It's a sweet sparkler with a funny name

Looking for a sparkling wine to kick-off your Valentine’s celebration without weighing down the menu? Consider popping the cork on Zibibbo, a sweet moscato from South Australia.

It is the perfect opening act with only 8 percent alcohol and a modest price tag of $11.99.

This lovely, effervescent sweet wine is made from muscat of Australia, (also known as Zibibbo) a member of the muscat family. This is an ancient wine that some wine experts believe is one of the oldest genetically unmodified vines in existence. It's imported by Trinchero Family Estates in St. Helena.

Grapes are harvested in March when the sugar and acid balance are fresh and sweet. Once clarified, the juice ferments slowly at low temperatures to retain all of the alluring aromatics of ripe berry fruit.

The pale pink hue from a dash of shiraz during fermentation adds a light blush and complexity. The flavors are fresh and fruity with bright strawberry notes that compliment the ripe berry nuances.

Pink Zibibbo will add a splash of glamour your eggs Benedict brunch selection, an elegant lunch of savory crab cakes or cozy night by the fireplace. Pour this chilled sparkler in a champagne flute along with toasted pecans and a wedge of soft goat cheese.

Some dark chocolate will add some decadence.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscat_of_Alexandria

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, Global Wines Examiner

Julia, a graduate of The University of Texas Journalism School, began her career with the Associated Press in Dallas. In the following years she wrote for business publications, daily newspapers before concentrating on agriculture and wine writing. ...

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