Wine Pick of the Week: December 17, 2015

Deaver Vineyards Almond Sparkling Wine NV (California)

Continuing with our toasts to festive bubblies this month, I present Deaver Vineyards Almond Sparkling Wine.  Made from a California sparkling (probably mostly Chardonnay grapes) and natural almond flavoring, the wine is definitely on the sweet side without being syrupy or sugary. When I sold a similar product in Oregon, I nicknamed it “Almond Crack.” Before finishing the first glass, everyone wanted more.

The nose on this is the almond flavor. A friend tasting this bottle with me noted a “tang” but the wine smoothens out to the finish. I picked up a little apple flavor at first, then definitely almond, which dissipates to a more honey finish.  While it’s a sparkling wine, it isn’t as crisp as other styles—i.e. Champagne, Prosecco, cava—and the bubbles don’t last quite as long.

This easy drinker is just fun, perfect for bridal showers and weddings and any festive get together. For the holidays, enjoy it with other yummy treats like nut breads and rolls, sugar cookies, almond cookies, anything vanilla, or start your celebrating earlier in the day as the Deaver Vineyards website suggests, and pair it with a bear claw.