Don’t Forget the Bubbly

The folks at Austin?s Twin Liquors recommend these sparklers this holiday season: Prosecco Borgo Sanleo (Italy), Perrier Jouet Fleur (France), Taittinger NV (France), Piper Sonoma Brut (California) and Segura Viudas Cava (Spain). www.twinliquors.com

Antinori’s Castello Della Sala 2005 Chardonnay

On a whim, we picked up a bottle of Antinori’s Castello Della Sala 2005 Chardonnay from Umbria. On the nose it was light and we noted fruit and a touch of butter. A taste revealed a hint of licorice and fruit, but no oak. A bright, sunny yellow, this wine seemed nicely balanced in terms of acid and refreshingly light on the oak.

Texas Wine Llano 2006 Sauvignon Blanc

Pale yellow in color with white fruit, pears and peaches and some grassiness on the nose, Llano’s Sauvignon Blanc was fruity, but dry and crisp. It paired swimmingly with a meal of grilled mahi-mahi topped with tropical fruit salsa and roasted asparagus. www.llanowine.com