The clear bottle adds to the sight sensation of the wine, an often overlooked aspect of enjoying wines. Of course, taste, smell and finish are more important. However, when a wine looks attractive, not only in the bottle but also in the glass, it heightens the anticipation and enjoyment. Rick Casqueiro, winemaker at Domaine Ste. Michelle in Paterson, one of the nation's larger sparkling wine producers, said they made this sparkler from pinot noir grapes, where the grapes are squeezed a bit longer to give the wine more color and fruitier flavors.
Most champagnes are amber or light straw in color.
I like the cranberry color wine occasionally because it fits right in with the holiday season. I think people will find that this particular sparking wine is a most enjoyable choice to toast the new year. Rich, mouth-filling, cherries and cedar wood, with lots of pleasing tannins. Great with pizza. Great with a thick steak.