Top local Midwest Champagne to ring in the New Year

If there is one time of year that people think of of Champagne, it’s toasting the New Year. As you make your Bucket List for 2013, don’t forget to put drinking local wine, beer and spirits on your list. Scoot on over to the local section of your local Missouri, Illinois, Indiana or Kentucky liquor store and check out some great wines produced from local grapes. Here are a few of the champagnes that are on our “Must Try in 2013” list:

Illinois Sparkling Company:

Opened in 2011, Illinois Sparkling Co., is based in Peru, Illinois and has made a big splash this year.

According to Midwest Wine Press, “Illinois Sparkling, based in Peru, Illinois, openly proclaims on the label that it’s from Illinois.   But perhaps the boldest move of all is to make not just one, but five different sparkling wines that are winning awards and acceptance in the highly competitive Chicago market.

Among the accolades, Dollface Rose wine won Best of Category at the 2012 Illinois State Fair Wine Competition and a Silver Medal in the 2011 Indy International Wine Competition.  The Stereo sparkling wine won “Best of Show” at the 2011 Cold Climate Wine Competition.”

On our list to try this year is their Dollface Rosé wine. It’s described as “Much like the ladies of the ‘30s and ‘40s, Dollface has some serious depth behind that pretty face. Under the cherry red color and taste of fruit lies an unexpected blend of baker’s chocolate, orange peel and cinnamon.” Also, I love their check list of questions to ask to see if you’ll like this wine: Pencil skirts, surprises and chocolate covered fruit. Yes, Yes and Yes.

To read more about their sparkling wines made from Illinois grapes, check out their website www.illinoissparklingco.com.

Mount Pleasant Winery:

For a sweet sparkling wine from a Missouri winery, look no further than Mount Pleasant Winery’s Ten Bucks. Mount Pleasant describes it as “A bubbly and sweet carbonated wine that is cold fermented to produce the freshest taste. A great sipping wine that pairs well with fruits or cheeses.”

Stone Hill Winery:

Stone Hill Winery, in Hermann, Missouri, offers several sparkling wines: Brut Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, Golden Spumante, Spumant Blush. Their Brut Rosé, won a Gold Medal “Best of Class” in the 2011 Missouri Wine Competition. Their website describes it as “The beautiful deep rosé color makes an instant impression. with its enticing aroma and flavor, this crisp, dry Brut Rosé adds a festive touch to any occasion. A great match with everything from potato chips and popcorn to oysters and shrimp.” We also plan to toast in the New Year tonight with their Spumant Blush, a semi-sweet. Look for the review next week!

St. James Winery:

St. James Winery, the fruit wine guru of the Midwest, offers 3 sparkling wines: Sparkling Chambourcin (personal fave & currently out of stock), Sparkling Muscato and Sparkling Blush. Muscato is a sweet wine and is often a favorite to those new to wines. St. James Winery also offers a great selection of fruity non-alcoholic sparkling wines, for all of your designated drivers. Check out their complete list here.