French wines are still for the most part the best in the world but their prices (especially with the dollar to euro) make them a poor value. Some of Spain’s wines have much of the same character that France’s do but at a better price. Having said that, outside of California wines, Italian selections take up more space in my cellar than any other region. I love the wines from Friuli-Venezia, which are a nice departure from the more classic Italian offerings.

So, French champagne vs. California sparkling wine vs. prosecco. Champagne is intimidating and most of what comes to the U.S. is very dry brut… probably because of the bull whip theory of supply chain: “hey, we selling dry brut in the U.S., send more!”. Europeans don’t drink bruts all the time, I’m sure that U.S. consumers would take a far different look at champagne if more of the blanc de noirs were imported.

California sparkling wine makers mimicked the French, as they did with wine for so many years, until the end of the 1990′s when they started to develop their own style. Today, California sparkling wines can go toe-to-toe with anything from France, one reason why so many French brands are establishing themselves in California, not to be left out again. Prosecco has always had it’s own style and I happen to like the fruit forward taste and softness of the finish. I’ll keep drinking them, trends notwithstanding.

Paul, next time you are over to the house we will have sample some of my favorites.