Dave McIntyre's WineLine

Holiday Bubbles!

Even in economically depressed times, sometimes nothing less than Champagne will do!

For some people of course, especially in down times, nothing less will do!

After all, it was John Maynard Keynes, the noted economist whose theories got us out of the (original) Great Depression, who said on his death bed, "My only regret is that I did not drink more Champagne." Or something like that.

If Champagne offers the only bubbles to lift your spirits, then my December 17 column in The Washington Post is for you - I offer tips for finding extra bang for your buck.

But if you're more budget-minded this holiday season - despair not. My December 10 column mines values in Prosecco, Cremant and California.

Cheers, and Happy, Bubbly Holidays!

Some Bargain Fizz for the Not-So-Jolly Holidays

Holidays can be less than jolly in tough times. But before we all endulge our inner Scrooge, we should remember that Tiny Tim's impoverished family, the Cratchits, celebrated even in the leanest of times. So even though we may not want to splurge on expensive Champagne this holiday season, there is still plenty of good, relatively cheap fizz available for our holiday toasts. God bless them, everyone!

You can read my recommendations in this week's Washington Post Food section, or on my Web site, dmwineline.com.

Cheers!

A Charming Crémant d'Alsace - and a Bargain, Too ...

This month, Americans will sip more fizz than they have all year. That's a shame, actually, considering how delicious and food friendly sparkling wine can be at any time. But 'tis the season for celebration, and as we flit from holiday party to office reception to family gathering, we will raise our glasses and down some bubbly - and then proceed to the serious matter of dinner.

Oh well. At least we can down some good bubbly. And here's one that I flipped for over Thanksgiving - the Willm Cuvée Leon IX Crémant d'Alsace. At $15 a bottle, it's a downright steal.

I'm not normally one to be overimpressed with the bottle itself or the label artwork, but this was one of the most elegant and beautiful packages I've ever seen. And the wine lived up to it - floral peach flavors, delicate and aromatic, yielding to an incredible 13-second finish. This does not try to be Champagne - it doesn't go for the heft and power. But it has complexity and tremendous finesse. At this price, I almost prefer it to Champagne.

Imported by Monsieur Touton Selection Ltd., New York, N.Y.