Wine of the week | Bubbly wine makes meals sparkle

By LAIN BRADFORD - Special to The State

2007 Barefoot Bubbly Pinot Grigio Sparkling Wine, California, $12

This winery has been making exceptional wines for less than $10 for as long as I can remember, and this new addition keeps the tradition alive.

This wine will be released in May. If you enjoy the softer, fruit-forward flavors of Pinot Grigio and like a glass of sparkling wine, then this is a match made for you.

Aromas of honeysuckle and peaches fill the flute along with great bubbles. Layered flavors of lemon, yellow apple and peach flow across the taste buds. Subtle hints of ripe citrus and cream round out the tasting experience. This is a great alternative to dry sparkling wine.

We enjoyed our bottle with a shrimp-topped salad and strawberry vinaigrette dressing.

Instead of using red-wine vinegar, we tried rice-wine vinegar and lemon juice, allowing the fruit to shine in each sip.

Another great menu idea would be quiche with almost any stuffing you desire.

Many people think sparkling wine or champagne is only for special occasions. But next time you have seafood or a lighter entree for dinner, try it with a sparkling wine. The effervescence keeps the palate fresh.

This winery, started in 1965 by Davis Bynum, concentrated on making quality wine at affordable prices. One of its earliest wines, simply called a Burgundy, was sold in 1.5-gallon containers at the winery’s tasting room.

In 1985, Bynum’s son and a friend decided to bring back the winery. It now is the sixth-largest in the United States.

Bradford tries to review only wines available in South Carolina. If you have trouble finding one, e-mail lain@winetalk.org.