Sometimes, being able to tell the difference is not such a good thing.It was during my brief acting career that I discovered this 'winelover's paradox' - I was holding down a flexible job at a London wine merchant at the time. As I complained to my friends about Prosecco being sold as Champagne in Bollinger flutes at a schmooze-fest industry party, they wanted to know more - albeit partly to use it to chat up other guests.
'Look around you', I said to them. 'It's always the same formula at these things: mostly unknown working actors like us; a large amount of behind the scenes industry people; a tiny percentage of TV actors (known largely just in the Uk) and very occasionally, the odd film star. It's the perfect vinalogy for sparkling wine' I told them. Here's why:
Prosecco is the vinous version of us working, non-famous actors: approachable, affordable, always great value for money and particularly easy to talk to. Find soft, creamy bubbles, lower alcohol and the taste of ripe pears from the newly official Prosecco region in Italy. Try Le Colture for brilliant bubbles.
Cava works for the Industry people- agents, producers and so on: cut from the same cloth as the stars, but more hard nosed and without the price tag (or wow factor) of their 'champagne' clients. Codorniu sets the benchmark for great Cava: chalky Spanish fizz made by the 'Champagne method', but with largely local grapes. (here's good for more info).
Traditional Sparklers (Wines made like champagne, but from elsewhere in the world) are the TV actors: arguably just as good if not better than some champagnes, but not as well known outside their own country. Come here for value. Try the Cremants from France or Champagne styles from New Zealand/N. California. Worldwide fizz, but cooler climates excel!
Champagne, naturally, for the film stars: high profile, unique, expensive and often quite demanding. Think Bollinger, Moet & Laurent Perrier. There is of course a subset within this section where the quality - and price - jumps up several notches. These are the Uber A-listers; try a Nicole Kidman type like the pale & elegant Champagne Salon, or a fine and fuller bodied Hugh Jackman style like Krug...but only if someone else is paying.
I bet Penelope Cruz is on the Salon.
All of these wonderful boozes have a perfect time, place & budget. Paying Champagne prices for Prosecco or Cava however, is just not cool! And don't get me started on pub wine...
BRING OUT THE BUBBLY!
WB x
