Bubbles of a different kind
--  If it is not good enough for my dinner guests, you won't find it here.  --
	Henry of Pelham, Cuvee Catherine Brut Sparkling Wine – Niagara, Ontario Canadian bubbles that never disappoint. I've served this a wine at tastings and pairing dinners where guests swear up and down that it is high quality French Champagne. A dry (brut) sparkling wine that blends Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sipping beautifully on its own or as a complement to a variety of appetizers. Expect vibrant citrus notes with a toasty finish. $29.95 LCBO #217521 89pts www.tylerphilp.com
	Segura, Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad Cava - Spain Easily on par with expensive French bubbles and infinitely better than most labels under $50. For those unfamiliar, Cava is crafted using exactly the same technique as traditional French Champagne; you’re just bypassing the overhyped name. Expect a delicate mousse, with subtle biscuit notes and an enticing infusion of citrus – lovely, and the decorative bottle will make a great hostess gift over the holidays too. $29.95  LCBO #558825 91pts www.tylerphilp.com
	Domaine du Clos de l'Epinay, Tête de Cuvée Brut Vouvray 2007 - Touraine, France One of the best 'method traditional' sparkling wines available in the LCBO; this example is sourced from the Vouvray region in the Loire Valley of France.  Here, the Chenin Blanc grape make unbelievably good still and sparkling wines.  I'd pay $60 for wine of this quality - though this one will only cost you a third of that!  In short supply now - but worth seeking out. $20.95  LCBO #298398 92pts www.tylerphilp.com
	Cattier, Brut Premier Cru - Champagne, France The price of this bubbly keeps going up - likely due to the rave reviews the wine garnishes with each new release.  I'd grab a few bottles to stash away before this gets out of hand.  Expect a dry Champagne with some obvious weight on the palate, rich toasty almond notes, brused apple, citrus tartness, and a hint of clove spice on the finish.  $44.60  LCBO #325720 91pts www.tylerphilp.com
	Gosset, Grande Réserve Brut Champagne - France This is one of those labels that you haven’t heard of.  The most graceful and elegant of all Champagnes, waiting patiently with class and style atop the ziggurat of sparkling wine while others proclaim supremacy from the balcony below. I know this wine like no other; it is absolute by comparison.  In addition to Champagne's big three grapes, Gosset often includes, in smaller quantities, the rarely grown Fromenteau, Pinot Meslier, and Arbanne varieties which set the tone for exotic and less common sensations.  I’ve not seen Gosset’s Grande Réserve on Ontario store shelves for years, resorting instead to out-of-province purchases to satisfy my desire. I encourage you to buy at least one bottle of this great wine, save it for a very special occasion, and serve it with only those who will appreciate such beauty.  $77.95  LCBO #344945 $68.75  SAQ #10839619 $69.99  BC liquor #213983 97pts www.tylerphilp.com
	Conde De Haro Brut Vintage 2010, Metodo Tradicional Cava - Rioja, Spain Metodo Traditional is the term used to indicate that this wine is crafting using the same technique as French Champagne.  In Spain, this authentic style is called Cava.  A clean combination of citrus, roasted almonds and refreshing acidity. $19.95  LCBO #168559 89pts www.tylerphilp.com
	Batasiolo Bosc Dla Rei Moscato d'Asti 2011 - d'Alba, Italy Frizzante is the style of bubbles that define Moscato.  At only 5.5% alc/vol, you can sip this crowd pleaser all afternoon under the sun.  It is not 'Champagne' - in fact, it doesn't ever resemble the same style.  Moscato d'Asti, rather, is fun, significantly less serious - perhaps silly, but always delicious.  Buy it by the case, so you don't run out this summer! $14.95  LCBO #277194 88pts www.tylerphilp.com