Sparkling wine is much more than a "special occasion" wine and pairs beautifully with many everyday food choices. It's great with a pizza or salad or hard-to-match cuisines like Thai, Japanese and Chinese.

Here are a few basics to keep in mind:

• The hotter or spicier the food, the sweeter the sparkling wine should be. (Extra Dry and Frizzante)
• The sweeter the desserts, the drier the sparkling wine should be. (Blanc de Blancs)
• Richer more complex flavors work well with medium sparkling wines. (Cuvée Brut and Blanc de Noirs)
  

Blanc de Blancs:  Cream-based dishes, Shrimp, Brie, Cheese Cake

Cuvee Brut:  Spiced French Fries, Roasted Garlic, Crab, Calamari, Prosciutto

Blanc de Noirs:  Chocolate Raspberry Cake, Strawberries & Cream, Fruit Tortes, Shortbreads

Extra Dry:  Pan Asian Cuisine, Sushi and Wasabi, Mexican Food, Smoked Salmon

Frizzante: Spicy Asian and Southwest Cuisine, Sushi and Wasabi, Egg Dishes and Desserts