 to the curb.
Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catherine
The Cuvee Catherine is a great Niagara sparkling. I’m re-surprised at how much I like it every time I try it.
Ruffino Prosecco
I’m not usually a big fan of proseccos – I find the bubbles too sharp and the flavour too acidic – but I had this one a few weeks ago and really liked it. It has a nice creaminess to it that is one of the things I like in a sparkler.
Cordoniu Clasico
If you want something made the way they do in Champagne but not nearly as expensive then Cava is for you. Cordoniu is a solid, affordable Cava and is a stable of LCBO offerings.
Graham Beck Sparkling
I tell you, this Graham Beck makes a nice wine! My stepdad is partial to this maker which means I’ve had my fair share of GB sparklings. Always enjoyable, usually pretty affordable, and a lovely change from the usual suspects.
Jean Bourdy Cremant de Jura
I had this one in the summer and in addition to the lovely effervescent bubbles it gave up it had a deliciously floral and delicate apple-y thing going on. 10/10, would drink again.
Tattinger Brut Reserve Champagne
And of course, I had to suggest a Champagne. I think I’ve only been lucky enough to have Tattinger once or twice but it was a big treat both times. If you feel like getting fancy or want to use the holidays as an excuse to try the ‘real thing’ then this one is a safe bet.
How will you be celebrating NYE?
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