2 White Sparkles: Australia, Italy

YELLOWGLEN 'YELLOW', Australia, 11.2% D, #592980 $11.95

Vintages says: "Yellowglen is all about bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles. The non-vintage 'Yellow' was first launched in 1996 with much success. More than just a fun fizz, this zesty and fruity sparkler is quite refined and appropriate for momentous occasions as well as casual fêtes." The Website says: "Yellow is a vibrant, rich, fruity style of sparkling with lifted melon, pineapple and citrus flavours and a wonderfully refreshing crisp, dry finish." George Stimmell comments: "a real steal... with toasty, lemony, apple spice flavours - an 89." My notes: One of 'Yellow, Pink and Red' from Yellowglen the colour is very pale blond with a soft yeasty citrus nose. Lots of fine but not moussy bubbles that sparkle on the palate. Flavour is a light lemony honeydew, extra dry without the bite of a 'brut'. The finish accumulates pleasantly on the tongue and is still spritzy after several minutes. Have on any social occasion or liberally in the summer with strong/mild cheeses, smoked oysters, salty nibbles or between seafood courses. A 'drink now' value. Vintages release June 25, 2005.

PETALO IL VINO DELL'AMORE MOSCATO BOTTEGA, Veneto, Italy, 6.5% SC9, #588780 $12.20

The LCBO says: "Pale straw colour; fresh and fragrant floral aromas with notes of orange and honey; sweet, delicate and well balanced with refreshing bubbles and a pleasant finish. Serve with biscotti, white chocolate or fruit desserts." The website says: "This wine is a Moscato Spumante made with juicy grapes grown in the Euganean Hills area in the district of Padua. A thriving rose-growing area, when the roses are flowering bees carry their subtle perfume to the nearby vineyards. A characteristic of the wine is then the unmistakable hint of roses, evoking images of the petals that are depicted on the label. Cellar up to five years." My notes: Pale yellow, fine bubbles and a soft nose. I believe the 'roses' part but can't detect them, just a subtle floral aspect. The sweetness is covered by the moussy texture of yummy apple and pear. A great celibratory toast, even the bottle looks festive. Great with belgium chocolate or, for dessert, pour over frozen melon balls (LCBO recipe). The finish is long and yummy. This is a General listing.