Food and drink connoisseur and celebrated chef Sam Cover shares his favorite choices for New Year’s Eve bubbly.
Pacific Northwest native and Spokane County resident Sam Cover, an award-winning restaurateur and chef, recently announced as the chosen spokesperson for local produce suppliers at an upcoming food and wine festival, shares his favorite Champagnes in time for the holiday season.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a huge fan of Pol Roger Brut Champagne,” reveals Cover, starting with what he says is, arguably, his number one choice of bubbly for all occasions. “With just the right amount of minerality to keep it feeling crisp, Pol Roger Brut Champagne is arguably a fruit-forward choice and boasts notes of citrus and berries,” adds the award-winning chef.
Cover’s second choice is a rather more expensive Champagne from Krug. “Krug Grande Cuvee Brut is usually at least twice the price of my first pick, Pol Roger, but with a rounder flavor profile, it’s a blend which some will prefer, completely aside from the price tag,” suggests the food and drink connoisseur. Again, rich in citrus, but this time with more stone fruit flavors, there’s also a hint of spice and a subtle note of chocolate, according to the expert.
Another of Sam Cover’s favorites, the celebrated chef next turns to Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label. “Less expensive than both Pol Roger Brut Champagne and, of course, Krug Grande Cuvee Brut, Veuve Clicquot is among the most iconic of Champagnes, not least because of its striking yellow label,” he explains. Well-balanced and what Cover calls ‘pinot noir-forward,’ it’s an ideal tipple for New Year celebrations, claims the chef.
Moet & Chandon Imperial and, in particular, Bollinger Special Cuvee are, too, both worthy of an honorable mention, says Cover. “Both boasting subtle toasty, almost baked bread-like notes, Bollinger and Moet & Chandon are both instantly recognizable,” he suggests, “so ideal for a New Year’s Eve party.”
The same toasty, baked bread notes also make this duo of famous Champagnes an ideal choice for Thanksgiving and Christmas, pairing perfectly with a delicious turkey dinner, according to the specialist.
From Pol Roger to Veuve Clicquot, any of these Champagne choices, Cover says, will likely be well received by anyone lucky enough to be invited to enjoy a taste this holiday season. “For me, however,” he adds, wrapping up, “Pol Roger remains my number one pick, and will be my Champagne of choice this New Year’s Eve.”
