Most of us aren't heading for the glitzy Oscars parties in Hollywood, but it's still fun to celebrate the movie industry's big night at home.

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7 Months Ago

7 Months Ago

To toast the winners (and yourself when you pick them) on Sunday, pour a flute or two of Casteller Cava, Metodo Tradicional. This Spanish sparkler offers sophisticated flavor for a bargain price, about $13 at wine shops.

Casteller's vineyards, in the Penedés region in northeastern Spain, produce the grapes, a combination of macabeo, xarello and parellada, used for this sparkler. The wine is made using the traditional methode champenoise and aged on the lees for 12 months.

The result is a silvery wine with abundant, lively bubbles and lovely aromas of lemon and toast.

It's a delectable mouthful, with lots of citrus balancing fruit flavors like pear and apricot, a touch of cream and a hint of almonds. The lemon and lime notes keep it crisp, and there's a cool mineral tone on the finish.

Casteller Cava is a perfect aperitif, light but intriguing enough to stand on its own. But, if you're throwing an Oscars party, it's also a natural with tapas, especially such classics as garlicky shrimp. Or try one of my favorite pairings for sparkling wine: warm homemade potato chips.

Colette Bancroft, Times book editor

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