I admit it: When it comes to sparkling wine, I’m a traditionalist. I prefer the type of bubbly featured in the Entertainer’s Fantasy Sparkling Collection — a Blanc de Blancs from France… a Rosé from Italy… a Brut from Spain.
That said, I must acknowledge another type of “bubbly” that I’ve seen being served lately.
Its maker describes it as an “aromatized wine-based cocktail.”
Reminiscent of sparkling wine but not so by legal definition, it also is described as “a velvety, seductive and sweet bubbly drink.”
But what makes this “not really a wine” drink especially unusual is its color: blue.
And whether you view it in its Prosecco-style bottle or in a wine glass, it is a sight to behold.
It is called Blumond, it’s made in Italy, and it’s sealed with a traditional Champagne cork — so, when you open it, the “pop” sends a message to your brain that something special is about to happen.
I’ve seen it described as “a perfect girls’ night out beverage,” but that sounds a bit sexist to me. If it tastes good, all of us should be able to enjoy it, right?
And it apparently does taste good — “deliciously fruity,” according to its maker, not to mention “sweet, refreshing and light” because its alcohol level is only about 7 percent.
While Blumond functions nicely as an aperitif, I think it would be fun to try to put together an “all blue” meal. Here’s one possibility:
- Appetizer — A plate of assorted blue cheeses.
- Main Course — Spicy Bluefin tuna and mango skewers, served with olive oil, roasted eggplant (which I admit is more purple than blue) and lemon.
- Dessert — A blueberry tart with a ginger crust, topped with a scoop of blueberry gelato.
Given the sparkling nature of Blumond, it should pair nicely with all three courses.
But it really is more of a sipping beverage — again, not a wine by legal definition — so I’ll probably be sticking with my Blanc de Blancs, Rosé and Brut sparklers.
Old habits die hard, especially when they are delicious habits.
