My family and I are big red wine drinkers. My parents own a restaurant on Cape Cod (with an incredible wine list) and an appreciation of wine was installed in me from a very young age. As an adult, I try to make them proud. I have a very small (8 bottle) wine fridge in my apartment and keep it stocked at all times. I pride myself on being the wine connoisseur amongst my friends. They almost always defer to me to order the wine at dinner, and I like to think I have pretty good taste. To me, a nice bottle of wine, shared amongst friends, is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
All of that being said, I had never had sparkling red wine until this summer. I was out on a date, actually. My date was excited to see that the restaurant we were at (Bar Primi) carried a few different sparkling reds. I was totally out of my element (but curious) so I ordered a glass as well. I ended up really loving it. All the qualities of red wine that I love… but bubbly and chilled! Cupcake Vineyards’ Sparkling Red has become one of my favorites. It’s light and effervescent, incredibly drinkable, and sweet but not TOO sweet. I’ve served it a few times with girlfriends who have come over and everyone loves it. It’s become a wine fridge mainstay… I have one bottle left and am going to have to run out and get more after the holidays!
My Outfit: LOFT Dress // Ben-Amun x The Stripe Necklace
And a little lesson for you guys as I learned something from working on this post with Cupcake.
You probably are well aware that sparkling wine, prosecco, and champagne are different (although they taste very similar – delicious, bubbly, and perfect for celebrating). Champagne is the easiest one to remember as it is made in the Champagne region of France (I am dying to take a trip – anyone want to go??) Prosecco, on the other hand, is made in Italy. Cupcake Sparkling Red is made with Brachetto and Moscato grapes grown in the hills of the Piemonte Region in Northern Italy. So now you know. The names are really just based upon the region… and the regions impact the flavor of the wine. In this case, Sparkling Red is refreshing, sweet, and bursting with the aromas of black cherry, florals and nutmeg… perfect for any celebration.
PS – I love giving wine as a gift… I scooped up these furry wine bags … aren’t they fun? And had to include a Tyrion pic (below) as he was circling us during the entire shoot…. such a strange cat!
Created in partnership with Cupcake Wines.
©2017 Cupcake Vineyards, Livermore, CA
photography by Lydia Hudgens.
Actually, as a newbie to alcohol, I did not know the difference between sparkling wine, prosecco, and champagne, so thanks for educating me! 🙂
Also, I love the photo frames behind you!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
Oh good! I am so glad you found it helpful!!! (And thanks, re: my gallery wall). Hope you have a great week, Charmaine – thank you for stopping by!!!
I LOVE a great glass of red wine. My boyfriend’s sister’s boyfriend is actually a sommelier so I’ve been getting a ton a knowledge from him! I’ve never heard about sparkling red before, but it definitely sounds like something I’d be interested in having!
Pink Champagne Problems
You are so lucky to have a sommelier in your life!!! My dad is a chef and knows a lot about wine (he does the wine list for my parents’ restaurant) and I try to soak up eery drop of information from him when I am home… there is so much to learn! You should try this… it is really yummy! xo
Oh, his fluffy feet! Cats are so funny. Mine used to come and lay down in the middle of the monopoly board as my best friend and I played on the living room floor.
I don’t think i’ve tried sparkling red. I do like Lambrusco, though it is hard to find a decent one. I think the Italians keep all the good bottles for themselves, and send us the stuff they won’t drink! 😉
I know isn’t he just the cutest thing??? And cats are so funny… when you want to snuggle them they aren’t interested but if you are playing a game, working, etc… then they suddenly want to be front and center. You should give this wine a try, it’s really delicious!! Thank you for commenting… and have a great week! 🙂 xo
Grace,
your dress looks amazing! I love that Loft dress– I actually tried it on in a shirt version 🙂
xxoo
Mary
http://www.BelleOnTrend.com
Thank you so much Mary!! I didn’t know they had a shirt version, I may need to go back for it! The print is so fun – one of my faves. 🙂 xx
I remember when wine spectator did a series about sparkling red wines. The new thing! Having grown up right next to the California wine country and with a father who is a connoisseur and collecting, like yourself it’s in the blood. I thought of course I had to try it. Now this was sparkling burgundy and most were $30 or more. I confess, but it was a big dry red wine and didn’t seem to work cold and sparkling. Since then it seems to have quietly drift away and you never hear anything about it. I didn’t get it. Now what you are talking about sounds delicious. I love all sparkling wine and I don’t save it for special occasions. It goes with everything! I have had good Italian Lambrusco, so I’m excited to try this. And yes I’m in for going to the champagne region in France( or any wine region in France!) I love the furry wine bags and your furry kitty. My Minnie, is always curious and circling around when I have activity in my apartment. Thanks
Generally prosecco is usually a bit sweeter than champagne with more residual sugar. I love to set up a prosecco bar with different flavored syrups for parties. Last year I did pomegranate with floating pomegranate seeds and it was so pretty and festive. It’s also very affordable
That sounds so delicious, Cy! I love the idea of the pomegranate seeds… may need to copy you!
Definitely need to try it! Sounds so good!
It’s one of my favssss – you will love! xo
I loved the Champagne region of France! You have to take the Moet Chandon tour if you go!
xx
Kristen
Oooh thank you for the tip! It is on my (ever so long) list of places I want to travel! xx
Tyrone is a beautiful cat.
Thanks for the great review. Just bought a couple of bottles on a hunch for the Holidays and thought I better take a look at some reviews before the guests arrive. Sounds like my intuition might be right on.
Love your website.
Happy Holidays!
I’m so glad it was helpful! Happy Holidays!