Norwegians are gearing up for Constitution Day. Many are graduating from school this spring. Perhaps some of you are getting ready for a birthday or an anniversary? And what better way than to celebrate with some good wine!

Champagne
I personally celebrate with Champagne. There’s something about bubbles that puts me in a festive mood. And I have a few “regulars” that I go back for. Bereche Brut Reserve 495,00kr is one of them. A very fresh and crisp wine, with subtle bubbles, just the way I like it. Agrapart Terroirs Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 568,10kr is another great wine. It’s a little more expensive, but worth it if you want to celebrate a little extra!
Pierre Peters Brut 399,90kr still has to be the Champagne with the best QPR. Even with the small increase in price, it’s still under 400kr and one of my go-to when drinking bubbly. But if I really want to celebrate, I sometimes get Philipponnat Royale Réserve Brut 559,90kr. After meeting Charles Philipponnat at a winemakers dinner many years ago it has been my favorite!

White Wine
Not a fan of bubbles? Not even Champagne? Don’t worry! There are many other wines in the world. White wine is a good alternative. Vietti Roero Arneis 249,90kr is perfect for summer. Goes well with seafood, salads and light dishes. And while we are in Piemonte, maybe try the Diego Morra Chardonnay 198,00kr. Although a Chardonnay from Piemonte is typically more mineral than a Chardonnay from Burgundy, it’s still juicy and fresh. But if Burgundy is more to your liking, try the Matrot Bourgogne Chardonnay 250,00kr.
Red Wine
After drinking some Champagne and white wine, red wine often becomes an obvious choice. Need something light that doesn’t necessarily require food? Dolcetto is the grape for this scenario. Just saw that Cascina Fontana Dolcetto 260,00kr arrived in Norway, and I had to run out and get a bottle. Luigi Pira Dolcetto 205,90kr is a good, slightly cheaper option. And I know we are all excited to see the Dolcetto from Trediberri!
Speaking of Trediberri, his Barbera at only 189,90kr is still the best buy in Norway at the moment. There are plenty other great Barbera’s, and one of them is the Altare Barbera 315,00kr. Prices recently went up in Norway, and unfortunately this wine is no longer under 300kr. I blame Covid-19…
Anyways, on to brighther topics. Ghiomo just made it’s debut in Norway and the Ghiomo Vigna Grand Langhe Nebbiolo 249,60kr would go great with some barbequed meat! Lastly, the personal favorite: “Pylsa & Barolo”. Maybe not the most obvious wine pairing, but interestingly enough, hot dogs and Barolo pair very well. Try the Marengo Barolo 399,90kr or Guido Porro Barolo Santa Caterina 2011 437,00kr.