New Sparkling Wines

Du Vin Wine's Stacie Hunt decants the latest fizzy, sparkling wines.

Du Vin Wine & Spirits

540 N San Vicente Blvd (near Melrose)

West Hollywood, CA 90048

310-855-1161

FRANCE

Sparkling Vouvray: The grape variety is Chenin Blanc, from the Loire Valley. This is a fruity, but dry finishing sparkling wine. Excellent with raw seafood and creamy sauces. $15-23.00

ITALY

Bella Vista: This is what graced the golden throat of Pavarotti. The ONLY Wine he drank. Made in the Franciacorta (Veneto) area of Italy in the manner of Method Champenoise, this is an elegant sparkling wine of Chardonnay and other local grape varieties. $36.99

SPAIN

Cava: Here the sparkling wine, produced mainly from local grape varieties, is called cava. They do taste different from Champagne and California bubblies, with a more pronounced earthy flavor. No wonder the world's best selling sparkling wine (Freixenet Cordon Negro) is a cava! They are the sparkling wine world's best values, with most brands selling for around. $8.00

AUSTRALIA

Sparkling Shiraz: This is a wine produced only in Australia and is only for those with the muscle to handle it! It’s bone dry, sparkles plenty and can actually handle a meal of grilled anything! One of the best is Majella, from Coonawaara. $29.99

Music break: Caravane by Pierre Adenot