The tree is trimmed, the house decorated, the great outdoors winterized and ready for freezing temps and that means just one thing is upon us…Sparkling Wine season baby! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the champagne corks are popping, the bubbles are flowing and all of this brings me good cheer.

My song may need a little help but you get the picture. Now if you’ve read my blog, you know I don’t need a special occasion to pop some corks. I actually enjoy sparkling twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday. Trust me, it makes the week so much better.

I recently made a trip to my wine box, it has been awhile. I was expecting nothing but a renewal notice and was contemplating whether to renew for another year. I opened the box and saw the red laminated slip which meant, I have a package. And since I only use this box for wine, I knew it was a wine sample.

I handed over my slip, got my packaged and squealed with delight when I saw who it was from, Toad Hollow Vineyards. The winery is one of my favorites, not only because I love their wines but also the story of two friends.

My next squeal came when I got home and opened the package and saw a bottle of Risqué. I knew exactly when I was going to enjoy this little bundle, while sitting in front of the fire watching Charlie Brown Christmas.

Vibrant green apple and honey aromas. Green apple and pear intermingle with sweetness. While it’s sweet, the balance is so refreshing it’s not too overpowering.

Varietal – 100% Mauzac
Alcohol – 6%
TA – 7.6 g/100mL
pH – 2.83
RS 7.9%
SRP – $15.99

Todd, Dr. Toad, Williams learned wine through a string of jobs, including the 17 saloons and taverns he worked in before starting his own winery. His goal was to strip away the mystique and snobbery equated with wine and make it interesting and inclusive. In 1993 Todd partnered with Rodney Strong to start his own winery. The legend of Toad Hollow revolves around Dr. Toad and The Dancing Badger, two friends who decided to retire to the peace and tranquility of the hollow. While viewing the vineyards one day, the two began reminiscing about the good times and good people they had known over the years. They thought a way to repay would be to make great tasting wines in an affordable manner to be shared by all.

The late Todd Williams is the brother of the late Robin Williams, both men lost too soon. I have to hope they are together somewhere on some spiritual plane this holiday season. And if they are, I hope they have lots of wonderful wine.