A Toast to 007

Guess this should have gone up before the likker stores closed, but here's to a sparkling New Year.

Fave Canadian bubblies:
Trius Non Vintage. Usually $24.95, excellent and consistent Canadian sparkling wine from the Hillebrand/Peller conglomerate. If you're ever in Niagara-On-The-Lake, make sure you get a tour of their Brut cellar.

Henry of Phlegm Catherine Rosé Brut. The prettiest goddamn wine in Canada. $30. Excellent breakfast selection, too.

Cipes from Summerhill in British Columbia. Particularly for the new agey among us who like their bubbly aged in a pyramid... Tried one of their premium sparklies with icewine dosage a few years ago. Normally Sheena prefers brut, but a nice treat.

The Real Stuff:
Piper Heidsieck Red Label is my pick if splurging is in the cards. Remember the good old days when it flowed freely in the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. That was before bankruptcy and the Canadian takeover....

Veuve Clicquot. A favourite among litigators, but surely not Quebec retailers... Always the first thing tasted whenever Sheena visits the Ottawa Food and Wine Show. And a thoughtful thank you gift after a tough week at the office.

The Yanks:
Anything from Domaine Chandon in Napa. Brings back lovely memories of a kick-ass patio lunch at the winery a couple of years ago with good friends. Oysters with champagne sorbet... washed down by a Reserve Brut. Can't go wrong.

Schramsberg. Hard to find in Canada. One of the oldest bubbly producers in Napa region. Wines aged in creepy 19th century caves blasted into the side of the mountain. Must tour if in the area.

Gruet especially the Rosé. Even though the tasting room guy was an asshole, really liked the good value bubblies at this New Mexico (who woulda thunk it) winery.

And what will Sheena be sipping when the clock strikes 12? Likely the Segura Viudas, one of the top end Spanish Cavas. A lovely looking bottle, and a damn nice Christmas gift.