Scott Greenberg, wtop.com

I was recently part of a three-person panel of judges at the 32nd San Francisco wine competition. Since there are 16 panels, you never know what your group will be asked to evaluate. Fortunately, our panel was blessed to begin the second day of judging with an assortment of Brut Rose sparkling wines.

After working our way through the first dozen entries, I commented that there were definitely some “keepers” in that flight. I then made the mistake of wondering out loud if there were any really good domestic sparkling wines.

I literally regretted making the comment before the words had left my mouth. Of course, I know that the good ol’ U-S-of-A produces some of the best sparkling wines around, but it was too late and my fellow judges pounced on my faux pas faster than I could retract my statement.

So, I thought with the Fourth of July just around the corner, what better way to make amends for my foolish statement and celebrate the founding of our country than with a few all-American sparklers.

The Non-Vintage Chandon Brut Classic from California is all dressed up for the Fourth of July. Sporting a festive red, white and blue bottle, this sparkler is made in the traditional method, or m