Barefoot Cellars Bubbly Spumante California Moscato

If you have read any of my past rants you probably think it’s a bit hypocritical of me to select a wine for this week’s pick from a huge production house with a goofy name, since I usually speak ill of both. Well, life is full of contradictions.

I was in a festive mood, thinking about both Mardi Gras and my son’s impending graduation, hoping that both would come off without a hitch. At Mardi Gras, people are looking for a cheap buzz (which is not much different from the younger set attending a graduation party) so I wanted something that was better than beer, not too heavy and not fortified. Barefoot Bubbly Moscato Spumante fit the bill. There are six wines in the Barefoot Bubbly line (from Barefoot Cellars) and I have tried them all (for scientific purposes, only). But, I chose the Moscato because this varietal is the hottest white wine in the US! Why? First, it's low in alcohol and has a lightly sweet, fresh flavor with hints of peaches, apricots, pears, orange blossoms and rose petals. Second, sweet wines are selling big, especially to the under-40 crowd, who grew up on sugary drinks. Third, you can’t beat the price. This one was $8 and you can find a fine Italian example for under $20.