Bubbly with Beth: The Power of Sparkling Wine... An Introduction

I am thrilled to welcome Beth Nestlerode, guest contributor to The Winetender! Beth will bring us reviews of Champagne and other sparkling wines she pops to celebrate the extraordinary moments hiding in the everyday.

"A bold wine with a hint of sophistication and lacking in pretension. Actually, I was just talking about myself." -Meg Ryan, French Kiss

Any fan of Meg Ryan during the 90's certainly knows the movie French Kiss well - it's quirky humor, beautiful European backdrop, and sweet, predictable storyline. And yet, perhaps without intention, that favorite film of my family's also taught me a bit about another one of our shared loves well before I was able to partake. I love the idea that wine can reflect the true you that's hiding behind your inhibitions, shining a light on how you honestly view yourself.

As a new mom of four month old twin boys, my little glass of wine (when I'm able to find time to have one) is calming when I need to relax, insightful when I need to reflect, and peaceful despite the chaos. I know that I can too easily get lost in the inertia of the everyday. Wine allows me to stop, sip and smile. With just one sip, I can't help but be reminded of the more important things in life, and forget the rest.

I love many types of wine - usually bold, flavorful reds - but there's a special place in my heart for ones that bubble. I've never understood the ideology of saving champagne for just those special occasions. Especially today when so many families are counting their pennies and unable to always afford needs, let alone wants, it seems we have even more reason to celebrate the little joys in life...the moments that really matter. In my case, sparkling wine is my husband's and my little vacation after a long week; the perfect excuse after our boys go to bed to momentarily forget about parenthood and long work weeks, and reconnect.

In the hope of sharing my love of sparkling wines, and encouraging everyone to not just save Champagne for weddings and anniversaries, I'll be contributing regularly to The Winetender to track down all sorts of bubbly goodness and share my favorites.

As a kick-off to this new sparkling wine venture, I chose to pop a bottle of Cava Castellroig, a Spanish brut. I was pleased after the first sip to find it both light and bold - very crisp. The wine was friendly, but not afraid to tell it like it is. (Am I projecting, Meg Ryan?). It did have a little bite to it, which I was disappointed to find took away from what was otherwise a pleasant flavor.

At just $14.60 a bottle, I'd give this wine a passing grade and would choose it again. A good summer wine to enjoy outside.

I look forward to popping many more bottles and sharing the experiences here...I hope you join in and share your favorites too. Happy sipping!

- Beth Nestlerode