Fear of Wine An Introductory Guide to the Grape

Opening Champagne and Other Sparkling Wine Opening a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine (a bottle of "bubbles," as they say in the California wine trade...) obviously requires an entirely different technique than still wines. This is because the carbon dioxide bubbles in the wine cause tremendous pressure to build up in the bottle, and if you're not careful, the cork an fly out dangerously. (You could put an eye out that way!) Opening a bottle of champagne frightens lots of people, too, but it's really quite easy. First, remove the foil. Next, being careful not to point the cork toward anyone, twist the loop on the wire cage until it is disengaged. Carefully remove the cage. Grasp the cork with one hand, keeping the hand over the cork to prevent it from flying out while you use the other hand to twist the bottle gently but firmly until it's opened. There won't be a loud pop, but hey--there's not supposed to be! You should hear just a gentle little "phssht" sound. Pour about an inch of wine into each glass, and then go back and fill them up. This technique prevents them from bubbling over. Cheers! Wines to Bring to a Dinner Party Impressive and interesting wines to bring to dinner that won't break the bank: Albario from Spain Vin Santo from Italy Monbazillac Alsatian Riesling New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise ChOteauneuf-du-Pape Crozes-Hermitage Ribera del Duero Single-quinta port Or consider one of these particular bottles from California: Scharffenberger Brut, Blanc de Blanc, or Brut RosU Domaine Chandon Etoile or Brut Mumm Napa CuvUe Napa Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Calera Pinot Noir Chalone Pinot Noir Bonny Don Vin de GlaciÞre Preston Muscat BrlUBrenner, Leslie is the author of 'Fear of Wine An Introductory Guide to the Grape' with ISBN 9780553374643 and ISBN 0553374648.