Prosecco, Cava, Champagne… But what does it all mean? And more importantly, what should you be sipping on to ring in 2021? 

Mandrea Bike took it upon themselves to explore what style of bubbles they enjoy ahead of the new year in the $25 range at the LCBO. The bottles included a Cava from Spain, a Crémant from France, a Sparkling Wine from Ontario and a Prosecco from Italy. 

• Spain: Pere Ventura Tresor Brut Reserva Cava 2017
• France: Marie-Pierre Manciat Brut Crémant de Bourgogne
• Canada: Reif Sparkling Chardonnay 
• Italy: Nino Franco Rustico Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore

The Results:
The identity of the bottles were masked, and numbered from one to four in sampling glasses so that all the tasters could compare the different bubbles against eachother. In order to have the complete adventure, three types of Canadain oysters were paird with the bubbles from Eat the World TO’s friend at Island Oysters. 

Everything was arranged perfectly (or so we thought) and the tasters decided quickly which were the favourites. Ontario’s Sparkling Chardonnay from Reif Estate, along with France’s Burgundian Crémant shared the top prize, with 80% of tasters ranking them both in first and second spot. The Prosecco however was the preferred bubbly for 20% of the tasters. 

The Cava from Spain was the least favoured of the bunch not because it didn’t go down well, but because it was sweeter than the others.

Full Disclosure:
Andrea pulled the biggest rookie move of 2020 by mistakenly switching out the bottle of Cava for a second, warmer bottle of Reif Sparkling Chardonnay. Interestingly, the warmer bottle was the one that people were adamant about disliking, while the cold bottle was a favourite. If nothing else, the gang learned that temperature means everything! 

In case you were concerned, the Cava was later included and sampled alongside the other bubbles. 

A Bubbly Drinkers Tip:
The most common crémants in the LCBO are made in France’s Burgundy and in Loire Valley regions, but there’s the occasional Alsacian bottle. These sparkling wines tend to be made in the Traditional Method (like Champagne) so often taste similar to champagne but at a fraction of the price. Champagne enthusiasts should look to crémants as an alternative. 

Drink with you soon, 

Mandrea Bike
(Mat & Andrea)