Mo Bubbles Mo Troubles

Welcome to After Wine School

Welcome to After Wine School, the podcast that demystifies wine and makes it approachable for everyone. Hosted by Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe, two of the nation’s top wine educators, this podcast is your go-to guide for everything wine. From selecting the perfect bottle to mastering food and wine pairings, we’re here to bring you wine wisdom without the pretension.

This isn’t about stuffy lectures or confusing jargon. It’s about enjoying wine the way it’s meant to be: with good company, good food, and plenty of laughter. So grab a glass, hit subscribe, and let’s dive in. Cheers!

Episode Recap: Bubbles and Trouble

In today’s episode, we’re popping bottles and talking bubbles—from Champagne to Cava—with a few detours into personal stories and a healthy dose of banter. Here are the highlights:

What’s on the Menu?

We’re tasting two sparkling wines today:

1. Charles Elnor Carte Blanche Brut – A classic Champagne with notes of tangerine, wild strawberry, and almond. Elegant, complex, and worth every penny.
2. Wamsara Cristolano Cava – A wallet-friendly option with bright acidity, crisp bubbles, and flavors of lemongrass and stone fruit. Perfect for casual gatherings and celebrations.

Bubbles Beyond Celebrations

While sparkling wine is often associated with New Year’s Eve or fancy events, Keith and Alana argue that bubbles deserve a spot at the dinner table. Think smoked pork chops paired with a crisp Champagne or a simple bowl of salty Utz potato chips with a glass of your favorite sparkler. It’s all about finding joy in unexpected pairings.

Champagne vs. Cava

Here’s what sets them apart:

• Cava is Spain’s answer to sparkling wine, offering incredible quality at an affordable price. It’s aged extensively, giving it rich autolytic notes like marzipan and buttery nuances.
• Champagne is the gold standard, and for good reason. With its meticulous production methods and complex flavor profiles, Champagne delivers unparalleled depth and elegance. But beware of budget Champagnes—they often lack the finesse of their pricier counterparts.

Fun Fact: Aging Bubbles

Unlike still wines, most sparkling wines are best enjoyed soon after purchase. Extended aging can diminish their signature bubbles and introduce funky, unpleasant flavors. For a special occasion, opt for a well-aged bottle released directly from the winery rather than attempting to cellar one yourself.

Tips for Buying Bubbles

1. Timing is Everything: Stock up on sparkling wines between Thanksgiving and New Year’s for the best selection and prices.
2. Know Your Labels: Look for grower-producers (“RM” on the label) for artisanal Champagne made by the same people who grow the grapes.
3. Skip the Cheap Stuff: If your budget is tight, opt for quality Cava or Cremant rather than inexpensive Champagne. Your taste buds will thank you.

Saber Safety (or Skip It)

Sabering Champagne might look cool, but Keith warns against it. Not only is there a risk of glass shards contaminating your wine, but it also goes against every rule of food and drink safety. Save the drama for a sword fight in a movie and enjoy your bubbles the old-fashioned way: with a proper cork pop.

Why Bubbles Matter

Bubbles aren’t just festive—they’re packed with flavor. The carbonation carries complex aromas and textures, elevating every sip. Whether you’re savoring a high-end Champagne or a budget-friendly Cava, sparkling wine brings energy and excitement to the table.

Thank You for Joining Us

Thanks for spending time with us on After Wine School. If you enjoyed today’s episode, hit subscribe so you never miss out on more wine wisdom, tips, and laughs. Until next time, raise your glass, savor the moment, and cheers to you!