Label of the Month: LotM – December

Well, I’m not one to have favorites, but hand-over-fist the best value sparkling wine is none other than Domaine Ste. Michelle. Maybe it’s easy for me to remember since there’s not a million kinds of sparkling wines out there (yet), or perhaps the cheap sparklers are really that bad (which is infinitely true) or maybe its my bias toward Washington wines applied to the sparkler category. But, every year I can’t wait for the Fred Meyer December Domaine Ste. Michelle sparkling wine sale (that conveniently lasts through New Years).

So, here I am to 1) officially declare December National Sparkling Wine Month and 2) declare the Domaine Ste. Michelle label the Label of the Month for December.

It’s actually a boring label and a simple design screaming “generic.” But, I suppose all of the packaging attributes convey exactly the price. However, its taste and quality are quite simply a perfect holiday value for $8.99 on sale from $13.99 (up $1 from last year). No sickly sweet syrups and no belchy, burpy bubbles, this sparkler is smooth and refined enough to bust out the $10 bill. Available in five versions indicating the amount of residual sugar or type of grape, I prefer the Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra Dry. However, sweeter tastes would enjoy the Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut.

Brut

Extra Dry

The Blanc de Blancs is fantastic but not often on the Fred Meyer shelves, and I’m not sure I’ve tried the Blanc de Noirs, although I know I would love it!

Blanc de Blanc

Blanc de Noirs

And if anyone needs an idea for a Festivus present for me they can get me the 2002 or 2003 Domaine Ste. Michelle Luxe. The price fetcher of the lot available online at $22.99.

2002 Luxe

2003 Luxe

So perhaps this is the place to begin my plug for my personal Champagne dreams. The sparkling wine industry has LONG since been a market that hasn’t grown in years. This is SUCH a tragedy when you think about how amazing Champagne is among the alcoholic beverages. Have no fear my fellow wine appreciators, I have big ideas in mind.

Au revoir! on LotM posts until the New Year! Cheers!

Maybe I need a new pair of sunglasses for Festivus instead.