The fireworks and confetti of New Year’s Eve may already seem like a distant memory but there’s an easy way to keep that ebullient feeling all year long – sparkling wine! Whether you opt to pop the cork on Champagne or Cava, Trentodoc or Crémant, make 2020 the year that you promote sparkling wines to a featured character, not just a guest star, in the drama of your life.
My friends know that I love to pop open a bottle of bubbly whenever we get together, not just for special occasions. I enjoy taking my palate on a journey around the world by exploring different sparkling wines and I’m smitten by the ritual of bubbly. It takes a bit of time and attention to unwrap the foil, remove the cage, and pop the cork but sparkling wine rewards your diligence with effervescence that you can see, taste, and feel. It truly makes every moment, even nights with Netflix and takeout, a little more special. With this in mind, I present these seven sensational sparkling wines, one for each day of the week, for your consideration. Cheers!
Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve ($69)
Affectionately known as “Champagne Charlie”, Charles Heidsieck was the dapper and savvy French gentleman that was the catalyst for America’s love affair with Champagne. His legacy lives on in the beautiful wines that bear his name. I actually toasted 2020 with this lovely blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Luscious, crisp, and creamy, a sip of this elegant bubbly will make you say ooh la la!
Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée ($50)
I always smile when I sip Bruno Paillard’s elegant Champagne. Delicate but not wimpy, this crisp and nuanced bubbly shows the magic that happens when smart choices are made at every step of the winemaking process; from the vineyards to disgorgement. A blend of Pinot Noir (45%), Chardonnay (33%) and Pinot Meunier (22%), it is crafted exclusively from the first pressing of the grapes so that the wine is built on a foundation of the purest juice.
Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco Premier Cru ($42)
I recently toasted a friend’s birthday with Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco Premier Cru and everyone gave it a rave review. An assemblage of 7 Grands Crus and 13 Premiers Crus, this blend of Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (40%), and Pinot Meunier (20%) has impressive verve, minerality, and richness. Crisp with a decadent hint of cream and a smidgen of sexy smokiness. Trés chic!
Langlois-Chateau Crémant de Loire Brut ($24)
Champagne isn’t France’s only sparkling wine. In other French regions, traditional method wines are called Crémant. This lovely sip from the Loire Valley is a blend of Chenin Blanc (60%), Chardonnay (20%), and Cabernet Franc (20%) is juicy, round, and crisp with impressive oomph and texture.
Ferrari Brut Trentodoc ($28)
Take your love of bubbly to new heights with Trentodoc. Known as “Sparkling Wine from the Mountains”, the name Trentodoc combines the place of origin (Trento) with the Italian wine classification DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata). I recently visited the region’s most acclaimed producer, Ferrari, and can attest to the wonderful influence that the mountainous terroir has on the wines. The fresh air, warm days, and cool nights provide an optimal environment for the grapes to achieve balance. You can taste it. Made in the traditional method, Ferrari Brut is a fresh, crisp and elegant expression of 100% Chardonnay. Approachable but not one-dimensional, its vibrant fruit flavors are balanced by a hint of crusty fresh-baked bread.
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs ($22)
100% Chardonnay and absolutely fabulous, this traditional method wine from Sonoma is crafted in the same precise and labor-intensive manner as Champagne. Frisky and crisp with lovely flavors of green apple, citrus, biscuity brioche, and a hint of vanilla; it delivers plenty of personality at a great price.
Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia 2015 ($17)
I fell in love with Cava during my time as a student in Spain and me gusta mucho Juvé & Camps! Made in the traditional method, it is an elegant expression of the indigenous grape varieties Xarel-lo (55%), Macabeo (35%), and Parellada (10%). I actually sipped this bottle on Christmas Eve with my family and this charming Cava’s fresh fruit flavors, crispness, and toasty notes won over a very tough crowd, even mom liked it!