Dear Friends,
Christmas is a time of tradition, instilled in me by my parents, both with European heritage. I love to honor Christmases of the past with heirloom decorations and celebrate the present with plenty of lively festivities. It's when I break out the bubbles with abandon, inviting those near and dear to join in many a toast to the good fortune we've enjoyed during the year.
In 2023 that includes a stellar harvest season, where the fruit we picked for Paula Kornell bubbles were practically served on a silver platter, a perfect vintage. I can't wait for the great bottles of bubbles to come.
Speaking of silver platters, the holiday season isn't complete without a healthy helping of caviar, one of the absolute best indulgences to pair with bubbles! My go-to is always Polanco Caviar from Uruguay, the only caviar producer in the Southern Hemisphere, which originates from a sturgeon farm in the waters of Rio Negro. Harvested during the austral winter, the caviar reaches its peak of ripeness and fullness of flavor just as we begin our winter here in the Northern Hemisphere. Talk about good timing!
Like sparkling wine, caviar goes back centuries, to the Persians, Carthaginians, Greeks and Romans, who all philosophized about the salt-cured roe of female sturgeon in their writings. Some think the word caviar either comes from the Italian caviale or Turkish word khavyar. But, at least in modern times, it was the Russians who truly developed the art of caviar and made it a cultural icon and symbol of luxury.
My friend Juan Diego Casaretto, co-owner of Polanco Caviar (referred to by Barron's as the "Caviar King"), always tells people his favorite caviar pairing is bubbles, and that Paula Kornell Sparkling is the best one in the United States. I'm humbled and honored by his words and feel the same way about his caviar.
I'm similarly delighted to see the Paula Kornell Napa Valley Blanc de Noirs recognized in Food & Wine's story, "Love Champagne? Try These 25 Bottles of American Sparkling Wine," where it was called, "a delicious example of Blanc de Noirs ... the interplay of red berry and stone fruit is beautifully considered."
Indeed, I'm grateful for all the recognition our wines have received over the year, providing me with plenty to celebrate. I hope you make this holiday season one to remember with whatever you love to pair best with Paula Kornell bubbles, at gatherings big and small, knowing how much I always appreciate your support.
Happy Holidays
With sparkles,
Paula
Fall Sparkling Duo
The Paula Kornell Sparkling California Brut made its debut in 2017 and soon earned the #5 spot in Wine Enthusiast's Top Wines of 2020. Made predominantly from Chardonnay with a percentage of Pinot Noir, the grapes that go into the wine are certified sustainable.
Pair it with my Napa Valley Blanc de Noirs from Mitsuko's Vineyard, a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, awarded 90 points recently from wine critic Lisa Perrotti-Brown in The Wine Independent, who said, "the palate has impressive vivacity with fine, frothy bubbles."
to learn more and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @paulakornellsparkling.