Sparkling Wine for Mom

• Posted on 11 May 2023
• Posted in chardonnay, france, Italy, pinot noir, Portugal, South Africa
• 0

Mother’s Day is upon us this weekend. Think about it: Without these women, we, as beings, would not exist in the first place. Reflecting on this, we are the ones who have heard her heartbeat from the inside. That thought is just so profound. Life exists because of mother. How do you grasp that?

Celebration of mothers as a holiday has been going on since ancient times. The Ancient Greeks and Roman civilizations held festivals to honor mother goddesses—she as Rhea and Cybele for whom the celebration would include rituals and offerings to express gratitude. Early Christians observed a “Mothering Sunday” which involved going to visit your mother, and going to church and giving her gifts and flowers. It is still today one of the largest-attended Sundays, next to Easter and Christmas. (More than Father’s day!)

In the US, Mother’s Day can be traced back to the efforts of Anna Jarvis. After the death of her mother in 1905, Jarvis campaigned for the establishment of a day to honor mothers and their contributions. Her efforts gained significant momentum, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, to be observed nationally.

Sparkling wine is celebratory. Mother’s Day is a time to appreciate one’s mom for her selflessness, love, generosity, patience, kindness, and understanding of us. When these two ideas—celebrating and thanking Mom—are connected, one could hardly debate that Mother’s Day includes champagne as the ultimate way of pampering her. It enhances the celebratory atmosphere and creates a sense of indulgence. Not to mention, it goes well with brunch food like eggs Benedict, or pastries, or as the basis of Mimosas and Bellinis.

This nation’s 34th First Lady, Mamie Eisenhower, was a devoted mother of two sons, while supporting her husband’s military career and then presidency. She was filled with a sense of duty, frugality, and hospitality that was greatly admired. She understood the importance of planning and attending social events, responding to correspondence, and greeting guests, all while attending to her son’s needs. The model mom of her time.

Of note here about Mamie was her love of all things pink. Her clothing, her accessories, her décor were all pink with splashes of other colors. Women imitate her with her short bangs and pink gowns. Perhaps this is why Mother’s Day cards and roses are pink in May. It was because of Mamie that pink is connected with femininity.

Here is the trifecta: Mother’s Day, sparkling wine, and pink (rosé)! City Vino will be sampling all sparkling wines this weekend. The first is from Portugal, NV Castico Semi-Sparking Rosé that is a pale pink in color with aromas of strawberry, cream soda, raspberries, with citrus undertones. This was built like a prosecco in style, with honeysuckle, lemon-lime, red cherry notes, and crisp acidity. Perfect to pair with chicken salad on croissants. 

Second is NV Gaston Belvigne Brut Rosé, which is Champagne, France.  It is a pretty salmon-pink in color, with aromas of strawberry cream, red cherry, citrus lemon-lime, light rose petal notes, with touches of toast and brioche. Additional flavors of lime zest, youthful strawberry, cranberry, ripe pineapple, vanilla, and earth. Its bright acidity leads the structure, which is complemented by an off-dry level of sweetness and creamy mousse. This very expressive wine pleasantly lingers for a medium length.

Other sparkling roses to check out include NV Gouguenheim Malbec Extra Brut Bubbles Rosé from Mendoza, Argentina, NV Domaine Jean Vesselle Brut Rosé Oeil de Perdrix from Champagne, France, NV Lubanzi Rosé Bubbles from the Coastal Region of South Africa, and NV Massimago "Zurlie" Sparkling Rosé from Verona, Italy.  

Happy Mother’s Day!